I've been a "hobbyist" for many years, in various media. Sure, I did a little freelance work... portraits, glass etching, wood burning, pencil drawings, then I started with wallpapers, website banners, sigs, avatars... and I found myself falling into (okay, it was NOT effortless) a job that lets me classify myself as a professional. I've been a Graphic Designer since before I knew that's what I was. :)