Changing Commission Type

[miryhis.livejournal.com]

Hello,

I commissioned an artist months ago for a design commission. At first they were quick to respond to my e mails with WIPs, but now they don't seem to remain in contact. I had to e mail them for status updates every few weeks (they had to go somewhere for a few days, but I didn't know). And it's still been several weeks since any contact. This leads me to believe that they don't want to work on the commission anymore. I understand what it's like to lose interest in a subject, the issue is that I already paid them months ago and haven't gotten a solid product. I wouldn't mind it taking this long, but they haven't sent an update at all.

I have no intentions on getting a full refund, because they already sent me WIPs. My question would be if it is alright to ask to change my commission to something else? The difference of the refund would just go towards another type of commission?
I think the ref might be too daunting, and maybe a sketch would be better for the both of us.

Thank you for your time!

Comments

[syrusb.livejournal.com]

I don't see why asking wouldn't hurt. The worst they could say is 'no, I don't want to do that.' Then maybe you can work on a plan or timeline to get your piece finished by.

[miryhis.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll do just that!

[shukivengeance.livejournal.com]

If you change your commission to something else when the piece has already been started, that can lead to even more delays.

Instead of making assumptions, these are things that you should try to bring up with the artist. Their slow progress may be due to any number of factors.

The lack of contact may make it difficult but before asking about changing the commission it wouldn't hurt to inquire if they are feeling unmotivated to finish the piece and if so, bring up the possibility of changing it to something else. Having them start from scratch on something new though may not result in you getting the work any faster, unless your change is to perhaps make the piece a more simplified version of what you first asked for.

[miryhis.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your input! The commission hasn't gotten passed the sketch stage, but I do like your idea of asking if they even want to continue. It's just that I keep getting nervous because of the lack of contact.