Why Starving Artists!

Why starving artists? The situation of starving artists exists due to the lack of respect for the artist as a professional. The work of the artist is seen by others as a pass-time, or a hobby, rather than as a way to make a living by an expert. I find people, organizations, institutions loving what I do, then expecting me to offer my services and expertise, free of charge. I ask, "would you expect your grocer, mechanic, school teacher, doctor, to offer their services, free of charge?" No, of course not.