1After five years in an advertising agency, Marta decided to become a freelance illustrator working from a small studio at home.
2The freedom of choosing her own projects felt wonderful, but the irregular income made the first year quite stressful.
3She spent mornings answering emails from clients and afternoons drawing book covers, magazine images, and posters for local events.
4Unlike her old office job, freelancing required her to manage taxes, contracts, and invoices without any help from colleagues.
5Marta built an online portfolio, and within six months publishers from three different countries began to contact her.
6She learned quickly that talented artists also need business skills if they want to earn a steady living.
7Her most rewarding project so far has been illustrating a children's book written by her former primary school teacher.
8When young readers write to her about the pictures, she remembers exactly why she chose this uncertain but exciting path.
9Marta now advises art students to treat their creativity as both a passion and a profession.
10She still misses her old colleagues sometimes, but she has never once regretted her decision.