Im a guy who does commissions. Whoever signs up for a commission by me first gets theirs done first. The as the list goes I do them in order by who asks. As an artist though sometimes I do wanna do personal art for myself in between commissions. Constantly doing commissions left an right does take away the personal ideas and interests you have for yourself. Eventually, you'll get that art block and have nothing to draw. But you are correct about one thing, and its that if you have a list of commissions that need to get done, you should definitely get them done in order, by doing them in order makes the waiting process a lot easier on the person who bought a piece of artwork for you.

I understand getting tired of commissions. Like some artists will say this and take a small break. But whipping out 15 personal art or gift art can be a little irritating.

I usually only do about 1 or 2. It helps keep my motivation high. Afterwards I continue until all important commissions are done

I agree. Being an artist you have to keep yourself focused and prioritize. There are occasions where I can understand a few personal drawings because an artist needs to stretch. Creatively and mentally for their own sanity, at least that's how it is for me, however not a continuous flow of personal drawings at the expense of paid commissions or potential commission. I personally feel bad the longer I have to make anyone wait.

As someone who is guilty of this, I apologize immensely. I know it's shitty and I feel so shitty when I do it, but I usually NEVER do personal art when I have other crap to work on. I can't vouch for other artists, but I usually do this when unexpected expenses come up, which has a tendency to happen to me more often than I'd like to admit. I always feel so bad about it, but it's like I weigh my options - ask for money, or ask for someone to commission me. I really don't want to just go around saying, "I need money, give me money" so I offer art. It sucks, but when this is your main source of income, it gets tough.

I had to wait 7 months for a YCH to be completed...it was originally stated that it should be done in 3 to 4 months (no hard deadline). She kept taking other commissions all the while, finishing them and posting them. It was infuriating. I could have canceled but I really wanted the art. I wish artists wouldn't do this. Its like, don't take on more art then you can do before your next bills are due. and if you have to, just add them to the end of the list. There are several artists I won't commission anymore because they did this to me....so if you piss off your commissioners by doing this, you are probably shooting yourself in the foot and losing customers.

I make sure all my commissioners know of the situation at hand. A constant back and forth with them and usually any new commissions that I have to take on are very fast ones that can be done during a class or on my free time. I understand your irritation, and it is quite rude to have a commission being put on while others ones are being done, but if the customer doesn't mind, and there IS a constant update, a back and forth, and evidence of actual work, then I really don't think there is a problem.

That's what I mean. That's fine. I'm just talking about those who just do their own art but dom't let anyone know anything. Like they have a huge queue, but use two months todraw their own art and don't even bother to say 'Hey guys, gonna take a break', or 'going through some things'.
It's just a little annoying to not hear anything. I understand things come up, no one can control that. I just like to have some info or a heads up.