I just read your gig! That's great man! I paid my designer 25% upfront but that was after talking to him on steemchat. He also had a professional portfolio. Still there is a risk of course. I would certainly recommending checking out the blog of the person you hire and talk to them first.

I think that in the future more and more ' known' trustworthy members will arise you can do business with. Users with great reviews from other members and the rep to back it up. I'm also finding my way into this blockchain business space. Learning as I go but loving it.