Here are some things I'm doing to improve the odds that I transition to being a financially successful artist:
1) Teaching classes is a good way to get your name and work out in front of people who actually care about your art and who have disposable income they will spend on art.
2) I see you're in Michigan. I'm assuming that you have one or more community colleges in your area. The ones in my area don't pay worth a damn, but I've taught at them anyway. Here's why:
a) They do lots of free (to me) local advertising.
b) They tend to bring in lots of raw beginner students. Some of the beginners will be willing to pay for more advanced courses you offer on your own, at your own rates, outside of the school.
c) With enough students, you can get top-notch artists to come do a workshop in your area that you'll be able to attend at a fraction of the cost it might otherwise run. For example, I contacted an internationally known enamelist and found out how much he would charge for time and expenses to run a class. Then I found that a place to teach it and enough students to fill it up. The cost to take the class 4 blocks from my house was LESS than it would have cost to take it in his studio in his home town. My mom had moved to his hometown, and that "less than" figure includes me staying at her place AND her paying for the gas money to drive there! I just let the students know that the price would vary depending upon how many people signed up (and paid). We set a max $ amount (meaning the class would be cancelled if it went above that price). Worked like a charm. Plus I made friends with the artist (he's a great person) and now I'll be his teaching assistant during a class this fall at a major craft school. In effect, I'll get a paid vacation to do what I would pay to do for fun. :)
d) Students in classes may want to buy your work. Retail sales are good, especially when someone is paying you to show them as samples.
e) You'll get experience teaching that can up the odds of you getting to teach a workshop at one of the craft schools around the country. Arrowmont, John C. Campbell, Touchstone, Haystack, and many more. Not only do these schools pay, but you'll meet other artists in many different mediums. There's no telling what kind of ideas you might get for your work or the friendships you'll make. And when it comes to getting your work published in someone's show or book, it never hurts to have them already know about you and the work you're doing. And the school paid you to market yourself, too! :)
3) Professional conferences or associations. I don't know your field so I can't suggest any specific ones to check out. You can make great contacts, friends, and learn a lot. Don't just show up, volunteer (and follow thru!). That triples the benefits you can get back.
4) Publish. Internet, professional association conferences, newsletters or journals. In time, get a book done. Videos. Blogs. Get your work and yourself out there.
5) Be kind and helpful to everyone. Aside from it just being the right thing to do, you never know when an act of kindness you did without thinking about it will be remembered for a decade or more, then get repaid with interest.