An old trick I used to use with sending artwork was to use sandwich it between two sheets of card, cut crosswise to one another so that the grain of each ran right-angles to the other. This adds extra strength and 'un-bendability' against posties whose mission in life seems to be to bend everything they get their hands on.

This seems as good a place and time as any to ask: what are the general 'rules' for sending commissioned digital work?

Do you just send high-res files, or do you ship a printed copy as well?

That's a good idea. I was thinking about sandwiching art between 2 panels of cardboard instead of backing it with one. The way I've been doing it seems to work well, but I'm always happy to learn more techniques to keep art safe during shipping. Before I did this the worst case that ever happened was someone delivered my package torn IN HALF. How the hell do you do that? How do you deliver it? The postmasters don't care. :(

For digital art since it's new to me I've just been sending a smaller file, but now I'm starting to do high res files for clients. I plan to deliver those via email (previously just uploaded here). I don't have a printer to make high quality art prints with so I don't do that. If I did I would also have to include the cost of supplies for that.

Fair enough. I work at a printer's, so I have a high-quality inkjet printer right across the room from me, which we use for doing proofs. I'd run it past the bosses of course, but I imagine a high-quality print would be a nice added extra.

(I'm finally getting confident enough with my digital work to think I'll start offering commissions soon. I just want to build up more of a portfolio than I have at present. I've been so busy with graphic and web design in my career that I haven't really done a lot of illustration for years, now :( )

I do a similar thing but I also fit them in the laminate, between the cardboard, and then inside a sleeve which goes in the envelope sealed. This prevents bending without effort and prevent damage from rain.