So, early June 2017, I was talking to an artist I'd admired for many years and asked if they were open for commissions. They accepted, and I sent payment. Eventually, I did message again in early December, 2017 wondering about any updates since I hadn't heard from them in a while. They said they had been going through some tough stuff and apologized, and I told them it was alright and I understood, and that irl stuff definitely came first.

Around the 19th of December is the most recent activity I can find from them on any platform, they have all but stopped posting entirely and there seems to be no hint that my commission will actually be done, as the artist is effectively gone and I have no way of contacting them now.

This was only a 40$ bust, but still, it is a bit jarring having someone vanish like that, and I am both concerned for their wellbeing knowing they had been having a rough time, and a little distraught that the money has basically vanished with them. I don't really know what to do about any of this right now?

( Unrelated but similar, I also have a roughly 1000$ commission I am waiting for any updates on as well, and an art trade with someone that I haven't seen their half of, but I know life can be rough and overwhelming, and I am pretty patient about those. I've just also been ripped off for more than a grand before in the past so I am a bit wary about lengthy silences between the people I commission and myself, yanno? )

Either way, I would love some advice on this situation !