/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

>>3477282
>Can you post proofs?
Sure thing, though I don't know how much something like this will help / if it's enough for you. This is a snapshot of my Upwork earnings. It's not too much, but I mentioned previously that multiple of these jobs lead to continued work with the clients outside of Upwork, so there's quite a bit more earned than shown here. The 'fees paids' on the right are the cuts that Upwork takes out of the job. It sucks, but depending on the job it can still be worth it. I really only pitch to a very small percentage of jobs on this site, since a vast majority of gigs have terrible budgets for the amount of work they ask for, and the clients generally seem inexperienced / a pain in the ass. Happy to talk about Upwork more in general. Overall it's a pain in the ass and generally not worth it, but I'd by lying if I said I didn't occasionally find some good opportunities on it.

>>3477317
>do you think that a skilled artist is capable of producing work in a variety of styles?
Totally! Regarding emulating / imitating an artists style, you need to look at it from a clients point of view: They hire you based on what you show them in a portfolio. Clients value style, even if you don't. They like to know what they're getting. No one is going to ask you to emulate another artist, even if you know you're perfectly capable of doing so and would do it for cheaper.

>plenty of illustrators who never leave their comfort zone or are scared to challenge themselves.
I would also agree with this. I personally place style in high regard, but I also think that a good style comes first from a strong understanding on the fundamentals, and then deconstructing them. There's a balance to be struck between growing as an artist and developing your skills, and honing in on your stylistic identity.

>>3477344
Well said. Just curious - has joining the SoI been worth it to you? What are some positive things that have come from it?