How much time should I give an artist to finishing a back piece

Ok - long story, to make it short. A friend of mine was working in a shop, drew up my back piece and in 2 sittings did the outline and a 1/4 of the color. Since then he quit his shop and is waiting to open up a new one. I have since my last sitting with him had a full chest piece and started a 1/2 sleeve cover-up with my other artist. I talked to him the other day and he said he is "trying to find time to get me in, but .... ". I can't stand having this unfinshed piece on my back but I want him to finish it, but I don't know how much longer I should give him to get me in to finish it. From an artists point of view, how long would you want your clients to wait before they went somewhere else? Also, please keep in mind that I have a photoshoot coming up that is going to be on SG for a very long time. This is a serious inquiry, I just want an un-biast opinion.

Sinful...I don't know the situation with your artist but I would have serious concerns if he was not back in a shop in a very short tme...if he isn't there must be a reason....I think I would have to be finding a new artist...shouldn't be a problem for any competent artist to take up where he left off...get it finished! Oh and send me some pics...I'd love to see your tattoos!...Click on my name above for e-mail!...Good tattooing and thanks for the post!!...TAz.Painted Angel

Taz, thanks for your response. Email sent. Sin-

On a similar note, rather than posting another topic... I`ve had a piece started about 10 months ago by a great local artist who's now working out of town. Rumor has it at his old (local) studio that he should be back soon, but that's been going on for a couple months now. I want him to finish it, but I don't currently have the mean to get to his new studio. Any advice... should I wait out the rumors and see if he comes back or just have my current artist do it? The outline and maybe 1/3 of the colour/shading is done so far.

Same answer as above!!

Ok cool, thanks Taz, that's what I figured, but my situation was slightly different so I was just checking. I really didn't want to insult the original artist lol.

That is where I am at as well, but my artist is a friend... a really good friend. But, I will give him until my 1/2 sleeve is done which is 2 more sittings so a month basically and if nothing I am just going to get it finished by my other artist. I think that is wayyyy more time than it should have been Just another complaint... I hate when artists get their 'better friends' in or 'girlfriends' in way before me and they cant even pay for the shit. I have the money just sitting around waiting for a time and -I- have to wait. Pisses me off. Sin-

And that SHOULD piss you off....T