It all depends, I can understand waiting a year as long as the person is open about whats going on and they communicate, I have 2 that's about 7+ months and they both write journals and note me about it.

If they don't communicate.. i would only wait about 3-6 months. I understand artist not wanting to be bugged about commissions, but if they are not providing updates on how the commission is going or when they'll get to it. Then that's BS in my opinion.

yeah half of the ones i'm waiting on have posted journals and i totally understand that life can get in the way...

two of them however are giving me serious problems and it's bothering me that they wont reply to me.

I have one from a year ago that I cant get a hold of the person even though she's posting other items. I've ended up noting almost everyone to get information.

Did you enjoy you commissions by the way? XD

Very much so! My friend said the scyther one reminded him of a shiny scyther, and i know MLP isn't for everyone, but i still adore em and that's all that matters.

And I've been through that before, an artist posting stuff and not doing commissions. Or taking more commissions and finishing those first. She'd always have the same excuse of being too tired because she had to work a 9 hour day. I can't feel sorry for her when i work 6 days a week, and between 8-14 hours a day.. (usually 8 hour unless the manager is my relief, then it's anyone's guess) so i just consider it lost money. -.-

it's alot of lost money if i do that for one artist...they owe me four pieces. :< I considered the first one lost money but the fact that this other one is still chugging away and ignoring me is rather hurtful.

In my opinion..if one doesn't want to do the commission they should refund the money. If I ended up being unable to do artwork I would refund the money and apologize. I message people too much with my art status with commissions sometimes XD But I am still new to it.

I give it a month before I kindly start asking about it, and the asking is done once every couple of weeks as to not necessarily sound like nagging.

^ This. :/

Eh well I waited once for a comish for almost six months. >>
I wont do that again.

And when I finally got it, it was halfassed and not worth what I paid for it.
Which pissed me off.

i hear that :<

Its just not fair that someone would do that to you when they're supposed to be your friend.
Well after some events.. and immaturity on thier part we are now ex-friends but still. >>
At the time she was one of my best friends.

aw that's really disappointing to hear...with friends...I still offere refunds because I know what it's like to wait. Usually they are understanding but i never pull bad business with people I care about or anyone else...but I guess it's cuz I know what it's like to wait :<

I don't really know, I find that it works to be very patient on this sight, you gotta take accounts for personal life and possible lack of energy or motivation, Im sure its something like that. A friendly reminder yes in neccasary. Especially if you paid for it

this is true..which is why i find it so hard to ask people for updates. And why half the stuff I'm owed is at least 4 months XD