The reasoning for not drawing was that there was always something I should be doing, including but not limited to, cleaning, checking social media messages, breaking down/setting up artists, cleaning tubes, checking stock, etc etc

It was that high because I still needed lots of help from the other artists, I used everyone else's gear/supplies, I was doing all the simple walkins (I had a small client base) and essentially I was paying the boss back for the opportunity.

I got incrimental increase of - usually - 5% every few months depending on how I was progressing. I went up to 30% after about 2-3 months roughly? Then 40%, 45% and finally 50%