[vxNsr]

You need to understand that success in the arts looks very different from success in STEM. In our field success is all about how much money you can make, there is a side focus on also feeling fulfilled, but rarely do you hear people talk about how fulfilling their work as a function of itself.

In the arts on the other hand success is defined by how happy you are with the work you’ve accomplished regardless of a dollar value attached to it by others. All the successful artists/creatives I know aren’t making STEM salaries but are happy with the work they’re doing and thus feel successful.

[tartoran]

Unfortunately success in the arts also depends on making a name for yourself and that is directly correlated to how much you sell, who you worked with and how many people heard about you.

[vxNsr]

You’re conflating the wrong things again, if you’re worried about what others value then yes you need to make a name for yourself. But if all you want is happiness, other people’s judgment isn’t necessary

[tartoran]

I never disagreed with the happiness part, as a matter of fact it is what I do. But I don't consider myself as a successful artist neither do I care to, just doing my thing and getting what I need to get from it. That is not considered success, especially when the world has no idea about one's happiness doing their own thing. And by the way, you saying that I am "conflating the wrong things again" is patronizing and very assuming.