[Zev]

In this way it's not terribly different from a lot of jobs. Sure, it's much better than most, but I would be careful about thinking life as an artist is truly an escape from the rigors of the real world.

FWIW, my suggestion was specifically to have art as a hobby, not a job. This way, it doesn't need to make you any money. Just to provide an escape and/or a stress relief. And in this case, who cares what others think of your work? You do it because you want to.

[brc]

yes I guess I conveniently ignored your point, I guess I was just trying to add in my part about making a living as an artist.

Ultimately, I think, that any type of creative work needs validation by others, even if it's not of the payment type. I think few people are driven enough to create without at least some positive feedback from people whose opinion they respect.