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

[clockworkshadow.livejournal.com]

I'll just note here that while for the most part sex -does- sell, I get far less requests for adult commissions, and my adult pieces actually get less attention. Don't get me wrong, I do prefer clean-to-nude art, but I'm surprised that even offering adult commissions I don't get takers. [Granted I have very little adult art in my gallery, but that's aside from the point, as I know other clean artists who get bothered for adult art].

You -can- actually make a decent start on FA with little to no adult art, I have less than 10 pieces in almost 300 that are adult in nature, I've been on my page just over a year, and have 11k pageviews and almost 1k watchers. Advertising is extremely useful.

Another thing that may be of assistence, but is very difficult for some artists, is to have a high rate of turnover. Full body flats are my best seller, and I can generally turn those out in a couple of days, real life willing, usually within a week.