AIBU to think I can be an artist? Are any of you are artists? If so, do you do it full time? Do you make money from it or is it a hobby?

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Backstory
I am not new to being an artist as such, I used to sell my work for £££s a pop (for a few days work) but it was a VERY small market and deemed a little "weird". I never had any passion for it, So I can say I was happy to see the back of it and the certain type of customers.
I since then I gave that up and got a boring and stressful job in insurance. Now Ive given that up and Ive realised art really is all I want to do with my life. If I dont properly try I will never know. This time I want to be working with canvas and paintings, doing what I love.
Ive been winning art awards since I was 7 but my family were extremely against art. "waist of time - pathetic - childish..." normal abusive narc crap.
So here I am. My partner is very supportive and is encouraging me/pushing me to push for my dream.
I told my closest and oldest friend about it and she couldnt even bring herself to comment she thought it was so stupid. That was very off putting.

So I am asking any of you out there who are in the same boat or are considering it, AIBU for thinking I can do this?
Does anyone else make a living? How did you start? Do you advertise? Would it be unreasonable for me to ask you these ins and outs?

• All feedback welcome, I am familiar with AIBU and expect some people to have claws out. But any actual advice would be very much appriciated my end. Thank you for taking the time x

No my bil is an unemployedartist he is 29 lives in a flat paid for by in laws and has an allowance or he would be on the dole

He makes video art

Wow OP!! I want expecting that!!

You know you could make a packet making life sized sex dolls, they sell for thousands!!

if you're going to go for it, paint the pictures you really like and really believe in. when you did it before you say you didn't really like what you created and didn't like your clients. don't make that mistake again! art has a way of resonating when the artist is true to themselves.

Do you make the dolls??

So . . . Photorealist style. Acrylics? Must take a hell of a long time and feel like loads of hard work - unless you love doing them and have a strong urge to make them (ehich you don't). Do you intend to carry on working in a photographic style? Maybe try experinenting with looser, even abstract ways of working (apologies if you've already done this and rejected it). Do you have something you want to 'say?'

Really, undersmile I think that's pretty amazing art!

I mean, they're hideous, obviously but you are incredibly talented. I have 2 friends who earn good money working making props/ statues/ body adornments etc for film sets but both worked for pennies or indeed nothing doing work experience beforehand. I can see you have the same sort of skill set, would something like that interest you?

Oh, are they dolls? Thought they were paintings.

Well, they are art.
Spending hours painting layers of veins and skin tones. Its taught me a lot about painting skin and undertones and thats applicable to canvas as much as dolls.
I didnt enjoy making them, but they are art. I cant think what else they would be to be honest.
I have sculpted too. Art isnt as simple as drawing or painting, there are so many branches.

Im actually really looking forwards to painting "normal" pictures. Just wanted to show you the last "artwork" I had done. :) Not everyones cup of tea.

I feel so inspired and just want to thank everyone for the advice. Ive taken it all on board and its given me a lot to think over, which is exactly what I wanted. I feel so inspired that so many of you have made a living in the art world, I wish you all the best and thank you again for your kindness xxxx

NE14T- I'm not saying you don't need to be incredibly skilled to do them, obviously a lot of effort goes into them. However, I don't consider it art. Dolls are dolls, so she's a hobbyist, or a craftsman, rather than an artist IMO.

Are model aeroplanes art then?
Or gaming miniatures? Yes- of course they are highly skilled and artistic, but they're not art.

Well, if some of the best modern art in the world is a pile of bricks stacked up I think I can safely call models art.
Anyway, thats what I used to paint. Now Im more into pastel works and water colors.

Just thought people might like to see how varied my previous art was, not up for a debate :)

This is AIBU- you get the debate whether you wanted it or not!

Couldnt be more true undersmile :)

Maybe once ive finnished my current painting I will pop it up on here for you all to see.
Its called "The Affair" and I think some of you will get a kick out of it anyway :)

An acquaintance is an artist and does pretty well out of it. Personally I think her work is repetitive and uninspiring but hey I'm in finance so what do I know!

Sorry to hijack but would love to know more about Fudgefeet's DH's job. I have a very talented son looking to get into that field - any pointers?

Of course gaming miniatures or model planes are art ... if someone views them as such.

Personally I view both as bloody annoying things that clutter up my house but its OH's hobby and he likes it... to me its not art because he's crap at painting them but I've seen miniatures done incredibly well that ARE art.. just not art I'd choose to have in my home.

You don't get to say what is or is not art - sorry, fuck off with that - you get to say what YOU like what YOUd buy, what YOUd have in your home, but you don't get to decide what is or is not art for the rest of us!

I do art. People buy it. I don't make a lot of money at it but its better than poking myself in the eye iwth a rusty spoon and unlike my other job it doesn't tend to involve leaving my home, which means I can do it without pants on if i want.

Any job that makes pants optional is a win in my eyes.

But what's your DH saying with his model aeroplanes Widdlin?

marking place.... wondering whether to take the plunge too...

Shotgun

"It's a post-modern statement on a meta level... about how I don't want to do the housework or watch Coronation St so I am going to clart up the house with this plastic tat and bugger all your good paintbrushes dry brushing Snot Green on this ork's face"

I think, but you may interpret it differently!

Indeed!

No me unfortunately. But I just love original art, it's one of our weaknesses and we like to add to our collection a couple of times a year and don't mind investing a decent amount in something special and eye catching.

We've bought a couple of pieces in recent years from local artists displaying their work at a temporary display in a local town. I'm often surprised at the poor business and marketing sense some artists show, though. Setting up a Facebook page and finding other ways to get your work known is essential. Maybe having a few pieces up for sale in local cafes and restaurants too?

No matter how amazing your work, people can't possibly buy it if they don't know of its existence

Sometimes it's not just a question of Getting the work seen though - it's getting it seen in the right places and by the right people!
You may scoff at that concept, but the ybas would never have been spotted by Charles Saatchi if they'd shown their work in a café in Ourgate.

But how long does a single doll take to make? Seems like it might be quite a lot of work for £500! Still, if you enjoy it.