As an ex-freelancer, I see a few issues at hand here.

1. Artistic services are often seen as a cheap commodity. If you acquired your client through a platform like Craigslist for example, expect that the client is not a serious business owner who is familiar with working with a contractor and they may try to escape payment. Freelance websites often force upfront payment for this very reason.

2. You need as much information as you can get from the client before starting the project. I'd usually have a general info form that I'd have the client fill out which helps me better understand their needs and helps them gain clarity themselves. It's also the first stage of filtering out clients who aren't serious.

3. Milestones, progress and constraints should be quantifiable, e.g. charge by the hour, 10 design drafts max, etc. Subjective scenarios can't be measured and a seemingly short project can end up spanning months upon months if the client is given complete leverage.

4. Contracts. Use them. Both parties need to be held responsible and understand what they are agreeing to. There are 3rd party platforms like HelloSign that facilitate in providing a means to electronically signing a legally binding contract. This will also serve as another filtering process.

If a client doesn't agree to work within those guidelines, then ditch them and pat yourself on the back for avoiding a landmine.

As an ex-freelancer, I see a few issues at hand here.

1. Artistic services are often seen as a cheap commodity. If you acquired your client through a platform like Craigslist for example, expect that the client is not a serious business owner who is familiar with working with a contractor and they may try to escape payment. Freelance websites often force upfront payment for this very reason.

2. You need as much information as you can get from the client before starting the project. I'd usually have a general info form that I'd have the client fill out which helps me better understand their needs and helps them gain clarity themselves. It's also the first stage of filtering out clients who aren't serious.

3. Milestones, progress and constraints should be quantifiable, e.g. charge by the hour, 10 design drafts max, etc. Subjective scenarios can't be measured and a seemingly short project can end up spanning months upon months if the client is given complete leverage.

4. Contracts. Use them. Both parties need to be held responsible and understand what they are agreeing to. There are 3rd party platforms like HelloSign that facilitate in providing a means to electronically signing a legally binding contract. This will also serve as another filtering process.

If a client doesn't agree to work within those guidelines, then ditch them and pat yourself on the back for avoiding a landmine.

As an ex-freelancer, I see a few issues at hand here.

1.) Artistic services are often seen as a cheap commodity. If you acquired your client through a platform like Craigslist for example, expect that the client is not a serious business owner who is familiar with working with a contractor and they may try to escape payment. Freelance websites often force upfront payment for this very reason.

2.) You need as much information as you can get from the client before starting the project. I'd usually have a general info form that I'd have the client fill out which helps me better understand their needs and helps them gain clarity themselves. It's also the first stage of filtering out clients who aren't serious.

3.) Milestones, progress and constraints should be quantifiable, e.g. charge by the hour, 10 design drafts max, etc. Subjective scenarios can't be measured and a seemingly short project can end up spanning months upon months if the client is given complete leverage.

4.) Contracts. Use them. Both parties need to be held responsible and understand what they are agreeing to. There are 3rd party platforms like HelloSign that facilitate in providing a means to electronically signing a legally binding contract. This will also serve as another filtering process.

If a client doesn't agree to work within those guidelines, then ditch them and pat yourself on the back for avoiding a landmine.

As an ex-freelancer, I see a few issues at hand here.

1. Artistic services are often seen as a cheap commodity. If you acquired your client through a platform like Craigslist for example, expect that the client is not a serious business owner who is familiar with working with a contractor and they may try to escape payment. Freelance websites often force upfront payment for this very reason.

2. You need as much information as you can get from the client before starting the project. I'd usually have a general info form that I'd have the client fill out which helps me better understand their needs and helps them gain clarity themselves. It's also the first stage of filtering out clients who aren't serious.

3. Milestones, progress and constraints should be quantifiable, e.g. charge by the hour, 10 design drafts max, etc. Subjective scenarios can't be measured and a seemingly short project can end up spanning months upon months if the client is given complete leverage.

4. Contracts. Use them. Both parties need to be held responsible and understand what they are agreeing to. There are 3rd party platforms like HelloSign that facilitate in providing a means to electronically signing a legally binding contract. This will also serve as another filtering process.

If a client doesn't agree to work within those guidelines, then ditch them and pat yourself on the back for avoiding a landmine.