Pro tip: I thought digital art commissions were a total waste of time until a friend in Portland pushed me to try

For years, I just posted my art for free online and never thought anyone would pay for it. My buddy in Portland kept telling me to set up a simple commission sheet on my page, but I figured it was just for pros with huge followings. I finally gave in about six months ago and listed a few simple options, like a $45 portrait. To my shock, someone messaged me the next day asking for a drawing of their D&D character. That first paid piece felt totally different, like my hobby had real weight. It made me focus more and actually finish projects instead of leaving them half done. Now I do a couple a month and it buys my new brushes. Has anyone else been surprised by what people are actually willing to pay for?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_rowan2mo ago

That "real weight" feeling is what finally got me to finish my own projects too.

taylor.jessica2mo ago

My friend's best work came from ignoring deadlines completely.

matthew_owens919d ago

Have you ever had that moment where a deadline just kills your creativity completely? I remember writing a short story for a small indie mag once... they gave me a month and I got nothing done. Then I forgot about it entirely, woke up at 3am two weeks after it was due, and wrote the whole thing in one go. It ended up being my favorite piece I've ever done. There's something about that pressure disappearing that lets your brain actually do what it wants to do.