AAAAA TY so much QwQ <3. As for advice, I think the biggest 2 factors are audience and aesthetic. Skills is subjective, I dont really count it as a big factor, but artstyle/aesthetic is one. Lets say you can have an average skills in anatomy but if your overall artwork is pretty to look at people will still have an interest with it. I am not saying that you should be complacent with your own skills, still practice and learn more to improve but I just wanna say that a lot of artists are intimidated by trying freelance because their artskill isn't "good" yet but really you shouldn't. Its a risk worth taking and you also improve along the way honestly. Second is audience, starting in freelance can be rough since its really hard to get client sometimes. It used to take me a month or more before I could fill in my slots so it can be a bit discouraging. Advertising in multiple platforms can be of help! I used to advertise on discords etc. Finding your own niche/fandom is also very important for audience, during my starting days people comm me in FFXIV fandom because they like how I draw teeth or feral faces in general... thats my niche o7

Another minor but important factor that is often overlooked by freelancers is building a sense of security for your clients. I've seen a lot of commission complaints that there are artists who just runs off with their client's money... dont do that. We are still offering services and the money given to us are hard-earned by them. You dont have to update your clients weekly, but always be available for communication just incase. This why I used Vgen or any art commission platforms in general because I want to reassure my clients that they will get what they paid for. Also dont bite more than you can chew. PLEASE ITS A NO.1 SOURCE OF BURNOUT. If you're planning to be a 100% freelance like me, do a transition phase. I accepted comms while I'm still in my old job, only small amount of it. I'm just building my audience that time, once I noticed that my comms seem stable? I jumped off my old toxic workplace lol. You still need to secure your own financial stability. o7

I'm not saying it will work for everyone tho but this is coming from my own experiences, I hope this helped even a bit anon! But always seek for your own improvement in art, its a never ending learning :D <3 Best of luck Anon!!!!