Thanks again, everyone. I'll probably delete this after a short time, regardless. Your time and experience is appreciated <3

(resubmitting the post in the comments section so people don't have to download a file.. sorry, idk how to use this site yet apparently)

I'm gonna preface this by acknowledging that this isn't really a story or art submission as much as it's a call for advice.

I'm not sure if this is allowed and if it's not an acceptable thing to go about doing, please let me know in the comments section and I'll take this down right away!

Regardless, thank you for taking the time to read-- Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

For years I've wanted to work my way up to a standard of quality that would leave me comfortable enough to take commissions... I gave up on that hope a long time ago due to self esteem issues, but I'm trying to rekindle that now. However, I have no idea how to go about even starting.

I still have a ways to go with practice, but it would give me some grounding to gather any advice on things to take note of, if I so ever take that leap.

So, for anyone who takes commissions as a large sum of their income--

What are some basic do's and do not's when it comes to employing yourself with art work?

What's a good rule of thumb and set of pointers for setting up your marketing page and rules for commissioning?

What are some things you wished you had known before you started?

How do you go about managing money-- and taxes, even, if most of your income sources off of your commissions?

What risks and challenges do you have to face when doing your work? Has anyone tried to make any loopholes against your terms and conditions and what did you have to do in order to tie those loose ends up?

How do you set yourself up professionally?

Any advice is welcome. I acknowledge that a lot of it is going to be a personal-based learning experience and I don't anticipate every artist giving me their secrets. Artwork is a competition and fostering a newcomer is, well, fostering that competition. Which is why I don't begrudge anyone for sharing nothing more than the "do and don't" basics.

I'm just honestly terrified and welcome any sort of footing I can manage before testing the waters-- because the last thing I want to do is mess up and screw myself or anyone else over, even by mistake.

Again, if this isn't an acceptable way to go about asking I'll happily remove the post. It's just the first place I thought I'd throw myself out and ask.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this <3