Top art niches that make BIG money for freelancers!

Summary

This video guide provides aspiring artists with a roadmap to succeed in commission art by exploring popular niches in demand. Covering MMORPG characters, Pokémon trainers, Dungeons & Dragons fantasy art, book covers, environment design, sci-fi, cyberpunk, mechs, and dark fantasy, the guide offers valuable tips on artistic styles, techniques, and portfolio-building strategies. With advice on dynamic poses, visual storytelling, and mastering various artistic elements like armor, lighting, and special effects, the video helps artists position themselves for success in a competitive market, encouraging skill growth and niche specialization.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on popular niches for commissions, such as MMORPG characters, Pokémon trainers, and fantasy artwork, which have strong client demand.
• 😀 Avoid certain areas like NSFW, furry artwork, and AI-generated art, as they can lack value in commissions.
• 😀 MMORPG character commissions thrive with dynamic poses, backgrounds, and familiarity with fantasy-style armor and character races.
• 😀 Pokémon trainers are in demand, especially for anime or painterly styles, with neutral poses and battling scenes being highly sought after.
• 😀 Dungeons & Dragons and fantasy character commissions require knowledge of various races, armor, weapons, and dynamic lighting for dramatic results.
• 😀 Book covers and light novel illustrations offer potential commissions, with a focus on mood lighting, character expressions, and visual storytelling.
• 😀 Environment art, including landscapes, cityscapes, and futuristic settings, is highly valued, with a strong emphasis on diversity and texture skills.
• 😀 Sci-fi and cyberpunk commissions demand futuristic designs, from military armor to cybernetic modifications, with a focus on technology and avant-garde fashion.
• 😀 Mech designs are in constant demand, and knowing mechanical engineering, special effects, and the practical movement of machines is crucial for success.
• 😀 Dark Fantasy artwork, inspired by games like Elden Ring, requires skills in heavy texture work, dark fantasy armor, and mood lighting for dramatic scenes.

Q & A

Why is it important to understand the most popular niches for commissions?

Understanding popular niches allows artists to align their skills with the current demands, helping them stand out and increase their chances of success in the highly competitive world of commissions.

Why is 'not safe for work' (NSFW) artwork excluded from the discussion?

NSFW artwork is excluded because it generally requires less skill to create, can be seen as controversial, and doesn't align with the artistic goals and professionalism targeted by the commission advice in the video.

What is the primary skill set required for creating custom characters for MMORPGs?

The key skills for creating custom MMORPG characters include familiarity with fantasy artwork, designing armor sets and costumes, and knowledge of various classes and races. Dynamic poses, action scenes, and backgrounds also make the artwork more engaging.

What are the most important things to consider when creating original OC (original character) Pokémon trainers?

It's important to be familiar with the Pokémon universe, even if you don't need to know all Pokémon. The style should align with anime or painterly aesthetics, and the artwork should emphasize the character's design, possible battles, and interactions with Pokémon.

What should an artist know before diving into Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and fantasy character commissions?

Artists should be familiar with both humanoid and non-humanoid races, armor sets, weapons, and accessories. Understanding dynamic lighting and being able to portray emotional expressions and magical effects will help create immersive scenes for D&D commissions.

How does an artist stand out when creating book covers or light novel illustrations?

Artists can stand out by mastering anatomy, creating expressive characters, and using mood lighting to tell a story. Incorporating visual storytelling, magical effects, and engaging backgrounds can enhance the appeal of book covers.

What are the key elements for creating stunning environment artwork?

To excel in environment art, an artist must know landscape fundamentals, texture creation, and photo bashing. A diverse portfolio with various environments—ranging from modern to fantasy and sci-fi—is essential for attracting clients.

How can an artist create compelling sci-fi or cyberpunk-themed artwork?

Artists should be passionate about technology, futurism, and avant-garde fashion. A strong understanding of different armored characters, cybernetics, and sci-fi weaponry is necessary, as well as the ability to create futuristic cityscapes or dystopian environments.

Why is designing mechs such a valuable skill for artists?

Designing mechs is in high demand due to their presence in popular games and films. There is a significant lack of artists who specialize in mech design, creating a gap in the market. Mastering mech mechanics, armor, and special effects can help set an artist apart.

What should an artist understand to excel in dark fantasy artwork?

Artists interested in dark fantasy should be skilled in texture work, creating battle-worn or scarred characters, and understanding the design of dark fantasy armor. Using special effects and mood lighting is key to portraying the brooding atmosphere of this genre.