stone I would not call myself a Journalist with a capital J because because that's wrong and looks pompous.
That's my knowledge, not particularly specialised btw, so my antennae go up when I see people describing themselves as an Artist or an Actor, for that matter. Probably, I'd think Plumber or Toilet Attendant was just a typo.
You were right that it was a personal comment to you because it was, but it was a relevant one.
Like you with your talent for painting, I get miffed when people suggest that attention to things like the correct use of capital letters doesn't matter because: 'you can read and understand'.
It's never okay to dismiss people's hard work and talent because it doesn't matter that much to you. It seems an ironic conversation to have, given the subject, and I'd never dream of saying that about someone else's work.
I agree with you that I've had people trying to steal my style. They can't because it's my style but surely you're not suggesting the act of painting is a unique skill? I wish writing was because I'd demand royalties all over the shop.
It doesn't bother me that people who have no idea about what the job means describe themselves as journalists because I'm secure in my talent.