~Draconder

I think from the point of view of art packs your in a good position. Like you say, its seldom you see fat fur packs, so you have little in the way of competiton to test the waters with :)

I dont make a living from my stuff so to speak but it has helped fund a large portion of my degree which im still currently doing.

Yeah, I used commissions to supplement my income from my job from time to time for things like food and petrol, it certainly helps. A lot more satisfying than my main job too.

It's a lot of work XD Like, drawing all day almost every day. So if you have stints of not drawing for weeks at a time, it's not something to do for in terms of an only income source.

For people who do the packs/cds/portfolios at cons, typically I hear them also doing around 40 sketches that weekend too, so the portfolios and yadda supplement that. They also take commissions at home or run patrons or their own pay websites or have outside the furry community contract work. I don't know of anyone doing just the folios and packs though alone, without also doing commissions or something else along with them. Those who go to all the cons, it also takes a bit of time, getting all the tax licenses, getting a table like 6 months in advance, travel costs, taxes, hotel space, all that jazz and if something mucks up that con weekend, you're out of your pay to live on for that month or more. So it can be risky putting all the eggs into one basket or another basically.

A few that I know who only sell folios/cds or sorta art packs, usually have a different full time job on the side, and the packs are just supplement things.

I typically just do all commissions. I tried cons a few times but it wasn't my thing really.

Thank you very much for the advice. I will keep that in mind and try and broaden the portfolio, focusing on commissions while doing a few art-packs on the side to prevent that eggs in one basket scenario you described.

Speaking of the amount of work, I had been told that by a couple friends. While I am working my usual 9-5 job I am going to try and prove to myself that I have the dedication for it by drawing Monday to Saturday for 6 months. If I can't keep it up I will know it is not for me.

I never did the drawing at conventions thing. It costs way too much to travel to the convention when I would be making about the same if I stayed at home and drew instead.
Like Teaslebone said, you do have to be constantly drawing. Artblocks can't be a thing you have to deal with, you will have to muscle thru them. And you will have to draw a lot of stuff you either don't want to draw or think is stupid.

Also, you have to remain professional about it, keeping people that commission up to date with status of their commission. Professional about how you ask and how you receive payment, and firm about your prices. A lot of free art is right out the window and there is going to be very little "drawing for yourself" going on.

I also suggest streaming as it helps build interest in your art.

I am reminded back in my college days where my Multimedia tutor said to us "There are no such thing as art blocks." and now I know why as professionals can't afford to stop.

I remember we spoke about being professional too, it is something I will be keeping in mind all the time.

Streams will be coming, I seriously need to update my announcement image haha.

Interesting stuff guys.

I think we should talk :)

We totally should ^www^