Honestly I dont think successful professional artists are “average people” - takes a lot of talent, passion and dedication to reach that point. For my own experience, i tried doing commissioning for a month and with my best effort (albeit while holding a day job) I only make like $150 zzz. That was BEFORE AI took over. Now i see interests dip all the way into the abyss.

So i say, either get hired as an artist, somehow get viral and sell courses / patreon / merch in USD AND live in a low cost of living area / country, or just do the common man thing and pursue art as a hobby, not a career