you're a professional artist when you get paid for it.
if and when you declare your intention to the world that you want to be an artist, get ready for rejection. not because the world doesn't want or need your art. but because most people are afraid to declare their dreams, their truths, their desires... and those people will judge you negatively for having the courage they seem to lack.
nay-sayers. doubters. haters. critics. the world is full of them. much more of them than supporters, allies, advocates and believers. but the great part is that you don't need either of them. you just need yourself. and your own beliefs.
i declared that i wanted to be a musician when i was 16. at that age, most people said "that's adorable" and understood it was just a teenage pipe dream. minimal judgement. but it was after i graduated from college with that same declared goal that people said "uh... are you sure?" and then i succeeded at becoming a full time professional musician. and everyone said "wow i can't believe you get to do what you love and that you stuck with it." and now, after 12 years of not having a day job and only making money from music, people are doubting me again. advising me to "get a real job" or "just try to make some money." most people my age have homes and cars and families and THINGS. i have chosen to forego those securities in the pursuit of my calling. it's not a choice, really. it's an obligation to my truth. i am an artist because i say i am an artist. i am a professional artist because people pay me for my art. struggles be damned. at least i'll die knowing i didn't walk away from my dreams.
don't walk away from your dreams. unless you want to. your life is up to you. rock it.