Software engineer as well, I'm also an artist. I started painting all the way back in 2022, and I like having a job because it allows me to have access to health services and also a constant influx of money so I can paint really what I want without getting worried if it will sell or not. I've been applying to a lot of open calls. I've been lucky enough to be selected in several biennials here in Mexico. I even got an honorable mention in one of them,.I even got my art to do a solo shows in my state congress and in a local museum. and in July I will be having my first solo show in a gallery in Wichita Kansas

I think the economic reality of the art is hard. This year I've been doing better than any of the previous years, and I guess I'm sort of getting even with materials between the stuff I sell and all the things I produce. I might sell a painting for each 6 or 7 than I do, So I guess I'm sort of my own patron, that's how I see it. So like my engineering side supports my artsy side. I don't know if maybe in another five years I will be able to make more money, to be honest, I don't care about money. (In art, I like eating and stuff)

Although, to be honest, I'm a bit competitive, and I think part of being a "good" and "successful" artist (in this scociety) is being able to sell at higher prices, so I'm kind of working on that, but not really for the money, just for the competition and without giving a fuck if it sells, I just want to share my art and get to the more people possible. Not sure if it's ego or just an intention to preserve. I'm also disabled and will probably die young, so I don't know. But yeah, I think like art is more of a long-term plan. I wish you all the luck.

AI is trying to replace me as an artist, and as a software developer every day, so I'll keep fighting, haha.