How do I know if I'm a real artist or just a hobbyist pretending?

This question itself tells me something important: you're paying attention to your own practice in a way that matters. That's already the mark of someone serious about their creative work. The distinction isn't about credentials or how much time you spend. I've watched people create with profound intentionality for a few hours a month, and others produce constantly without ever truly examining what they're making or why. The real difference is in the *interior life* you bring to the work—whether you're genuinely curious about what you're discovering through your practice. A hobbyist does something because it feels good. An artist does something because they *must* understand something through it. You might do both. You might shift between them depending on the season of your life. That's not dishonesty; that's being human. Instead of asking whether you're "real," try asking: What am I actually learning about myself and the world through this practice? Am I showing up with genuine attention, even if sporadically? Do I care about the quality of my observation? If you answer yes, you're already an artist. The scale doesn't matter. The sincerity does. Let that be your measure.