It’s wonderful to be following your dream and doing what you are passionate about – in my case, painting. Yet there are challenges to being an artist by profession that may not be obvious at first glance. For example, painting is a high energy activity for me. I keep the brush moving, and I think hard! Much as I love it, painting is not something that I tend to do when tired. So I need to plan my best time of day to do my painting. Other issues are common with those who are self employed. Such as – it’s hard to find a balance with work time and family and friend time. Still, there’s so much to be thankful for – a job I love passionately, and supportive family and friends who understand the unusual hours I sometimes keep. What about you other artists out there – what are your challenges?