Advice: Teen artist - how should I go about taking commissions?

[dixiedyboski.livejournal.com]

Hello A_B!
Errrr, first ever LJ post here, correct me if I'm doing it wrong :3



Basically, I want to start taking commissions :3 But, lots of the posts here are about 'minors' buying/selling their art, and everything ending in tears and whatnot. Is it ok to take commissions at 15? Or should I wait 'til I'm older?
I know that research is important, and everyone says about having a ToS that you both agree to before you start sending money or anything, so if there's any problem on either side, you can throw it at the commissioner and run :3
Also, I know my art is not terrible. Its not wonderful either, but I know I'm improving and yes, I have done life drawing since I started GCSE Art. I could improve a lot on anatomy though, very very definitely. (curse you, silly anime phase.)
Also, would sending the money through my parents (they use paypal a lot for their bubble business) be a good idea?
And postage too. I would rather not send actual pictures in the post, but I'm sure badges would be ok.

So, any advice you have would be very very very much apreiciated <3

Comments

[syrusb.livejournal.com]

Unless your parents agree to work with you and be the responsible party for all your transactions, I would wait until you were 18. As a minor you cannot legally enter contracts alone; your parents would have to be your advocate in every transaction.

I would not advise using their paypal under any circumstances; your transactions should be by check/money order instead.

It is probably the better idea to wait until you are of legal age. Perhaps instead you could try art trades or handing out occasional gift art for practice.

[dixiedyboski.livejournal.com]

Are money orders safe?
And I definitely agree now with waiting until I'm older and doing trades instead, thankyou.

[syrusb.livejournal.com]

Money orders are quite safe. When I used to get them I preferred to use the post office since just about everyone is near one. You just pay a small fee along with the amount you want the money order in, then mail it off. The recipient can cash it at a post office or their bank. It's kind of like an antiquated universal gift card.

[dixiedyboski.livejournal.com]

oh, i see, thankyou :3