From time to time, I've been commissioning artists because I like seeing art of my characters. I need the motivation to keep going with my work and game development. And seeing cute pictures of them are nice! It helps a lot for my motivation and I would go to DA every other 3 days or so to see if I have any notes or updates about my commission.

I just thought of writing this down as a commissioner and I think what other artists should think.

When I commission an artist, I don't really give them a definite deadline (unless it's like, a congratulatory image or something like that and I want to use their art). I'm a pretty patient person unless it's related to strict deadlines or development that can hinder my progress. And from time to time, if I see that I haven't been given any updates at all, I gently remind my commissioners about progress or if they have forgotten about me. Being an artist is hard work, I understand what artists go through.

However, I think when the artist really need to ask for more money because my commission is taking longer or harder than anticipated, then by all means, please don't hesitate to ask for more. I've always been waiting. A month is quite long. Half a year is already pushing it. A year is just haha. I still waited and haven't screamed bloody murder, the last thing I wanted is waiting for that long and then turns out my commission has to be dropped or refunded because the artist felt bad or unmotivated since the pay isn't enough or other factors.

Sure it'd take a while to get the money to pay for the extra charge for the commission and taking into consideration for paying for other debts. But making a commissioner wait and asked money for upfront, waiting for us commissioner to get funds has to be understood.

It's a sign of respect to a patient commissioner to be told about this earlier on and not crushing our hopes. I think a polite and respectful communication is a good thing. I'm an artist too, I understand how hard art is and how demotivating and demanding it can be!

Anyway, just my two cents.