I love working directly with clients.  After we connect and discuss ideas we will both sign a contract that outlines the project and expectations.  The process, timeline and payment structure will be discussed in our initial meeting and outlined in the contract.  Commissions require a 50% payment to start, with the remaining 50% due once complete. I charge similar prices for commissions as I do for similarly sized pieces, unless there is something unusual requested as part of the project.