Different Art Markets and What to Expect

[ocelotish]

Well, I'm finally planning on taking commissions now that I've done something I might be willing to pay for, but for me subject matter isn't really an issue. I really don't care what I draw as long I am paid to draw it, which puts me in kind of a unique situation.

Where do I market myself?

Because there isn't an obvious answer I thought I'd ask you guys about the different markets and compile an info post that way (which will hopefully be of use to others too). Where do you go to sell superheroes? What about Disney style? Do you need to have your own character and a huge portfolio? Do people care about backgrounds? Are cheesecake shots a vital part of your gallery? Is there a common scamming M.O.? Do customers assume they have rights to that sort of image? That's the sort of information I'm interested in.

Just to make it easy here's a form that might help you organize your thoughts/include questions you might not have considered, but feel free to comment however you like.
Type of work:
What sells:
Price ranges:
Sites to use/advertise on:
Need to know info:
What to watch out for:
How people view artists:
Any additional comments:

Edit: For clarification, I'm talking mainly about individual commissions. Corporate commissions are also interesting (just a different kettle of fish), but feel free to discuss that too.

Edit 2: There's some great advice in the replies, but just to steer things back on target, I'm also interested the more niche specific information. How is the anime market different than the furry market, different than the superhero market, etc. It's less "How do I do commission basics," more "Where is this market centered (in terms of websites), what do they look for, do they only like digital, etc." Very genre specific info.

samiesaurus/samiechu/sxmie - Beware

[jackalteeth.livejournal.com]

WHO: samiesaurus/samiechu/sxmie

WHERE: http://samiesaurus.deviantart.com/ http://sxmie.deviantart.com/

WHAT: Digital art trade.

WHEN: August 2010 to now.

PROOF: The initial set up for the trade took place in a journal she made asking if anyone was up for some, I'm SpazzticGlitch: http://i50.tinypic.com/34rc2lu.png http://i47.tinypic.com/2s0k4mf.png

( EXPLAIN )

EDIT: She finished her half of the trade, and I am very disappointed. It seems very rushed to me? Here it is: http://sxmie.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d53b61m
And a re-upload: http://i45.tinypic.com/2h375uf.png

Compared to the requests she has been taking, this looks pretty poor. I would have gladly waited longer for something even like some of the requests she's been taking, honestly. I just asked for progress from her, not to rush through her half.

She also made a journal that has left a bad taste in my mouth. It just seems very passive aggressive. It can be seen here: http://my.deviantart.com/messages/#/d53b6cb
And a screengrab: http://i45.tinypic.com/2a95heg.png

This is less about how long she takes one some trades an more about her attitude, I suppose. Forgive me if I seem short of digital breath or anything, I just got back from a convention and am exhausted.