We’ve seen way too many talented creatives quit because they couldn’t make it work financially. No doubt, the financial challenges of pursuing a creative or artistic career are daunting, but we felt there wasn’t enough discussion around how to make it work. So, we connected with artists and creatives who’ve been able to earn a full time living from their creative work and asked them to share their stories with our readers.

Jeromy Rosa

I would love to be an actor full-time but I understand that it’s a process and it does not happen overnight. I feel that I have done a good amount of background work to lay a foundation for becoming a more established actor. I also found out recently that I am eligible to join SAG-AFTRA which has motivated me even more to pursue this career further. Read more>>

Susan Richards

As much as I aspired to a creative life, I long held a few big misconceptions about being an artist. I believed you needed a higher education and I feared that the career choices were limited to teaching art or being a starving artist who struggled nobly with side gigs. Fortunately, I proved myself wrong. Read more>>

Stephanie Krist

I think it is really important to mention right at the top that from the start of my business I have lived with a very supportive partner working a full-time “traditional” job. His steady income has allowed me to take risks, make mistakes, and grow my business with less stress than I would have had trying to fund a living all on my own. As entrepreneurs, it can be easy to get caught up in shining a light on all of our accomplishments. We may also easily get caught comparing ourselves to others. As proud as I am of my story, I think it is important to remember that none of us are truly “self-made.” You would not be where you are without the support of those around you, be it monetary, emotional, or physical. Read more>>

Kevin Gruen

My journey towards becoming a full-time singer-songwriter started at a very young age. During my younger years as a child, much of my family were musicians and it seemed to come natural that I was brought up learning guitar, piano, drums & organ from family members as young as 5 or 6 years old when I first starting getting creative with music. As early as I could remember, I had received a toy drum for a birthday present. I played on the drum so much that I bore a hold through the center of it. Not long after this, my father ended up getting me an electric drum set one Christmas (most likely because he was a drum major in high school). I remember my dad putting on some of the older “metal” tracks to try and learn such as Iron Butterfly’s “In a Gadda Da Vida” and a number of a various Cream and Black Sabbath tunes. Many of my uncles and cousins also played guitar, teaching me some of what they knew. Read more>>

Tony Nguyen

I am 100% able to live entirely off my life as a photographer in Northern California. You know, it didn’t start as a plan to become a photographer or creative, but I have always had the creative DNA in me since I was a child. I used to go to a daycare that really allowed me to explore my creative side with interactive play, recess, etc. That seed was planted when I was way young and it has proved to have grown into a tree that fruits well. When I was in college, a friend asked me to pick up a camera for a photojournalism class – I never tried or had any desire to before that moment. From there, I learned how to use a camera on assignments and gravitated toward things involving people and movement. Over time, people just offered me jobs here and there from weddings to animals, there was nothing (and still nothing) I would turn down. The growth I took in the first few years of the business helped me create a business model that is self feeding and requires very little marketing now. I didn’t quite jump to full time immediately. I, in fact, worked as a pension administrator for two years that taught me how to organize, write as professional, coordinate, and work with spreadsheets. Then when I felt I could float on my business earnings for at least 3 months, I decided to quit and go full-time as a photographer, and haven’t looked back since. Read more>>

Johan Hurtado Calderon

It has been a great and long way full of moments of doubt and moments of happiness, since I decided at a young age to live from one of my passions, but at the same time I never wanted to be anything else but an artist. The biggest challenge was coming from a third world country were being an artist is the worst path you can take to have a succesful life or even just to have a descent life. I had to prove myself and everyone around me that it was possible. And the nicest part is that I feel like im still learning how to do it. After many years traveling and starting from zero in different countries I feel like the world has become my home, and Im the only one that can put limits to what I want, and every year I’m getting more and more surprises from this path I choose to follow. Read more>>

Gemma Lessinger

I was able to go full time as an artist and entrepreneur in January 2023, but I was building my craft and business for 3 years prior to that alongside a full time job. It was an unexpected journey, I was incredibly happy in my full time career as a fashion buyer but when Covid 19 struck and I was furloughed from my job and I didn’t know what to do with myself! I was so used to being on the go and busy all the time, I was completely lost with nothing to do. I was also missing visiting the ocean everyday so wanted to bring its magic to me in my home. It was then that I remembered I had some old paints and some canvases under the bed in the spare room. That moment changed my life. Read more>>

Amelia Mirabello

As a wedding makeup artist, I’ve been fortunate to establish a full-time career in the creative industry. However, like many, my journey wasn’t an instant success from day one. It required dedication, perseverance, and strategic steps to achieve a sustainable income. Read more>>

Daryl Thetford

I have been lucky to earn a full-time living for the past 20 years. My wife, Dana Shavin and I met an artist who was making a great living as from his paintings. He and his wife, who was his business manager/partner told us about art festivals, galleries and other avenues for artists. We were both working in the community mental health field and were both terribly burned out so we were both excited that we might be able to do something as unlikely as full-time art. Dana, who was pursuing ceramics as a hobby at the time, quit her job first to pursue art as a career. Wisely, she insisted that one of us keep a regular job so we would have a guaranteed income. Once she was earning an income I left my job as well. I broke even the first two years as an artist and after that steadily climbed in income for the next 20 years. ( not sure how much you want here, but the longer story…is that Dana did not want me to pursue art so I started an online used and rare book business. This area was dominated by traditional bookstores at the time and I was mostly selling to other bookstores and to collectors. I made a good living from this for almost 5 years then sold the business. That is when I started my art career. Read more>>

Morgan Deeble

Yes, but that wasn’t always the case. It really all started when I was 19 years old. With a part time job by day and a tattoo apprenticeship that usually ran from 3pm into the early hours of the next morning, it’s needless to say that I had my hands full from the beginning. Let’s just face the facts that choosing to be an artist full-time isn’t the easiest, or most consistent line of work. But fast forward 16 years and I’m still here loving what I do, and doing it successfully. I believe if you truly discipline yourself to work hard for the things you want in life, it will naturally start to rule out anything that doesn’t further that process. Read more>>

Ari Meyerowitz

Creating income from creative services is daunting and took me some time to understand. Approaching the industry with the mindset that your work appeals to every person is a roadmap destined for failure. Ultimately, all art forms are subjective, and will resonate with some more than others. Without a foundational understanding of that, you cannot expect to earn a full-time living from your creative work. Read more>>

Joanne Swift

So, you’re wondering if I’ve been able to make a living off my creative work? Well, the answer is yes! It’s been a journey, though. I didn’t start out making a full-time income from my creative work, I only gave up my full time job. It has taken time, effort, and some trial and error to get to where I am today. Read more>>

Rachel Rivera and Claire Ouchi

Embarking on a full-time creative journey as the WKNDRS has been a transformative adventure. Initially, sustaining solely on our craft presented challenges. It required a mix of passion, diverse projects, and client connections. Our journey evolved through consistent dedication, diversifying our portfolio, and connecting with our audience. While not instantaneous, it unfolded organically, marked by milestones. Read more>>

Monet Kifner

I’ve always pursued visual art since I was a child. I was able to monetize that on occasion in my teens and then started to take clients as a student studying illustration in college. Once I actually experienced what it felt like to earn enough money to pay my bills and even save for the future was a huge moment for me. Not only was it validating to myself as an illustrator/artist but I felt happy and immense gratitude that i could make my family proud by being able to have ‘success’ in my field. They supported me through it all and still do now. Read more>>

Catherine Pierce

I have been earning a living from my creative ventures for the past 25 years. My mother was a painter and my father was in a band and they homeschooled me and my siblings so we were immersed in creative energy since childhood. My sister and I were in a band called The Pierces. We got a record deal in our late teens and went on to put out 5 albums. We toured all over the world opened for Coldplay Elton John and Emmylou Harris. We earned a good living until music streaming dried up a lot of the industry money. It became clear that we’d have to supplement with other ventures, so I created a hand drawn Tarot Deck and started a beauty line. These were both passions of mine, so it was almost a blessing that I was pushed to find other ways to make money. I’ve been able to do all that I’ve done by finding like-minded people online, in Facebook groups, and chat rooms. I was able to figure out how to self publish my Tarot Deck because I found a group of women who were doing the same thing and we all shared information and tips. It was really incredible. Then Hay House offered me a publishing deal and that allowed me more time to expand my beauty line, OMEN. It sounds like a lot but this all unfolded over a couple of decades. I think the key is just to keep pushing forward with everything you want to do. It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you just put a little bit of work towards your goal every day. Read more>>

 Jack Barrett

I am lucky enough to make a full time living as a musician, something I consider to be a huge success in itself. Earning a living in the arts is such a broad and undefined path that it comes as no surprise that I wasn’t given much of a blueprint or instruction upon graduating college. My initial path was geared towards classroom education in the K-12 school system, something I eventually learned I was not cut out for. As i began my career as a schoolteacher I also started playing gigs, composing my own music and teaching private lessons. As the years passed I found myself teaching more lessons and less and less in the classroom until I decided to fully step away in 2019. Now I make all my income teaching lessons and playing gigs. Looking back on the whole process I don’t think there was any other way I could have arrived at where I am now. I believe that being an artist involves every facet of a person’s life, therefore all the good and bad decisions I’ve made along the way are contributing to my artistry and were therefore necessary. Read more>>

Rob Brownstein

I think acting is one of those jobs that likes to get put in the “dream” category. But honestly, working actors are some of the hardest working people you’ll ever meet. First you have to work super hard to be good. Then you work super hard to make a career. Then to keep making one. Even “overnight successes” or people who take to it fairly easily, as children say – they end up working their tails off. It’s hard, disciplined work at every level. I’ve had a good career, made a living, I teach also now, because I kept working at it – especially when the road was hard and doors seemed closed. I wasn’t interested in taking no for an answer. I just found other ways in. Sometimes with luck, sometimes with sheer tenacity. The one constant for me – which I see in so many of my working colleagues – was I kept working at getting better, at learning. Acting is a craft, an art, and like every art you keep practicing and working at it. With coaches, classes, with others in theatre and film companies. It’s actually part of the fun. It’s why I teach also – to give back, to share what I’ve learned along the way. Read more>>

Adam Michaels

I have no formal training or education in art. I did attempt an art class for a semester at a community college after returning home from a music tour with my old band, however. Half way through the professor explained to me why he was failing me: “I don’t think you are a bad artist. I just don’t appreciate your content of work.” I didn’t return to finish the remainder of the semester and figured maybe my journey of learning art laid elsewhere. Read more>>

Radmila Lolly

As an entrepreneur I understand we live in a material world. The transition shouldn’t be quitting your day job and completely immerse into the unknown. However, continuously work on your “big project” and bigger goals. Every hour, every day, even if you are not working, you are thinking about it. A lot of times, that is when you can have that AHA moment. Trusting the process is a huge part of being able to propel forward which also takes learning patience to do so. Patience along with experience, is something that comes with time which is why I don’t think I could have sped up the process knowing what I know now. Read more>>

Elizabeth Sabine

Yes, I am a full time artist, I work 7 days a week with allowing my mornings & afternoons designated to creative painting time because that is when my mind is at its best. One day of the week is usually a framing day. ~ (I fabricate all my wood frames.) I will designate afternoon and evenings for home/ client appointments and weekends will usually be for appointments, deliveries and installs. I always will work around my clients/gallerys schedule to Accommodate them and what works best . Definitely not like this from day 1- about 11 years ago Read more>>

Tristin Lennert

We are all creative, everything around us is a creation touched by someone, and all one has to do is find a passion, plant a seed, tend to your creative garden, and let the universe do the rest. The hard part that often contradicts the creative process is entrepreneurship. The insurmountable act of defying the status quo of the 9-5 dread of corporate America. There is no how-to on earning a full-time living from your creative work but it starts with believing you can and understanding some of the key concepts on how to place yourself in a position to both thrive as a creative and entrepreneur. Read more>>

 Jack Levy

For those who create – the writers, musicians, designers and inventors of the world – making art and bringing ideas to life is not a choice, but an inner calling. We are compelled to do the work we do simply because our passion for creativity leaves us no alternative. Yet, while vital, passion alone does not put food on the table. To earn a consistent living from such creative work requires channeling that artistic drive into viable business ventures and partnerships. Because creativity for its own sake is all well and good, but creativity backed by strategic thinking is what brings concepts to markets. Read more>>

 Stefanie Fritz

I left a 6 figure corporate salary to stay at home with my babies. I knew I didn’t want to go back to a “real” job, but I craved creativity and the ability to earn my own money. I decided to pursue being a makeup artist for weddings and photography gigs. I didn’t have one photo of my work, no social media and no leads on anyone getting married. I really started from ground zero. I had to dig deep to create new relationships with wedding planners, photographers and venues to try to generate leads. It was a very slow start, but within 5 years I beat my corporate salary, not only working LESS hours than I did before, but working for myself was so satisfying. Read more>>

Mirriam Nawa

I would love to earn to earn a full-time living from my creative work. Read more>>

Desiree Fabello

Starting the journey to earn a full-time living from my creative work was not for the faint of heart. It was filled with both triumphs and challenges. At first, my professional path diverged from the creative realm as I pursued an undergraduate degree in social and criminal justice, leading me to the same mundane 9 to 5 jobs. However, the lack of creativity left me feeling empty and unfulfilled, prompting a pivotal decision in 2015. So in 2012 my husband and I moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for some change. While there and discovering the stunning landscapes the breathtaking scenery, particularly the Grand Teton National Park, ignited a spark within me, compelling me to capture its beauty with a humble point-and-shoot camera. Read more>>

Aaron Marcus

Dropping out of college to pursue acting full-time was pretty scary. My fiance at the time thought she was going to marry a guy attending physical therapy school. Instead, we had a discussion and I told her I wanted to try acting full-time for one year. Read more>>

Michael Caissie

I was running restaurants, this was before HANGMAN was filmed, when I decided to take a massive leap of faith. My last day working a day job was October 23, 2013. I worked a double that day, then left the restaurant, and sat at a nearby bar having a beer and watching a Redsox game on tv. I knew the next day I would wake up as a “writer” by trade, and the feelings are hard to put into words honestly. Read more>>

Tiffany Lewis

I have been able to earn a full-time living from my business, but it hasn’t always been that way. In my first year of business, I was working my corporate job after becoming a mom. Like many working women, my heart was truly pulled between being the kind of mother I wanted to be, the kind of mother I knew my daughter needed, and somehow finding a way to fulfill the ambitious side of me that hadn’t left despite having new and different priorities. I guess you could say I was having an identity crisis of sorts. Read more>>

Jordan Bowman

Making a full-time living from my creative work has been a long journey. Most of the time, especially early-on, free-lancing as a musician does not pull in a consistent income. Despite having two degrees in music, starting a voice studio, and being hired for performances semi-consistently, I still had to find ways to fill the gaps or supplement that was already being made. This included data entry, working retail, waiting tables, and answering phones. Read more>>

Bri Dimit

Great question, in December 2019 I quit my 9-5 job and started my full-time business as a Storytelling Musician. I interviewed individuals in the community based on their life experiences and shared their stories through my music. Read more>>

Daren Todd

My journey as a professional artist kicked off a few months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The service industry layoff hit me, just like countless others, prompting me to reflect on an uncertain future. In the midst of this uncertainty, I made the decision to share my art, a practice that had been simmering in the background. Read more>>

Yasmine Awsem

in 2019, i was 21 years old and working at a vegan grocery store in south florida. at this point in life, i was already years into unfulfilling, anxiety-invoking service industry work… and i was burnt out, uninspired, and broke. i deeply craved financial freedom through work that felt authentic and enjoyable, but i felt completely trapped. there was a point where every time i went to work, i had a panic attack because i felt so unfulfilled and exhausted. my body couldn’t take it anymore. i decided to put it out into the universe and prayed for guidance on how i could connect my creativity with my work and make money doing something that felt nourishing. Read more>>

Dennis Hansbury

I worked for a furniture retailer doing graphic communication and sign making for over seventeen years, which came to an end in May of 2023. During that time I always sold my artwork on the side and treated it like a hobby, never taking the chance to see what I could really do. Now, faced with the reality that I could no longer rely on a steady income, I put 100% effort into my creativity. I decided to give myself until the end of the year to see how it would go. In that short time, being able to focus on my artwork like never before, I was able to have the most successful year in my history of selling artwork. It’s now 2024 and I must think more strategically and push myself further than before. It will be a challenge, but one of the best ones I’ve ever faced. Read more>>

Andrei Mocanu

Earning money doing what you love seems to me to be the most beautiful thing! I am Fashion Stylist, full time job and I really like this because I love to be creative and share my creativity with others.Of course it wasn’t always like that… I started from the bottom, I worked and I aspired to get to this point but I didn’t feel that because I do what I like and after a period of time I got to support myself from it and it’s amazing.I encourage everyone to do what they like and don’t forget to dream because dream comes true! Read more>>

Casey Segel

I have been able to earn a full time living as a nail technician! When I first started, I naturally didn’t have an established clientele yet so I did have to work a second job for about 6 months. After that time, I had enough business on my books that I was able to leave my second job to focus on nails full time. Read more>>

Dave Tate

Transitioning to a full-time career in music was an evolving journey for me. Initially, it wasn’t an immediate success but required a series of steps and milestones. I began my musical journey in the red rock desert of Zion National Park, drawing inspiration from the vast landscapes and translating those experiences into my music. My first larger success in music came as I was studying voice at the Utah State University. I released my album The Solitude of Here and it gained traction in several large European music magazines which led to several European tours. My next three albums also enjoyed critical acclaim and a devoted fan base in the Netherlands. I worked for a number of years in an outdoor store in Zion National Park, while I worked on music, and performed at local events, hotels and resorts.I also learned audio engineering and crafted my skills as a producer over those years which is a skill set that has and will continually benefit me. Read more>>