The masterthread is full of good advice!
However, as freelance work can be spotty and unreliable---especially when you're just starting out---I would not bank on being able to rely on art full time from the get go. This is true for anyone that doesn't already have a foot in the door, so to speak.
Hello all, this is my first forum post, and basically, I have three months to prepare before I am forced to leave my mother's house. I'm going to be on my own pretty much, and lose pretty much everything I've ever loved, especially my dog best friend. I'm probably going no contact, but I'm definitely going to need to start saving up money (since it's so sudden and I'm broke) so I was thinking maybe I could try commissions? What do you guys think? I've done some before, but never for actual money...
I second what lemonylulu said. I use commissions as a kind of on-my-own-terms way to make cash, but I still hold down a good job. A job in a physical location or with a physical company is gonna be your best bet.
Thirding the above. I’ve been doing commissions supplementally for years. I have no intention to make it my main source of income for the reasons above. Also, pay isn’t great even for professional rates tbh. Unless you live in a very low cost of living area I would strongly recommend not relying entirely on commissions.
I don't do commissions personally but based on what people are saying above, I agree. But I HAVE seen people set up a gofundme or other donation platform (posting it on other social platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, etc...) to get funds for themselves and/or for others. I'm sure maybe you can try that as well as commissions, if you explain your situation and people would be willing to help you out by donation.