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

[cissa.livejournal.com]

Perhaps at this point you could start by doing trades, and both improve your skills and build a reliable reputation that way? Then, when you turn 18, you'll be in excellent shape to start commissions on your own legal responsibility.

Good luck!

[lurkerwisp.livejournal.com]

I agree with this comment!

Trades or participating in exchange communities will get your art out there and noticed while also giving you practice drawing for other people. It's a really useful way to get the practice in, and you also benefit from getting art for yourself in return. :)

[teacup-werewolf.livejournal.com]

This is a wonderful suggestion!

[lackoflollies.livejournal.com]

I third this.

[sbneko.livejournal.com]

Agreeing with this too! Trades is a great way to start, especially since most people can't handle more at that age.

I'd also like to note: You need to be professional with trades too! They are, of course, meant to be more fun then commissions, but people forget that they also need to keep in contact with the other trader if things go bad (you're moving, for example) and need to do work in a reasonable amount of time, or, let them know upfront if it'll take quite a lot of time.

[cissa.livejournal.com]

Yes- trades need to be done professionally, too. That'
s one of the reasons I suggested them: if the OP does a professional and increasingly skillful job with trades, s/he will be in GREAT shape in all ways to take on paid work when s/he hits 18, both in terms of competence and reputation.

[kerstin-orion.livejournal.com]

I was just about to make a similar suggestion with gift art. Your idea of doing trades is even better, because you are held more accountable than you are with gift art.

[dixiedyboski.livejournal.com]

Yes! I love doing trades, also good practice for getting the artwork done on time perhaps?

[dixiedyboski.livejournal.com]

Thankyou, for this suggestion, and to everyone who expanded on it.
And thanks for the luck :3