So, a few months ago, a former friend wanted me to draw their roleplaying character, and they'll pay me for it. I already had a TOS, including either a full or 50/50 payment upfront before any works starts (this helped me evade multiple scammers). Despite this, I decided to be lenient with them in terms of payment, since they claimed to have issues with their credit card and offered instead to pay me through Steam games that equalled the price the work would be once he got it available. Even though I had a gut feeling this wouldn't work out very well, I assumed since he was my friend, it'll be okay (extremely stupid decision; please do not do this).
Needless to say, I ended up spending about a week on the artwork, going through the whole process, and getting their feedback. The artwork was completed, and I showed them the watermarked version of it. They said they loved it, and really want to full piece. I asked him for the payment we agreed on so I can send it to them promptly, and they told me they'd work on it since they were still having issues with their credit card. While still expecting payment, I started sharing it with my friends and even showcased it on my portfolio. I was so happy with how it turned out, and it was my first completed art commission... but I wasn't even paid. I'd keep asking them, but they'd start either avoiding the topic or just say they'll get it soon, since they keep forgetting.
I'm no longer in contact with this person, and I don't expect to be paid anytime soon for the work I managed to complete. We've completely cut any possible means to contact one another, and I don't expect either one of us to reach out to one another in the near future. Recently, however, I came across the art piece, and now I don't think it's really okay or right to keep this on my portfolio and profile anymore. Not just because it reminds me of that encounter, but also because it just feels...wrong.
I'm genuinely contemplating taking it down, but I'd like to hear other people's thoughts about it.
Needless to say, I ended up spending about a week on the artwork, going through the whole process, and getting their feedback. The artwork was completed, and I showed them the watermarked version of it. They said they loved it, and really want to full piece. I asked him for the payment we agreed on so I can send it to them promptly, and they told me they'd work on it since they were still having issues with their credit card. While still expecting payment, I started sharing it with my friends and even showcased it on my portfolio. I was so happy with how it turned out, and it was my first completed art commission... but I wasn't even paid. I'd keep asking them, but they'd start either avoiding the topic or just say they'll get it soon, since they keep forgetting.
I'm no longer in contact with this person, and I don't expect to be paid anytime soon for the work I managed to complete. We've completely cut any possible means to contact one another, and I don't expect either one of us to reach out to one another in the near future. Recently, however, I came across the art piece, and now I don't think it's really okay or right to keep this on my portfolio and profile anymore. Not just because it reminds me of that encounter, but also because it just feels...wrong.
I'm genuinely contemplating taking it down, but I'd like to hear other people's thoughts about it.
