Closing this topic because the point has been made and there is no need to keep it open.
Please keep in mind that not everyone is surrounded by artists and illustrators and is therefore unaware of the issues we usually deal with. There is no reason to get upset or rude, a simple explanation usually does the trick.
Words like "Luck" and "talent" are unfortunately often undermining the years of hard, painful work a person has to go through to become an (often underpaid) illustrator. If you ever want to see a surprised and happy artist, just comment on how much they must have practiced to get where they are at.