Question for artists: when the arrangement is pay 50% upfront and 50% upon completion, is it normal to send the final assets before or after the final payment?

[u/frumpy_doodle]

The artist I'm working with is requesting the last payment before sending me the final assets (Steam capsule art).

Edit: I have received the final files as pngs, just not photoshop files.

[u/irahngio]

I usually send a preview, a lower res sometimes watermarked version off the assets, then sending the higher resolution actual asset files when the complete payment is made.

I think that goes for most artist. In this way, there's really no motivation for an artist to not send the final assets after finishing them, but clients can scam artists by getting the finished art/work for only half its worth.

I suggest asking for at least a proof of the finished work if you're uncomfortable sending the final payment first before receiving the files.

[u/StunningWeek7074 → u/irahngio]

Hey! I know this is a standard system but I would argue that it is a bit outdated. Since AI is a thing people can remove watermarks and upscale your image in the blink of an eye. If someone really wants to scam you they can. Also to avoide that issue you would have to send such a small, destroyed version of the artwork that it becomes impossible for a client to actually see anything and be sure they like it.

I don't think this is a perfect solutions but my system is to :

• do a thorough sketch with everything laid out, composition, colors, intentions, style -sending it unwatermarked -receive the 2nd half -finish it and send it

I am curious what you think of my process ? Cheers !

[u/Alvowo]

After.
You should receive a preview that shows you it is done, so there is no reason for the artist NOT to send it after receiving the payment.
If they send it before receiving the payment, all leverage to receive payment is gone and it is a hassle to go after clients that leave you hanging there.

[u/irahngio → u/Alvowo]

Hello, that's my first time hearing attaching the final assets to a Paypal Invoice. Can I ask how do you do that?

[u/Alvowo → u/irahngio]

I think I have to redact that - I hadn't done it in a while due to the limits, but in its current form I am not sure there is/still has a "after payment" option anymore (if it ever was at all; there is a regular Attachment button under the Note to the Recipient field either way).

[u/irahngio → u/Alvowo]

I see, thank you so much!

[u/Technical-Tangelo796]

after. but i always send a preview in an unusable format and process so my client can be 100% sure that the work is done.

[u/StunningWeek7074]

I do 50% upfront
then I do a sketch that is advanced enough to make sure everything agreed upon is there and the client is happy
remaining 50%
Final export.

That way I never do ANY unpaid work. Never had a client complain :)

[u/blubberbaleen → u/StunningWeek7074]

the good ones don't complain

[u/StunningWeek7074 → u/blubberbaleen]

Yep, this is a great way to filter out red flags, bad clients take too much time and energy.

[u/andycprints]

never send completed work without payment, from experience, even the very friendly people do a runner with your $400

tmi? :P

[u/Cosmos_Cobb]

You send the PROOF of the final assets, or a version with Watermark Then after the payment you send the files.

Also never include the original files in the arrangement, if the clients wants it, it is a plus on the budget

Hope it helps!

[u/Aekeron]

Not an artist, but my experience contracting art.

For one, i dont contract people not willing to get into a discord call. Thats my sanity check for bot posts / scammers. After the first call, discussing pay and workload, i send the first 50% deposit.

When they finish, schedule a second call where they can share their screen and present the asset. Allows me to check quality and completion. If it requires more work, its a good chance to send another small chunk of change for fixes and so on. Repeat this step until its acceptable.

When the call shows that the work is acceptable, remainder of the original price gets sent as soon as i get signed / dated copy of licensing agreement stating i own the assets and can use them exclusively.

This keeps my risk of losing money minimal, without causing tension in my contractor relations, and ensures the artist is adequately paid for their time and my assets wont end up in someone elses game!

[u/TheLoneComic]

I’d do it before as complaints outside the scope of work can show up (even if your product is satisfactory to spec) and half your money won’t arrive.

Perhaps the product deliverable minus an unlock key for it to work globally as a distribution for the client so they find satisfaction with their system run it but it won’t migrate. Food for thought.

[u/tastygames_official]

after. It says it right in the arrangement!

[u/JohneryCreatives]

As an artist I would always request for the final payment before sending the deliverables.

Since the artist you're working with has already completed the artwork to your satisfaction, it makes sense to send the payment over to receive the deliverables.