'Be an artist [as a professional job]' and 'be an artist [someone who makes art]' absolutely shouldn't be considered synonymous. Anyone can be an artist. People were artists tens of thousands of years before job specialization was invented. The desire to make art is inherent to the human condition, and that doesn't have to mean 'draw/paint fine art'. Sewing, woodworking, tile/brick laying, garden design, sculpture, photography, fabric dyeing, there are so many artistic ways that people can express themselves that don't have to be inaccessible. And that's just visual art, not even touching performing or writing! You are capable of creative expression in a way that interests you and you enjoy.