Today, while I was giving some advice to a fellow artist on deviantArt, I had an epiphany: I don't think I've enjoyed commission work as much as I thought I would. I don't think I'm the kind of artist who enjoys having to draw to someone else's specifications, even if the subject matter is something I normally enjoy. When output is demanded rather than simply appreciated, it sucks a lot of the joy out of it and turns art work into just work. And so I've come to the decision that, after I finish my current commission project for a generous and patient client, I'm closing the doors on my commission biz. I am no longer accepting new commissions.

For me, art is a means to relax when I'm off work, a way to express my own creative vision and ideas. I enjoy my art more when it isn't more work. I do want to make money off my art, but now I'm shifting my focus to creating what I want and selling it. On the horizon, I'm looking at merchandising my art; posters, t-shirts, mugs, etc. And of course I plan on starting my own company to manage my IPs.

In the meantime, I'm gonna start looking for jobs as a concept artist for animation and video games, where the whole point is to be creative and brainstorm designs based on a few key details. Yeah, I'll still be drawing for someone else, but I'll have more creative flexibility.