If you're commissioning an artist for the first time and you want to be safe they're serious, here's some things to consider!
Reasons to avoid:
• They have no TOS (terms of service)
• Their turnarounds are more than 6 months.
• They take on more work than they can produce.

• They have no TOS (terms of service)
• Their turnarounds are more than 6 months.
• They take on more work than they can produce.
• They ask you to pay through PayPal as "friends & family".
• They state NO REFUNDS! even before they've started on your commission.
• They offer no WIPs or simple changes.
• They claim they can draw you anything without having any examples of what you request.
• They state NO REFUNDS! even before they've started on your commission.
• They offer no WIPs or simple changes.
• They claim they can draw you anything without having any examples of what you request.
• They guilt trip you into commissioning them.
• All of their art looks inconsistent, (not to confuse with art styles) as in, sometimes fundamentals are on point and next drawing looks like a kid drew it. Could be a tracer or art theif.
• All of their art looks inconsistent, (not to confuse with art styles) as in, sometimes fundamentals are on point and next drawing looks like a kid drew it. Could be a tracer or art theif.

• They have a clear TOS about their business practice!
• They have a portfolio with examples.
• They will invoice you.
• They take on work and finish them in a timely manner that don't produce a serious backlog.
• They send WIPs of the process.
• If they end up taking quite longer than estimated to start on your commission, they will communicate this and offer the option for refund.
• They're easy to communicate with in general!
• They will fix any mistakes THE ARTIST made free of charge.
• They're easy to communicate with in general!
• They will fix any mistakes THE ARTIST made free of charge.

• Their price.
• They charge upfront, half/ half or other ways.
• Their personal lives.
These points you want to look out for and can usually be found in an artist's TOS! Listen to your gut when something makes no sense!