You could be the next Basquiat or Rothko, but you're probably not. Most painters and illustrators with a fine arts degree can expect to earn a salary of just $37,000 per year (source).

That's a pitiful 17% return on investment (ROI) if you attended a private university (source). Here's an interesting tidbit, though: house painting also pays $37,000 per year (source)...so that would be a lateral move for you, young artist. 

Something to consider should you ever need a bigger canvas. Just sayin'.