Dana,
        My free-lance experience has been one in which I've combined
botanical illustration with desktop publishing, writing, research and other
activities to make a living here in Costa Rica.  I'm a tour guide and a
plant identification instructor at times. At least in my situation, I'd
have a difficult time making a living solely by doing free-lance
illustration.  Plus, I prefer a variety.  It's all a bit risky - I don't
think I'd want to depend on feeding a family by free-lance illustrating.

Good luck,

Willow Zuchowski
Monteverde
Costa Rica