Hiring processes and company experience

[varr]

Heyo!

I am currently working on building a portfolio to use in the process of achieving a career doing what I love best: Creating art. I've been digitally painting for a few years as well as doing a lot more 'cutesy', cartoony art and have always wondered what the hiring process was like for major companies such as Wizards of the Coast.

I am currently in a transitional period between my last job, which was not art related, and finding a job creating art for a living (Be it steady commissions or a steady job with a company). Up to now, art has been a hobby for me besides the occasional commission and I'd like any advice some experienced artists can offer on how to approach seeking employment.

I'd also like to ask the following two questions:

1. How did you come about becoming hired for your first steady art job?

2. How was your overall experience with it?

(Please correct me if this is not the appropriate location to post this kind of thread)

Thanks!

[Amber Alexander]

Check out some of the posts here: http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=68

1. I was hired for my first commission through an ad I replied to on Craig's List

2. My first commission unfortuately was my first ripoff, I worked with a contract but the fee was pretty small so I didn't require any up front. I still have not been paid, that'll teach me.

However my first paying and larger commission was very exciting yet difficult because the client was not clear in expaining what she wanted so the amount of time it took in creating all her revisions made the pay not very good.

[varr]

Thanks for the link and for sharing your experience!