I never had any goals towards being a professional artist in any sense when I was a kid. I really wanted to be a paleontologist. (Well, except for the brief period in high school when I wanted to be a comic book artist, but was discouraged when I found out that I'm a rather crappy writer, not thinking that artists don't necessarily have to be able to write the stories as well.)
I always just sort of made things and sketched and took pictures and whatever else I felt like to express myself or, in a lot of cases, decorate my house and fill my jewelry box and wardrobe cheaply. I've always loved to alter my clothing and jewelry and eventually started manufacturing my own as much as I was able to.
Chainmaille has especially caught my attention and I'm very excited to be learning new ways to utilize this gorgeous medium.
Well, I don't think the day I get to quit my 'day job' is in sight just yet, but I'm building a wonderful collection of jewelry, costume items and more inspired by my love of fantasy, science fiction, cyber punk, and so much more.