There's always more to achieve but I'm very content with my current situation. It's important to strive and to have attainable goals, but it's also important, particularly for a freelancer or solo worker, to recognize when you've met intermediate goals and to give yourself a pat on the back.
I am extremely happy to have been able to pursue life as an artist for so many years and in so many capacities. I have worked in many aspects of graphic design, web design, illustration, and fine art. I've been able to use my skills to help other businesses, particularly start-ups, and put marketing and promotion knowledge to use for them and for myself. And there's so much more to learn!
Now I am at a point where I am concentrating diligently on fine art with portraiture and botanical art as a primary focus. The challenge of creating a perfect likeness is all-consuming and it is a great way to employ a wide variety of artistic techniques that I have picked up over the years. To be able to paint a portrait and bring happiness to people on a personal level is a wonderful feeling! And the botanical work feeds my own desire to express a connection with every aspect of our natural world, its complexities, and the way we are tied to every plant, every rock, and even the air we breathe, at an elemental level.
To be able to devote my life to this pursuit absolutely meets my definition of success.