I've been burned myself by two artists, one a former friend who ran off with tip-toeing into 4 digits worth of money (obviously no longer a friend) and acting like they did nothing wrong, they are even still streaming on and off, and another who took several years to finish my art and despite eventually finishing and having such a long time they never even followed the commission descriptions accurately.

I feel it is an artist thing in general rather than a furry thing, some of them think they are above all others, and abusing the positions they have in the worst of cases, such as my above experience with the latter artist, I'm certain it was them who reported me to the FA admins, who I got a warning from and my journal deleted, simply because I was keeping track of the (extremely long) time they were taking with my commissions in my journal, along with other artists I was waiting on ofcourse, and recommending others to avoid getting art from them due to taking so long.

I have however met some amazing artists too, both from here and other websites that I would give a lot more of my trust to, the main issue though is taking a plunge and hoping for the best from an artist you might take interest in, I know since commissioning the two I mentioned I've been very wary of commissioning at all, that and wondering if I'd be reported because I hurt somebody's feelings and not being given a chance to explain myself.

It's so fucking hard. I've been burned many times, because I'm a stupid, trusting idiot. I try my best to see the best in people, and to deserve that trust in return. Like, when I write stories, I don't take payment upfront, period. I don't want to be "that guy" to anyone, since I know that I fight off writer's block constantly. But every artist I've ever dealt with has been full payment up front, and there have been too many times where they've just taken the money and run for me to count.

I love my artists; MY artists. The people who know me, the people who work with me, the people I can trust. But they almost never open, and they end up stuck in a work limbo constantly. I don't blame them, though; I adore them. I want them to be well and happy more than I want the art. I just wish it was easier. I have so many damn ideas in my head, and they never get a chance to shine anymore.

I share this pain ALLL to well. Frankly Ive been experiencing these exact thoughts and concerns for the past few years.
IDK, I wanna pretend its a furry thing, but I have less experience commissioning outside the fandom, but part of why that is, is my trust issues.

Commissioning used to be so fun and easy...now its hell in a hand basket

I know, right? It's just so bloody troubling. At least I've found some new artists, but it's still a process. I've got something new coming in, something pretty big for me at least, and so far the artist has been awesome.

I just wish it didn't have to be such a pain most of the time D:

Also, HI!