Same here. I am a programmer, but I spend so much time making comics that I consider it a second, very low-paying job. When people ask me what I do, I say programmer so I don't have to justify myself.
And people understand what programmers do, that's easier to imagine than many other jobs. My father was a marketing manager and I grew up not really knowing what he did.
But most of what I publish is in print, and some is out-of-print. I know I should put more effort in making my things available, but this definitely has a lower priority than making new comics.
(hrm. I notice only now I was replying to a comment by pg. It made absolutely no sense to write 'same here')
I belive this phenomenon comes from the fact that for certain people, the "artiste" is a superior human being. Someone who belongs to a special caste. So they don't want to let you come through with it untested. Envious.
for certain people, the "artiste" is a superior human being
Ha. Yeah, those people are confused young women and other artists.
Someone who belongs to a special caste.
Most other people (parents, employers, non-confused women) do consider artists to belong to a special caste: the financially destitute, irresponsible "untouchable" caste.
Spoken from experience as an artist.
To answer the OP, I say programmer when asked by most people, "artist" when asked by confused young women.
I think most people don't consider artists are superior, but everybody tends to ask these questions. I think it's more a need to fit people into categories.
And people understand what programmers do, that's easier to imagine than many other jobs. My father was a marketing manager and I grew up not really knowing what he did.