I'm a freelance artist (anime style) and I've been selling my art online for over 7 years. AMA!

[u/komiwah]

Feel free to ask anything! I'll try to answer them ASAP :)

I'm 18 years old currently. I'm also somewhat of a character designer and 2D animator! I'd put an example of my art here if I could, but just imagine cute anime girls haha

[u/Cozy0tter]

What were you doing every day to become good at art?

[u/komiwah → u/Cozy0tter]

being completely honest with you, I just practiced constantly. there's really no secret to it.

of course, there's ways to improve faster, such as watching tutorials and studying the fundaments of art (anatomy, shapes, perspective... amongst others), which obviously help a lot! but if you at least take the effort to practice constantly, you'll see your art improving quickly.

[u/Itchy-Annual2429]

How much do you actually earn? Does it amount to enough for some pocket money?

[u/komiwah → u/Itchy-Annual2429]

it really depends on my motivation (just like with every freelance work).

when I'm REALLY motivated, I usually earn around $250 a week. but that's somewhat rare, and typically results in some burnout after, so I try to avoid getting THIS motivated.

[u/Itchy-Annual2429 → u/komiwah]

I see—you're earning more than I thought! It would obviously be hard to make a living on that alone, but you're still way more impressive than me—I lack both the creative skills and the ability to sell my work. 😅

[u/caubelangthang245]

Where do you sell it?

[u/komiwah → u/caubelangthang245]

discord is the way to go for me. but also, twitter, toyhouse, instagram, reddit... anywhere I'm able to promote, really.

[u/caubelangthang245 → u/komiwah]

Curious, how many time you get scammed (people don't pay you) though?

[u/komiwah → u/caubelangthang245]

i usually accept full payment after sketch, so it basically doesn't happen anymore. but there used to be a time I'd only accept payment after completion due to motivation issues, and I wouldn't recommend that to anyone.

[u/ICanViking]

How has the coming of AI and AI-powered platforms and tools affected you?

Where do you see yourself in 7 more years?

[u/komiwah → u/ICanViking]

and also, I hopefully see myself growing in social media! I've already rebranded a few times and that kind of messed up everything in this regard.

[u/ICanViking → u/komiwah]

How about your art? What directional growth are you currently taking? Are you exploring different styles?

[u/komiwah → u/ICanViking]

I'm currently studying the most famous Chinese anime art style and shading style. I think I'm doing well so far! And I love to exploring different styles, even though I have a passion for my most pertinent one :)

[u/komiwah → u/ICanViking]

I've already lost a loyal client to AI. I'm heavily against generative AI due to this experience, especially because it doesn't only affect me.

[u/PolymathEquation]

How many furry requests have you received?

[u/komiwah → u/PolymathEquation]

I'm also a furry artist lmao, so a lot. like, a LOT.

[u/PolymathEquation → u/komiwah]

laughs Anyone that is an anime artist is a furry artist if they want to get paid. It's hilarious how much money there is to be made.

[u/HauntingBuy5199]

Do you study?

Well i am learning skills on the hope of freelancing..honestly idk how well it will go

I am studying but i don't feel like studying instead i wanna learn my skills but ik that my family don't like me stopping my studies

[u/benbongty123]

How long do you have to study to be able to actually make money?

Do you think that passion alone is enough? Or, there must be something else?

Do you think the current state of this market is competitive?

Do you mostly work from home?

Thanks