---This one was a major experiment and quite difficult to paint.. D: I wanted to try a new style here. It is quite a bit inspired by the style of the amazing, whose art I adore!! ^^---In regards to the message I want to share my own story of how I came to being an artist.. and I hope it inspires some of you..I basically grew up with a pen in my hand. I have loved creating ever since I can remember. But it has always been a hobby and I never really though about doing it as a profession..When I grew older though and approached high school I started to upload my pictures to deviantart and step by step more and more people started appreciating what I did. That motivated me and I started thinking about doing art for a living. Many people told me, that I was crazy, when I told them I wanted to be an artist. "You will never make it!", "It is too risky!" or "You can never feed a family as an artist" were sentences I heard on a regular basis.However, I continued to believe in my dream and got even more successful with what I did. At the same time though I finished my highschool final exams with 1.1, which is almost the best result you can get. People started telling me again, that pursuing the career of an artist would be stupid, as I could become a lawyer, a doctor or a manager of my own company.After finishing school I went 2 years on a mission for my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). This time was most precious to me and I learned alot about "listening to my heart". It became clearer and clearer to me, that I wanted to do something for the rest of my life, that fulfills me and enables me to inspire other people. So when I returned home (about 8 months ago) I finally decided, that there is nothing else for me to consider as my profession, but art.So here I am, a freelance artist of 21 years, living my dream. The last months have been crazy full with opportunities and my dream coming true step by step. I feel so blessed and thankful and I know that this is the right path for me. I hope to continue to inspire and help others listening to their hearts as well. I know there might still be tougher times ahead, but as long as I listen to what I feel, I know I will be guided through every hardship. Our hearts just don't lie!Tell me about your stories! I would love to hear them!---Anyways.. I hope you people like the picture and more importantly: the message of it! Listen to your heart!Your Jojoe