/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

How do you actually get money freelancing?
It can't be through stu like Fiverr, right? It's super cheap (well, the ones who are not are at a level I am not personnally) so you'd have to make a shitton of commissions to pay the rent.
I now people usually talk about doing porn but I have my reason not to do it so please don't bring it up.
Say you start from basically zero. How would you go about making money online?
Would you learn some specific stuff? (like understanding/copying popular styles maybe?)
Is it just about doing polished portraits of pretty anime grills or fanart until you gather enough followers so some of them can patreon you every month?
What are some good examples of people that "made it" (which for me, is just havin enough money to survive of drawing only)? Or maybe you did yourself and you have stories to tell, advices to share?
Say you're good enough to be confident and find some kind of niche. Where do you even sell online at a decent price? (or do you have to grind 15$ commissions?)
Do I need to learn some particular skills that are "in demand" (a random example would be vector)
Maybe think outside the typical illustration box and learn graphic design or something makes it easier?

tl;dr : how do I make money online with a shitty level