When I am programming I need a sense of aesthetic to choose among all the possibilities. I strive for clarity and expressiveness just as any other writer. When discussing a design with other programmers, I know that ugliness is always a strong argument.

It's no surprise Richard Gabriel proposes a bachelor of fine arts in software: http://www.dreamsongs.com/MFASoftware.html

I don't like the word professional. When I mention I make comics, those who ask if I am professional really just want to know if I make any money. But just like I program, I make comics with great patience and attention to detail, and to get through the painful parts I need the kind of discipline and seriousness you could call professionalism.