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

[mialattia.livejournal.com]

I won't say 'wait.' I say be professional, savvy and UP FRONT about your age. Be professional and don't be all like 'I'm just a teeeenager!' but make it clear that people will be paying through your parents' Paypal, and try to get every piece done BEFORE the dispute period is up so customers feel comfortable. I don't know about the legalities except that you can't enter into a contract.

I started taking commissions at 14 and am now 20! Parents' Paypal is how I rolled.

[kawaiipiepie.livejournal.com]

Or OP could ask for payment after completion. I don't usually like that method but it could work well for an underage person.

[oceandezignz.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't recommend this method simply because she IS a minor, therefore legally contracts are not binding - so if she goes about this without her parents, especially without them - I could see people walking all over her for it.

[dixiedyboski.livejournal.com]

Yes. Thankyou, being walked all over is not something I would like to happen.

[dixiedyboski.livejournal.com]

Yes, esp. about being professional. I might need a few more lessons on that.
Also very much so on telling people I'd be using my parents paypal.

There's this big division here between people starting even earlier than I want to, and then people who tell me to start at 18, and do trades until then!

[mialattia.livejournal.com]

I got started on commission work because people came to me asking to buy-- get involved in some forums (especially furries-- they are very free with their money more than other communities I've sold to) and post your art, make fanart, do trades, yes...

But I say DO take commissions and get the experience. I'd be honestly shocked if most artists here DID wait until 18. I guess many of us started at 14-16, at least those who are around my generation. There's a split here that probably stems from caution. For you and for your customers. But take it light and slow and professional, and you'll grow in time.