[Advice] How Long is Too Long?

[Obsidian]

I commissioned an artist back in June to do some work for me. Due to circumstances out of his control, he had to delay the commission for a bit, and it wasn't until late July before I actually received some sketchwork back from him.

I was fine with this delay (he has a bit of a habit of promising more than he can deliver on sometimes), and was just happy to see some work done. However, after promising to start working on the meat of the commission, I went two weeks without hearing *anything* from him. Deciding that I would investigate a little, I sent out an e-mail requesting an update. It's been an additional ten days and still no response from the artist.

Suggestions?

The project I have him working on is significant in size, and I appreciate that everyone has a life to lead, but how long is too long to wait for a reply? Should I simply keep waiting? Send a a second e-mail requesting an update?

At this point, I'm actually considering letting the artist go...I feel like an ass for even considering it, but at this rate, I may not see the work completed until Christmas...and spotty communication has been a problem with this artist from the beginning (though not quite as bad as it is now). I overlooked it because his artwork was impressive. But now...I don't know...

Am I being unreasonable here?

Or do you think I've given this artist enough slack?

[no-name]

Speaking from what little experience I've had in the matter, I'd consider their workload if they share that information anywhere. I never expect anything to be done within a couple of weeks, nor would I try request a status report within that time. I'd give it...4-6 months, but that's mostly because the works I've commissioned weren't time-sensitive.

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by no-name

Speaking from what little experience I've had in the matter, I'd consider their workload if they share that information anywhere. I never expect anything to be done within a couple of weeks, nor would I try request a status report within that time. I'd give it...4-6 months, but that's mostly because the works I've commissioned weren't time-sensitive.

Normally I wouldn't expect it to be done in a couple of weeks...except he said he could do it in that amount of time.

And he usually provides sketches before he moves on...but nothing, beyond the initial and very minimal sketchwork from July.

Nonetheless, I've decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. I will wait for 1 month more.