Most people don’t think of furry artists as real artists. They think of it as a hobby, a subculture, sketching, or something that only kids do. But the reality is that furry art is a serious and growing form of creative expression. Like other forms of art, some make a living from it, while others do it for the love of the furry community.
Depending on their skill level and popularity, furry artists can make a pretty good living.
The higher-end artists can earn upwards of $200 per hour for their services. However, the average furry artist makes between $20 and $30 hourly. The most popular ones can make even more than that.
This earning may not seem like a lot, but it can add up quickly. A full-time furry artist can easily make over $8,000 to $10,000 per month, resulting in an Annual Income of $120,000.
Of course, this is all before taxes. And like other artists, many of them are self-employed, meaning they have to pay their taxes, which takes a significant chunk out of their earnings, but they can reduce their expenses as a deduction from their business income.
Table of Contents
What is a Furry Artist?
A Furry Artist or an anthro artist is an artist who specializes in creating artwork featuring anthropomorphic animals.
The animals can include anything from cartoon characters to lifelike portraits. They often take inspiration from real-world animals, using their characteristics to create unique and expressive designs.
Many of these artists also deeply love animals, and their work often reflects this.
While Furry Art can be found in many different forms, it is typically united by its positive portrayal of anthropomorphic animals.
People of all ages can enjoy this piece of art, and it often brings joy and laughter to those who view it.
Whether you’re a fan of cute cartoon characters or realistic animal portraits, there’s a Furry Artist out there who can create something you’ll love.
What Do Furry Artists Do?
Furry artists create artwork featuring anthropomorphized animals or animals with human qualities.
The animals include anything from a single drawing of a furry character to an entire scene or story featuring multiple characters.
Furry art can range from cute and child-friendly to more adult-oriented and may be created for either personal or commercial purposes.
Many of these artists also create commissioned pieces, which are requests made by fans for specific types of artwork.
They are anything from a portrait of their favorite character to a scene from their favorite book.
Many are also freelance, which means they don’t have a steady income or benefits like health insurance.
This makes it hard to predict the amount of money you’ll make in a given month and lead to financial instability.
In addition, furry artists often have to spend time and money on materials and travel to conventions, further cutting their profits.
What type of Work do Furry Artists Do?
Furry Artists typically work either freelance or as commissioned artists.
Freelance artists are self-employed and sell their artwork directly to clients. Selling is done through online platforms such as FurAffinity or conventions and other in-person events.
Clients hire commissioned artists to create specific pieces of artwork. This includes anything from a portrait to an illustration for a book.
Commissioned artists typically have contracts with their clients that outline the project’s scope, deadlines, and compensation.
What Skills do Furry Artists Need?
Furry Artists need to understand anatomy, color theory, and lighting strongly. They also need to be able to translate these concepts into their artwork.
Many Artists use reference photos to help them with their work. This can be anything from pictures of real animals to images found online.
They also should be able to promote their work. The promotion is done through online platforms such as social media and FurAffinity.
Some of them also have websites, which they use to showcase their portfolios and attract new clients.
How Much Do Furry Artists Make?
There are a few different ways that furry artists make money. The most common is through the sale of artwork through online galleries or at conventions. Other sources of income include commissions, selling prints and original art, and setting up merchandise sales.
Many can make a living off their art, but some supplement their income with other jobs. For example, some work as hourly wage employees at conventions or online communities, while others may have a billable rate for their services.
The minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour as of April 2022, but furry artists typically make more than that. The average hourly salary is $10, but it can range from $5 to $100 per hour, depending on the project.
The average commission for a furry piece is $50, but the price can vary depending on the commission type, the detail level, and the time period. For example, a simple black-and-white drawing may cost less than $30, while a more complex piece with an additional character may cost $200 or more.
The cost of materials is also a factor in the commission price. For example, an artist who uses high-quality paper and ink will charge more than someone who uses cheaper materials.
Some artists charge for their time, whether for travel, lost time, or the time it takes to set up and arrange their equipment.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Furry Artist?
Furry art is a rapidly growing niche within online art communities. Furry fans are passionate about their favorite animal’s character and often commission artists to create new and original artwork featuring these beloved furry friends.
For many professional artists, selling furry commissions can be a great way to supplement their income.
Furry commissions can be a great source of extra income, but they can also be fun to create.
Many artists enjoy the challenge of creating new and exciting animal characters, and the furry fandom provides an opportunity to connect with other artists who share this passion.
What Are the Challenges of Being a Furry Artist?
Of course, being a Furry Artist also has its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is getting started.
It can be challenging to break into the furry art scene, and it often takes time and patience to build up a following.
Another challenge of being a Furry Artist is making a living. While there are many ways to make money as an artist, it’s not always easy.
This is especially true if you’re starting. Many Furries find themselves working other jobs and their art to make ends meet.
What Does the Future Hold for Furry Artists?
The future looks bright for Furry Artists. As the social network and the furry communities continue to grow, artists will be more opportunities to sell their work.
Additionally, as furries become more mainstream, there will likely be an increase in the demand for furry artwork.
This demand could lead to more Furries making a living off their art and perhaps even making way for a new generation.
However, it is the future holds, and one thing is sure. Furries will continue to create unique artwork that brings joy to everyone who sees it.
Conclusion
So, if you’re an artist who loves working with animals and wants to make a living doing what you love, furry artistry may be the perfect career for you.
Furry artists can make money by selling their work online or through fan commissions.
The skills required to become a successful artist are primarily artistic, but other essential qualities will help you succeed.
And finally, the benefits of being a furry artist are plentiful, from making your schedule to having creative freedom.
But like any career, some challenges come along with it.
We hope this article helped you better understand what it takes to be a furry artist and all the role entails.
Thank you for reading, and please do leave your comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What skills are necessary for a successful career as a furry artist?
Some basic skills essential for any furry art are understanding anatomy, perspective, and composition, along with strong drawing and painting skills. It is also necessary to communicate your ideas effectively through your artwork. It is also helpful to be familiar with the furry community and the conventions where furries gather, as this can help you get your work seen by more people.
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What kind of work do furry artists do?
There is a wide range of work that furry artists do, from illustrating children’s books to working on animated movies. Some furry artists create their characters and comics, while others work on costumes and mascots for conventions and other events. Many furry artists also do commissions for people who want illustrations or artwork featuring their characters.
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How do you get started as a furry artist?
Some tips on getting started might include studying other furry artists’ work, learning about animal anatomy and physiology, and practicing your drawing skills regularly. Additionally, it can be helpful to join online communities or forums dedicated to furries and art to gain feedback and advice from other artists.
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Are there any challenges that come with being a furry artist?
Furry art is a niche genre, and only a few people are interested in it. There isn’t a lot of money to be made in the furry art market, and it can be hard to find sponsors or patrons willing to support your work. Furry artists often receive criticism from both within and outside the furry community, and it can be difficult to handle negative feedback gracefully.
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What are the most common mediums used by furry artists?
The most common mediums furry artists use are traditional media, such as pencils, pens, and paper; digital media, such as Photoshop and Paint Tool and 3D software, such as Maya and ZBrush. Additionally, some furry artists use other digital tools, such as Illustrator or Inkscape, to create vector art.
