Art was a hobby when I was in high school, but even then I knew, or hoped, I was working toward something bigger. But still, it is definitely one thing to be a student and another to work at this on my own every day. Even though I was supporting myself right out of school, it was mostly because of my shop, and using the title “illustrator” always felt like a lie. After graduating, the free time was also a shock. In school I was attending classes, doing assignments, and running my shop, and suddenly it felt like I had so much time. Three and a half years later, I’m so happy to consistently have the kind of jobs I want and feel like I really am an illustrator now.