Hello!
It is best to wage your work based off of minimum wage of your area and build yourself up from there.
As well,
I recently typed up a massive post in regards to commissions on a different website so I'll share it here as well.
Alright., this is going to be a very long post as a heads up.
I do freelance commission work to earn a small income to support myself while comic-ing. I mostly do them through FA and am mildly? successful. I don't do them on DA so my advice is mostly rooted in my experience with FA and the furry community. Things that are important in the commission experience: Ad Design [you'd be surprised at how much of an impact this actually creates when starting out], Communication, Turn around rate, Terms of Service use [basically don't backtrack yourself. Make it very clear what you will or will not do], Price stability, Art Improvement and Style, Personality, and Examples of work.
To break things up:
Ad Design - I cannot stress how incredibly import this is. If you are posting an ad in your gallery make it readable, easy to understand, and very clear in what you are offering. Follow a design and treat it as if it was a work of art. If you are unfamiliar with graphic design then ask friends for tips and advice. Think of it as if you were the customer looking for a personal art piece. Does the art apeal to you? Is it easy to read? Taking that extra step for presentation can do a lot more then people give it credit for.
Communication - You are providing a service, COMMUNICATE. If there are delays, let them know. Send reminders when commissions are open [please don't spam though].
Turn Around - Turn around can fluctuate between artists. Some customers are very strict in regards to turn around and it is often best to stick with what you say unless problems arise. If you say you'll finish in a week then finish in a week. Be honest with yourself and your customers. People are patient but don't test it!
ToS - Dear god PLEASE have a Terms of Service and be STRICT with it. Don't sell yourself out and look wishy washy and keep yourself safe. I've had people try to scam me out of paying, just as many others have. A ToS is your net underneath the tightrope. Here is my ToS as an example: http://teacupcoms.weebly.com/tos.html
Price Stability - It actually HURTS you to have constant sales. It makes you look desperate and cheap. [Even if we are D: ] Buying art can often be very personal to the customer [at least it is for me!]. Often a person will decide by choosing whose style they like or suits their character / persona / etc. Prices just tend to be the final decision. Be stable. Don't go up and down so much. People WILL question why you are cheap. [Trust me on that] I had more people approach me when I stabilized my prices then when I had constant sales. That saying, the occasional sale is not a bad thing. Just don't overuse it.
Art Improvement and Style - Work constantly and update constantly. Show that you are stagnant. The more you post, the more views you draw in and the more possible customers. I get less sales the less I work on off breaks. If you aren't getting commissions currently then use it as an opportunity to improve yourself and up your portfolio. It is more impressive to see someone devoted to the craft then never seeming to post much. As well, styles vary and so does taste. I don't care for buying 'kawaii' artstyles of my characters since I feel it conflicts with their personalities. Find your niche and they'll show up. smile emoticon
Personality - THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. BE KIND. BE NICE. BE RESPECTFUL. Network and make friends with other artists and commissioners. Don't be a loner, it gets you nowhere fast. Take it from someone with social anxiety; it isn't impossible to make a few friends and promote each other and help each other out. People are more drawn to those that appear kind and willing to work things out.
Examples of work - ALWAYS have examples provided. Keep them up to date and have a website easily available. I suggest making a weebly to house prices, tos, and examples.
now be brave my fellow artists and do what you can.
