Commission Prices, Financial Stability & Future Worriment

Hello, ladies, gentlemen & folks. AreKayHen here.

Not too long ago, as of writing this post, I have made improvements and changes to Toon Comm, notably adding more options for shading and backgrounds.

However, that is not what I want to focus on right now. What I mainly want to talk about at this time is the fact I lowered some discount options and also raised prices by a considerable amount.

As much as I wanted to stand out from other commissioners by how I price things, out of fear of my future well-being, I decided to raise them up this time. (At least the lowest prices are lower.)

I didn't think I would need to talk about this specific situation I am in until now, but I might as well.

For those of you who don't know my financial situation, I am currently scraping by and have been nothing but struggling to get a full-time job while I am living in my childhood home and rent is due every month.

To pay for rent, other than Pencil Artist Studio, ever since the start of 2026, I have been working in many part-time jobs, specifically as a freelance bookkeeper and as a part-time fine artist for a taxidermist. The jury may be out on whether or not this fits the definition of "financially stable", but currently it's working enough for me to pay rent and to have some money left over.

...at least, for now.

As much as I wish this wasn't the case, I live in a state where, unless if there are other viable alternatives, I am expected to pay for my own health insurance by mid-2027 (AT LEAST, mind you).

You think because I am currently working in a couple of jobs at the moment that I would have no problems getting another job sooner than later, but that's not the case. The reason why I got those jobs what because of my mother and her many connections she has made throughout her life. 

I wouldn't say I am unappreciative that my mother gave me these jobs. I also wouldn't say I want anything, no matter what it was, handed to me on a silver platter. Just once, on my own, I want to get a decent job that at least has good pay, beneficial benefits and none of those shady business practices you would find in MLMs or devilcorps.

JUST. ONCE. 

I want to prove to myself that I have the means and the ways to get a job, to take care of myself, to move out, to basically make it on my own. Unfortunately, fate favors only the strongest destinies (no matter how morally reprehensible they are) and those who actually give two hoots are or seem to be far and few between in this messed-up world we live in.

I'm probably going to have to take drastic measures to ensure my future well-being is safe and sound. Maybe I'll take a sabbatical starting in 2027 until things become financially stable enough for me to draw art again. God, I hope I get a job before then.

In the meantime, after all I have said, if you want to support me either through commissions in Toon Comm, donations through Ko-Fi or subscriptions through Patreon, thank you in advance for you help. I don't expect you to have enough money to help me last for a month, let alone a year. Regardless if you do, however, thanks anyway.

With all that said, bye, I hope, for now.