Book excerpt: Art is one of the best parts of your life...are you ready to make it your living? Whether you are an art student, an aspiring artist or a longtime hobbyist, Margaret Peot offers experienced advice and empowerment for taking that next step. Chapter by chapter, she'll help you map out a personalized route toward the creative life of your dreams. Get real-world advice on everything from bidding on jobs and promoting yourself to filing taxes and getting health insurance. Worksheets help you refine your goals, price your work with confidence, write an artist's statement and more. Interviews with successful artists in a range of professions reveal how they "made it," complete with advice on how you can, too. In a world where artists are stereotyped as struggling and starving, this upbeat, down-to-earth guide will help you shape your goals, identify opportunities and earn a productive, joyful living with your artwork. Embrace your passion and shape your every day into a work of art!