I try to choose my artists wisely when I want a commission, but somehow I haven't found a fool-proof method for predicting whether or not an artist will maintain proper communication. This is my only real pet peeve with artists. Take your time, take much more time than you said you would, put off everything, but good lord, TELL me you're going to do this. Don't make me learn through a journal or second-hand knowledge, especially if you're posting other commissions and not mine. If you owe me something and I note you about it, note me back. Don't read the note, ignore it, and hope I don't realize that I can see that you ignored me via my outbox on FA. Don't tell me you're going to finish soon, mail something soon, get everything done soon, and then don't. If you have a problem, TELL ME. I won't care, I promise. XD People seem to think it's better to not tell a commissioner about issues and slowdowns and hope they'll cope with no knowledge, than to tell them "Hey, it's going to be a little while, but I am working as hard and as fast as I can, thank you for your patience." Whyyyyy? Seriously, nobody likes this, but artists do it all the time. If you don't have the money to refund me but can't do my art, tell me. Don't lie to me, ignore me, or treat me like I don't matter because I won't legally pursue you over $15 I sent you a year ago. I will remember, and I will tell anyone who will listen not to give you business, and soon that $15 will cost you $500 in lost commissions. Don't do it. D8< Word of mouth is powerful, much more powerful than artists seem to realize. You're running a business, try to pretend to be mature enough to keep it going.

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