My friend ran into a similar problem when he and his buddy opened a small home based computer repair shop. I've had better luck, thank goodness!
I wish you better luck in the future!

@moonlit dream:

Thanks, I appreciate it :)

@Artgrrl:

I've seen that sign too and it makes a lot of sense in situations like this. Too bad some people, such as my client, don't understand things like that though.

@Wakusei Aoshi:

That is exactly what I was thinking. She must have assumed that because I was young I would accept low-ball offers like $9. When they first asked me to make the sign, I tried to establish a fixed price the first day to avoid something like this. She wouldn't hear of it though and just told me to name my price when I was done.

@Angel Zakuro:

Thanks for the support, I'm glad there are others who can relate to my situation. :)

@Sakura Tachibana:

No way, lol! My client was. I'm 21 years old!

Oh gosh, that's terrible indeed! :( I can relate to this so much because I'm a freelance graphic artist, although I have one main client...and she does similar things to me all the time. It is very VERY hard to believe when people that you know have the money for it deny you what you're worth. And even when we know we're worth more! I spend hours and lots of edits on many projects, but I also end up only charging $20 or so, and when I try to charge more...my client says it's "too much" and gives me SUCH a hard time (when, HELLO, she is buying designer fashions lol). So yeah, I can definitely relate, and it's horrible! *hugs*

But really, for that lady to rip you off like that and then to say she only has $9? It's hard to believe. You spent a lot of hard work on that sign, and you already dropped your price, and then...ugh, just wow. Very childish to call you mean as well. That client sounds incredibly immature and not professional at all! It sucks, but don't let this experience get you down. You'll find much better clients in the future. :) Do your best!

Take care~

That's really sad. My mom sells signs for much more than that and nobody complains to her...O.o; It could be a combination of your age and the irresponsibility of the adult. She must have assumed you would be more relaxed about the prices for some reason. She also does not understand what it means to not pay an artist for their hardwork.

Wow this person is childish and you said the client was in their 50's?
I'm sorry that didn't go well.
I haven't made commissions but I would be upset too.
This makes me think of that good-cheap-fast service sign I saw on tumblr. I feel it can also apply to commissions.

I'm really sorry to hear about that. :( I hope you don't come across irresponsible clients like this in the future.

That is really sad and a childish reaction on the clients part really......I am 18 but old enough to know that's not how you treat somebody. As I see it if you can't pay, you don't get the work simple as that.