There certainly some artists that are now full time, but more as artists with toys on the side, or having to concentrate more on design work these days than design but started in the art toy world. Like Tado, David Horvath or Meomi.
Not everyone can do a Kaws or Tokidoki. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be successful in your own little way 🙂 concentrate on you and your own style, have passion and that’s what will draw the fans to you. Quality not quantity 🙂