Hi,

Is there a accepted procedure on paying for graphics?
Do you pay up front or pay when work is complete?
How do you know if the person is real or how does the artist know you will pay etc?

Working as a freelancer programmer for a couple of years, and getting stabbed in the back a few times during that time, I came up with some simple guidelines:

1) 50% upfront (negotiable down to 25%, in very few special cases)
2) If the guy doesn't want to pay anything upfront, refuse to work without a formal contract. You need your guarantee, too. It's your right.
3) Try to get a formal contract anyway if the work involves a large sum of money and/or time (how much is up to you)

And a warning: if you are being hired for the job along with other people that are doing the same thing as you, be careful with what they may do with your stuff.

My experience is with code, but I can see a lot of similar things happening with graphics.

Edited by 1ucas - 13 April 2010 at 8:04pm

Take that to the Job Offerings section of the forum.  Be sure to read the sticky post for rules on posting there.  (E-Mail, previous jobs, payment, ect)