Why do you want to be an artist?

For as long as I can remember, I have been creating and relating to art in its many forms. It was only very recently that I decided I wanted it to be my career. I know that I do have something I want to communicate to people, and though the thought differs each time, the feeling is ever-present. Beyond the desire to communicate, there is the desire to create. When I was a kid, I would doodle and paint just to work on something, almost an escape. I'd say for a greater part of my life, most of my art was created in this way - with no clear concept but beauty to back it. However, I can remember the first time I started critically thinking about my own work, striving to re-create a scene in my mind. When I succeeded in conveying visually and conceptually what I imagined, it was the best feeling in the world. So, I've never been terribly good at drawing or painting, at least not quickly, and since I lack the patience to sit with myself and teach myself, photography was the next best thing. I took a photography class in high school, like most kids do. It was the best experience. In the darkroom I was able to use my hands to create my imagine, like a painter but different. I instantly understood it, loved its quirks. Recently though, I've enjoyed combining both photography and digital art to better recreate the image in my mind. But I guess the main reason I want to be an artist is because I can't imagine doing anything else. Desk jobs are definitely not appealing, and I love working with people to help them realize their idea.