Courtesy Ann Lawlor Nail artist Pattie Yankee, whose handiwork is shown here, earns more than $80,000 a year. Long to be an artist, but fear you'll wind up an office drone instead? Making a living in a creative field is rarely easy. But it's not impossible, either. To learn what it takes, TIME.com interviewed nine professionals across the country who are surviving and thriving as artists, designers and entertainers. Read on to find out exactly how they turned their creative aspirations into real jobs. Next Stevie Boi, eyewear designer