I've studied art for many years and work as an artist/artistic researcher right now. At the same time, every single one of the people I've been studying art wit

I've studied art for many years and work as an artist/artistic researcher right now. At the same time, every single one of the people I've been studying art with chose a different path, a different view on how to do art. Every single one of them. You mention "launching", getting recognition, being invited to shows. This is the social/status part of things and is not specific to art. Basically, you have to start. Researchers who get grants get even more grants, artists who do shows get invited to shows. You don't have to do shows or get recognition, however, to be an artist. There is no institution that gives you a badge with "artist" on it. What is helpful, however, is to find like-minded people. You get inspired by seeing other people work on similar topics. You get the best feedback from those engrossed in the same quest. This is what art schools are good for, and this will be the hard part if you are starting on your own.