There's always more to achieve but I'm very content with my current situation. It's important to strive and to have attainable goals, but it's also important, particularly for a freelancer or solo worker, to recognize when you've met intermediate goals and to give yourself a pat on the back.
I am extremely happy to have been able to pursue life as an artist for so many years and in so many capacities. I have worked in many aspects of graphic design, web design, illustration, and fine art. I've been able to use my skills to help other businesses, particularly start-ups, and put marketing and promotion knowledge to use for them and for myself. And there's so much more to learn!
Now I am at a point where I am concentrating diligently on fine art with figurative work and portraiture as a primary focus. The challenge of creating a perfect likeness is all-consuming and it is a great way to employ a wide variety of artistic techniques that I have picked up over the years. To be able to paint a portrait and bring happiness to people on a personal level is a wonderful feeling! That certainly meets my definition of success.