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

[synchra.livejournal.com]

I started taking commissions around that age. X3 Actually.. maybe younger. I am 25 now (wow now I feel old.) I used to only take checks because Paypal didn't exist yet! I also used to take it after I finished the art.. but that could be risky. :E I never got screwed over amazingly but times have sort of changed since then on the internet. My art wasn't all that great at that age. :P I think using your parents paypal and working with them might be helpful. I don't personally see a problem with someone your age taking commissions at all... but maybe I am biased! lol.

[synchra.livejournal.com]

hurf.. Okay didn't know there was a bunch of rules against using your parents paypal like i am reading about now.

I don't even think I was 18 when I started using paypal for commission work. :X I didn't know about all this stuff I am reading in the comments. So yeah... uh~~ ignore me! lol. I have bought art from people under 18 even within the last couple years myself so...? ::shrug:: I don't know if that was "wrong" but I personally didn't see a problem with it.

[dingybatty.livejournal.com]

Ditto? If I do want to commission someone I usually won't unless I've seen them do commissions for other people, and kinda see what time frame they give.. and if they seem reliable I don't mind what age they are. :)