Welcome to Gaia! ::

*walks in and waves* No introduction thread is there?

Question - How long do you guys usually wait for an art commish, without notice from the artist (via Gaia, not IRL) before determining the artist has obviously gone AWOL. By no notice, I mean, no posting in their thread, no "hey i'm going on hiatus!" or "I have artist block!"..just a complete dissappereance. I think I have at least 5 threads I've been watching for well over a month now, pending trades n' all..with the artist having completely dissappeared. I'm thinking of PMing them but I don't want to seem rude x.x

Depends on the person really for me. A few commissions I've had with actual cash had good reasons for not contacting me for a while, even told me before that point they may be AWOL for a bit. Which I don't mind. *nod nod*

But on gaia, the majority of the time I wait for about 2-3months, then send them a PM. If they don't respond within 2wks of that PM I cancel the trade. If they come back and tell me the picture is finished later and demand payment, I calmly explain to them that I waited and had even sent a message (most of which are quoted when they write me) and heard nothing. thus assumed they had forgotten me.
The few times that happened, they settled a new price with me at lower than the original because of the wait.
One person demanded more which I promptly refused.
And the majority still haven't returned or did forget about my art altogether, thus when they wrote back it was to say they'd forgotten and wouldn't be doing it. surprised At least they told me. xd

But yeah, may wanna try a small PM to them, just asking nicely if it'd be possible to know the progress of the piece currently, and if you get no response by a time you deem appropriate, cancel the trade as it's probably gonna end up sitting there forever otherwise. >.<

This may not be the best advice. So you may wish to hear other's opinions too before acting on this; but in this situation, I would advise sending a PM to the person explaining how you're feeling right now.
(Frustrated and worried, as they have been doing other pictures and not getting around to yours.) Make it clear that you'd like to have the picture done, or a return on the funds you paid out (unless the trade is still in your bank, then mention you'll be cancelling if they don't wish to do it within a certain amount of time.)
Just remain calm, even if they get upset at you. Because in all of it, you're doing what is right and demanding what you were promised through contract (Auctions are written contracts) and they're not upholding their end. Which means they either do as promised, or return your side of the deal. 3nodding

Sometimes it's best to be assertive. Other times not, but those are easy to tell. Above all, as the comissionee, you have the right to know what is going on at all times during your comission's progress. 3nodding

Yeah, the one she did of Lilith (my NWN charrie) was on the 19th.. I felt so squishy inside seeing my character on the front page heart

Wooo, I'm back from otakon, and I have commissions to scan! But they'll have to wait for me to get back from the beach later this week.

I also met ryo0oki and she drew me a pretty headshot sketch for free, so cute!

*goes to pass out into a deep, deep sleep*

@ Mekania and Mousira: Thanks for the advise. I sent about 5 Pm's and have already had one response that the order was canceled. The others haven't even read the PM's. sweatdrop