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.

Comments

[grandioze.livejournal.com]

You're so right about the "clean only" galleries on FA. I'm experiencing that now. XD

Also, how do you recommend networking? Admittedly, I'm not all that active on FA (I try to be, but I don't have a lot of interest in the site) though I am pretty active on DA.

[jamesalesto.livejournal.com]

I try to add people from this community and LJ in general. It helps to watch people, comment and generally be active. For me, I met a few people who were local and they advertised for me and vice versa.

Because I do adult work, I also added people who have similar... likes as I do and they will advertise for me when I am selling.

[grandioze.livejournal.com]

Being active seems to get me watches and favorites on DA, but only one person has asked me for a small commission in the last year on there (and they disappeared when I asked for the money). :/ My pictures get about 1/10th the attention (or less) on FA as they do on DA.

[sekhmet.livejournal.com]

Twitter is a great place to network.