As a general rule for commissioning in the future, I will pay half when I see the sketch, the other half when the art is done. Any other options you may have, I will listen to but it will vary on a case-by-case basis.

I feel that paying first is actually a hindrance to the artist and very often slows things down among other things. There is no longer an incentive to finish it either. I believe that when something is paid first, it in effect "doubles" the burden or load upon the artist doing the work as they now have the job of doing the commission AND they now are in debt to the commissioner money-wise as well.

I'm well aware that many require payment first because they've done commissions before and never got paid, however, that has happened on both sides of the coin for many people.

If anyone has any thoughts on this matter, by all means share them.