Artists shouldn't be micro-managed on what they're doing in the day. However, there are artists out there that don't take accountability nor treat commissions seriously when it's paid work If the client is working with you directly, then their protection is solely in the payment provider's terms Asking someone to trust you beyond that is not something you're entitled to Flip it around for any other paid hands-on work, and I'm sure they'd be singing a different tune Imagine someone who's fixing your car or house "Yeah, pay me upfront and I'll get to it when I can (feel like it)" I say this as someone who's lax with artists and had a majority of good experiences. There are irresponsible creators out there that make the rest look bad