I've been in the same situation. However, I spend a lot of that time thinking about how awesome the project could be if I actually finish it. So when I finally find a good reason to get off my ass and work on them, I get really involved.
I spent the last three days of my summer writing a huge chunk of my story, only to get one thousand words done in the past 9 or 10 weeks since school has started. It's super hard to find a reason to motivate yourself, but f you can find one, go for it. The reason I'm working on it right now is because it's National Novel Writing Month and I've done that for around 7 or 8 years now.
I'm getting absolutely no money for art commissions so I'm hoping that this could change it once I finally start posting it. I do have 4 years and a couple months before I have to start actually buying my own food and stuff, so the only thing on the line for me is wasted time
I'm totally kidding. I'm an illustrator, and writer. Use your 4 years wisely, and spend every free moment you can perfecting your art. Don't worry about what anyone else is doing (artistically) and find your own style and run with it. And after 4 years, if it's not paying off, there is no shame in working a regular job while doing your art (I'm calling it art because I'm not sure exactly what you're focus is) after work. The money you make is to support you and your art, so that one day your art can support you.
Okay I guess I'll keep going with that 5 favourites on my Deviantart drawing. Everyone I know hates my art because I made it. Only my friends encourage me
I spent the last three days of my summer writing a huge chunk of my story, only to get one thousand words done in the past 9 or 10 weeks since school has started. It's super hard to find a reason to motivate yourself, but f you can find one, go for it. The reason I'm working on it right now is because it's National Novel Writing Month and I've done that for around 7 or 8 years now.