Ah, were you having payment issues with a customer?

Just plan.

Many artists offer a rough sketch for approval to make sure everything is correct, then demand payment they make sure the buyer is satisfied.


That would be my recommendation.

It is a shame as I just happened to plan to commission you, and would gladly pay up front, you are a great artist and I know you would do great work for me..

That's what i do, and it always worked, then i jsut cash in after i sent the pic done.

Same here. I can do a rough sketch to figure out posing and such, but payment happens early.

Usually artists want full pay up front, this reduce risk of not getting paid for the effort they put in by a lot.

I'd say go for it. Less stress and worry.

I won't mind paying up front. Lots of artists do it and also, with the impressive number of peoples that already commissionned you multiple times (Including me), I would have no problem paying first. :)

I always pay upfront (Even if the artist doesn't have that in the terms) because I trust the artist that much. But not only that but it covers your butt too. Don't wanna make an art and have someone back out of it.

I try to pay it all upfront myself. I like to think it establishes a sense of financial responsibilty. It's also safer for artists and I would recommend that method of transaction.

Most artists I commission give a rough sketch and then ask for payment after that, which I've never had any issues with. Sometimes, I have noticed artists even ask for payment upfront which is perfectly fine with me as well. I can understand the desire for that so someone doesn't just take a rough sketch and run, or something like that. I think doing something along either of those lines would be beneficial for you, as some others have mentioned!
Also, are you accepting commissions still? Just curious as I haven't heard back yet. Thanks!

Usually cash up front is the wiser choice so the customer can't rip you off. Or make them have a down payment of a large sum of the payment and have them pay the rest later

i prefer to pay before receiving art so this is actually good for me ^^; i always adjust to the artist though

Was that the problem that made you think you weren't important here?
At least you are solving it and hopefully realizing you are. ^^

Sounds like a good plan to me ^^

Honestly I prefer to pay upfront. That way the artist gets their money and I don't have to worry about it later.

I'm fine with this.
Your work is awesome, you been great to work with, and you're very understanding! :)

I was actually kinda surprised you wanted payment after you finished my commission when I got one from you. You should definitely be paid before you put all of that work in or at least paid after the initial sketch.

I wish the trust system worked in the real world but there's always those scumbags who like to take advantage of people.

Weird.. I had assumed payment (or most payment) up-front is the standard.
As well as some artists doing a very rough sketch before getting any sort of payment from the customer.

That is... a worrying precident to ask for payment right after for art stuffs.

Heck, I really want to commission you for something, but know this that I will want to give you payment before you start on the idea that I have.

I'm sorry to hear that people have been taking advantage of you. I don't blame you for wanting to change your policies, although I would have loved the concept of making payments afterwards if I didn't have the cash up front... >;3
But yeah. A single bad egg spoils the bunch, but it usually takes more than one for you to consider changing where to shop for your eggs.
There's a lot of ways to look into payments, especially when you start getting up there in pricing. I'll say, I've been shocked seeing you post pictures saying you're waiting on payment.
Normally, up front is the most common, efficient, and safest way; that way you have payment and can make all the sketches and edits you feel comfortable with, and if they change their mind, you can come up with a refund policy. Alternatively, I've seen some artists charge half up front, then the other half once the sketch is approved; if it's not approved (The client cancels), then you have payment for labor and effort, and the client can't say they weren't treated fairly. That way if it is accepted, then you get paid for the rest of the image; coloring and corrections, etc. Then you can release the image, and (most) everyone is happy; the worst case scenario? You put the slot of a YCH back up for sale, or post the partially completed commission as a YCH auction, to recover your losses.
I'll be honest, though. I'm speaking from a future buyer's perspective. You might want to consider talking to other artists, some who've been through this, get their opinions (I see a few artists have already replied in this journal). Sometimes you have to do what's right for you, not necessarily for us. You can always become more lenient later~