From reading forums in the fandom's art archives, there seems to be a pair of phenomena known as "Gift art", and "Art Trades". "Gifts" are unsolicited renderings of one's characters sent to them (usually without prior notice) by admirers of that person's work. "Trades" are something like commissions, except that reciprocal drawings are the "payment". The process, whenever it hinges on the efforts of two artists to complete, tends to lend itself to a lot of unfulfilled promises and other assorted misunderstandings. That said, it's apparently a barrel of fun when it works out, and with my recent entry to VCL, opens up the possibility that some of this activity might be directed my way. I've already posted a policy in the form of a text file in my VCL gallery, but if you came here first, I've revised this document for your enlightenment. But the most complete policy is still the VCL one for now, except fot the section on commissions, which you'll find below.
Gift Art:
--You to me:
After giving it some thought, I've concluded that all I really need is for
you to e-mail me a copy first. I prefer more-or-less finished works (meaning
at least cleaned-up pencils) over "proof that I can do 2-minute
sketches".
--Me to
you:
Unlike many artists in furry, I won't draw another artist's creations unless
the characters' owner gives me permission. Even if you've previously given
blanket permission for others to draw your characters, I have to hear (read)
it from you. In the event of an art trade, it is assumed that permission
is given to whatever characters you choose to make available (Duh!). Then,
of course, I have to admire your characters enough to want to draw them without
being asked to. But you knew that already.
Art
Trades:
--I will do them, but being aware that a great many trades have failed to
complete for a variety of reasons. Before consenting to do a trade, I'll
look at your track record for completing them in a reasonable length of time,
your ability as compared to mine, and your available selection of characters.
Bear in mind that I have little experience drawing a wide variety of species
and may turn down a trade if I feel I cannot do your characters
justice.
Commissions:
--I really don't think I should be accepting these right now. I don't have
sufficient experience with drawing a wide variety of anthropomorphics to
insure a reasonable probability that I can do what some random commissioner
would want and draw it to his/her satisfaction. If you're still
convinced I can do your idea justice to the point you'd actually pay
money for it--well, there's not much I can do to stop you from making the
request.