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

[radcatastrophe.livejournal.com]

Sex sells, lol, all I gotta say. But seriously, where ever you decide to settle down (personal commission site or an artist site - I suggest making your own site and direct commissioners to it from various social/art sites) just list that you do Ratings G-XXX and you're comfortable with most/all fetishes and quirks. Also included that it doesn't matter the species or type of commission (Furry/Anthro, Human, Fantasy, etc) or whatever you're more comfortable with doing, I know a few artists like to point out their strong and weak points as a heads up to commissioners so they aren't disappointed when they see the outcome of their piece.

Type of work: Personal Art (OC, Fan Characters/Fan Art, IRL Gifts, etc)

What sells: Mature~Adult Artwork

Price ranges: Depends on your skill level and how long you've been perfecting your style(s)

Sites to use/advertise on: DeviantART, Fur Affinity, Nabyn (if you can get an invite), Tumblr/WordPress/Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Personal Website or Blog

Need to know info: Create a basic TOS/TOU (Terms of Service/Terms of Use) and add onto everytime you hit a bump in the road with commissioners

What to watch out for: Requests if you're not offering them, Discounted prices if you're not offering them,

How people view artists: I don't try to view them as my friend, even if we've exchanged some off-topic conversations or even personal details. I just don't think they would care too much for every commissioner they give their information, I dunno, most (like me) don't feel "worthy" of their time or attention.

Any additional comments: I suggest invoicing commissioners with how much they owe you, don't leave paying you up to them ask for an email they can reach you at for any questions or updates as well as the one they use for Paypal. Make sure you have a form laid out for them to fill in when they commission you and keep a schedule/list of whose currently commissioning and at what stage you are currently at with their commission readily available for them to easy find and keep note of. Keep personal feelings and the sort out of business, updating your customers on personal ordeals and sudden absences are ok but telling them in detail about why you're gone or how you're moody and you hate being bugged about being asked for updates because it makes you work slower. That's a bit of a put off for most people and tend to make them wanna walk the other way.