Q: Why did you start doing art commissions?

A: “I want to draw as a job. I’ve been doing art for over seven years and mastering my craft. I’m completely self taught and have learned what I know about art through constant improvements. After I felt comfortable with my craft and level of work I began opening commissions. Starting at $25 for a fully shaded full body and slowly improving and raising prices. Overall, I just do commissions because I love to draw and make art for people.”

Q: Does this field of work pay well?

A: Yes, I make around $24,000 a year off of 10 hours of work a week. If I was to work more though I could make up to $94,000.

Q: What skills do you require for this field of work?

A: “Art skills are a given, but there are a few other things you have to manage when doing commissions. You have to manage pricing, tax, burnout, and quality of work compared to time worked on the commission. Pricing your commissions appropriately is very important to my success as a commission artist.”

Q: Do you feel that your art has to be a specific caliber to do commissions? How high is that bar?  

A: “Yes, I hold myself at a very high standard and work directly with my clients to make sure it’s what they want. If I spend an hour on something and don’t like it, I’ll re-do it. Not everyone has to do this, but with how much I draw I feel it’s a requirement.”

Q: Are commissions difficult? If so, why?

A: “They can be, It’s very dependent on the character I’m being asked to draw. Things that can affect how difficult a character is to draw are their species, height, clothing, colors/patterns, specific anatomical details, and whether or not they have a ref sheet. If there Is no ref sheet I need to directly talk to my client and gather info on what they want.”

Q: What tips do you have for those wanting to do art commissions?

A: “Practice and take your time, and grow your connections. I know a good few people who work in the industry, people from companies such as Spindle Horse Productions, Dead Sound, Adult Swim, and one person who works at Pixar as a storyboard artist. Mostly just take your time, talk to other artists, master your skills, and learn that it will take time.”