The lowdown on what it’s really like. One woman talks about her work and life.

Name: Fiona Duffelen

Age: 24

Job title: Fine Artist

Top survival tip
Self-belief. Remember that the grass always looks greener. It’s too easy to assume that all other artists are always completely happy with every painting they make.

The reaction
When I tell people what I do for a living they are full of surprise and admiration. People are generally very positive but I feel they have a very romantic notion of what being an artist actually entails.

The day-to-day
Five days a week I paint in my studio from about 10 am until 6pm. The other two days I work at the local printmakers co-operative.

Favourite work gizmo
My screens for silk-printing.

The past
When I was small, I wanted to be a pharmacist like my dad.

Getting started
After graduating I had every intention of getting a proper job but received such positive responses from my degree show exhibition that I decided to carry on painting.

Typical path?
I was very lucky, unlike the rest of my year at art school I was invited to take part in eight exhibitions after graduation. I’ve also had the use of a donated studio for the past two years.

Skills and personality
Artists need lots of skills. You have to be able to experiment with lots of different mediums such as silkscreen and oil. Good time-management skills are also important because you need to work to deadlines. Being able to promote and market yourself is also a must, as are good communication skills. It’s important to be able to communicate well with potential buyers and curators.

It helps to be patient, confident, determined and very self-motivated. You can’t take yourself too seriously, so a good sense of humour is also good.

Freedom and control
I have almost total control over what I do on a daily basis, and enjoy complete artistic freedom to produce whatever I feel like making or painting. It’s great.

The hours
I definitely feel like I work too many hours. For the past two years I have worked seven days a week: two in a shop (for real money) and the other five days in my studio, practically all day long.

The cash
At the moment I probably earn under £5,000 a year. My weekend work pays me about £2,500 and I probably make the same again from selling my paintings. I’m definitely not paid enough. Plus I lose over 50% of my painting sales to the gallery that represents me.

What an artist earns is dependent on several things including the production and marketing of the product (in my case, the painting), the number of outlets selling your work and also how established you are as a practising artist.

Gender split
It’s hard to say what the gender breakdown among artists is, but girls definitely outnumbered boys at art school. It used to be that people only knew the names of famous male artists, but thankfully that is changing now. I don’t think gender affects anyone’s ability to create great art, but I will admit that gender influences an artist’s work.

My experience of being an artist and a woman has generally been good. But sometimes when I’m at the point of discussing my work with a potential male buyer, they tend to flirt and often show more interest in me or what I am wearing rather than in my work. It’s a pain.

The perks
The best thing about being an artist is the satisfaction of knowing that my painting has gone to a good home where it will be appreciated and bring someone else pleasure.

The pits
I get very lonely being an artist. I also have very little stability, and experience too many high and lows. And at the moment, my job is not financially rewarding considering the time and effort I invest in making the work.

Greatest achievement
I’m very proud of the fact that I sell most of what I make – especially at venues such as the Museum of Modern Art (Oxford), the Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican.

Biggest blunder
I regret destroying things that didn’t sell.

Coping with stress
I don’t really cope very well – I try to put it into perspective and remember that what I do is special and doesn’t have to be forever. There’s nothing you can’t change.

Seeking inspiration
I always try to live to the full every day.

Child-friendly job?
I think it is important for women to have enough time and energy to raise children, if they want to. I don’t have any children but at least being an artist I could fit my painting around them.

The future
I have no idea about the future. I struggle to see myself in ten days time let alone ten years. I just hope I’ll be happy. However, I’m currently toying with the idea of a career in London as an account manager: there are so many skills I have learnt that I’m not currently using – I will always be able to paint.

The verdict
Every time I pick up my paintbrush I’m thrown in at the deep end. I wouldn’t give up those experiences for anything. Being an artist has been a unique opportunity that has taught me so much.

What’s it like doing your job? If you want to share your day-to-day get in contact: Work&CareerChannel@email.ivillage.co.uk.