I've been making some side money drawing pet portraits with pen and ink.
Wow. I draw too and want to do that myself. How do you go about that?
I think the best way is to get a sketchbook and start drawing from life. You can go to cafe and parks and draw the people and trees and stuff.
Sounds like a good way to make a living as an artist. I'll take your advice
I think you'll enjoy it. You could also try taking some art classes at a local community college or arts center. It's so much cheaper than taking a college course.
Sounds good. I have a ton of art books and am currently taking online courses on watercolor painting. 
Oh, that sounds nice. I like painting, but it gets messy and requires a lot of cleanup. That's why I stick to pens, pencils and markers.
I agree. How do you get commissions?
I don't do much. Sometimes I post my drawings on Facebook, and then other people ask me if I can draw their pets. 
Ah okay. That sounds like a good way to get commissions. I'll try that. 
If you're just starting out, you might want to do more marketing, like on Instagram or a personal blog or website.
Cool. I have some artwork on facebook, but I'll definitely post some to instagram 
I would be interested to see some of your paintings sometime. I love watercolor, and especially like painting the autumn leaves.
Sounds good. I would like to see some of your pen drawings as well. 
I first started drawing comics when I was in elementary school. I made funny comics based on the other kids in my class.
That's amazing. That's how you know you have a passion for drawing. Love it
Now that I work full time, it's hard to find time for my hobby. Especially with all my other responsibilities. So I don't draw nearly as much as I used to.
I feel you. I work full time retail and it's tough. I might have to force myself to draw for at least an hour a day
That sounds like a good goal to me. I think if I really pushed myself, I could find an hour or two a day to devote to my drawing.
Yeah it's only a small amount of time and lots of art can come out of it