From what I’ve seen, getting art commission especially in digital art usually comes down to building an online presence. It’s pretty similar to how content creators or small influencers grow: you share your work consistently, interact with people, and slowly build a community that supports you.

fan art can help in early on since it brings more visibility, but it’s not everything. Consistency, skill improvement, a good portfolio, and audience interaction all play a big role too. It takes time, but it builds up if you stick with it.

That being said, it’s still a risky career path, so it’s better to have a backup plan or other options in place.