Is anyone on this forum a full time, self employed 3D artist?

I do 3D for my day job but I want the freedom of working for myself. I do occasional side jobs and I’m looking at ways to start my own full time business focusing on illustration. I tried this about ten years ago and I just didn’t have the experience. I think I have the experience and portfolio I need now, but I have no idea how to sell myself. I have friends who have failed as self employed artists because they spent more time networking, estimating and filling out bids than doing actual artwork.

If you do what I’m looking for can you please share some ideas? If you’ve failed at this, what do you think you did wrong?

thanks