One thing to consider is that overall, the artist has more to lose than the buyer does if things go wrong. If the commissioner rips off the artist, the artist not only loses money, but also time and any supplies on the art they made, while if it's vice versa, all the commissioner lost is that money (not that that's okay). But also, an artist's reputation is more fragile than that of the commissioner's. Commissioners can just change names and keep ripping people off, but an artist can't get away with that unless they entirely change their style so nobody recognizes them, as well, and then they have to build up people to take money from again, and it's just more difficult on that end than it is to GIVE money to people.
That and in your example, that also goes both ways. If the buyer doesn't pay when the art is done, what can the artist do about it other than complaining or taking them to small claims court?
It's not an even 50/50 split of risk when these things are considered. There are bad apples in both bunches, but artists have more incentive to behave than someone who can just switch names and keep on doing what they're doing without any real effort. For your average artist taking commissions, their name and reputation (and thus more/repeat business) is usually going to be more important than what they'd risk by stealing 15 bucks and not delivering what they owe, or what have you.
ALSO also, that's how it works with most businesses. You won't find many businesses that don't do everything they can to cover their butts pre-emptively.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2011-09-15 02:25 am (UTC)That and in your example, that also goes both ways. If the buyer doesn't pay when the art is done, what can the artist do about it other than complaining or taking them to small claims court?
It's not an even 50/50 split of risk when these things are considered. There are bad apples in both bunches, but artists have more incentive to behave than someone who can just switch names and keep on doing what they're doing without any real effort. For your average artist taking commissions, their name and reputation (and thus more/repeat business) is usually going to be more important than what they'd risk by stealing 15 bucks and not delivering what they owe, or what have you.
ALSO also, that's how it works with most businesses. You won't find many businesses that don't do everything they can to cover their butts pre-emptively.
Hope that all made sense!