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.

Julia Chasman

This is my second career, so it goes without saying that I wish I had started it sooner. I was a creative in my past career — a film producer, and did that work for many years. Read more>>

Filip Vandewal

I’ve been able to make a living as a cinematographer probably about 1 year after I graduated film school. I got my break after one of the first short films I shot was nominated for the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. Read more>>

Joshua Mackey

I’m privileged to make a living working full-time as a writer/editor, but it definitely wasn’t an easy, nor a clear, path to it. I initially wanted to work in business, specifically human resources (HR). Read more>>

Ebony Whitson

Earning a full-time living from creative work at Whitson Wonder Productions has been a journey filled with determination, learning, and growth. Read more>>

KARIN SAMATIS

I have been very fortunate to walk out of art school and right into a creative job. I went to school to study illustration, in fact, fashion illustration. Read more>>

Elana Rudick

I founded Design Is Yummy in 2009. For the first 5 years though, I operated primarily as a one-woman show. I began with a handful of freelance clients (mostly friends and family) while working part-time as an in-house designer. Read more>>

Harlee Balajadia

Absolutely, I’ve been fortunate to make a full-time living from my creative pursuits, which has been a deeply fulfilling journey. Read more>>

John Glover

In 2015, I launched my photography business and by 2016, I was working full time as a photographer having recently left a career in information technology. Read more>>

Marisabel Bazan

Growing up, I internalized the belief that being an artist was merely a hobby, not a legitimate career path. However, I eventually realized that this perception was not my truth; Read more>>

Andres Lopez

I think one of the keys is to expand your work options. In addition to being a studio painter, I also participate in events, paint murals, and teach art classes. Read more>>

Yee Von Chan

I didn’t start earning a full-time living from my creative work right away, even though it was something I really wanted. It actually took me years to build up a safety net while working a full-time job and pursuing my creative interests part-time. Read more>>

Laena Myers

Sort of! It’s been a lot of trial and error, and I definitely have multiple streams of income which ebb and flow with the idea that when one source of income is slow and other is busy, etc. Read more>>

Elaine Wong

I’ve been self-employed for a few years now, and transitioning from a full-time job to gig-based work has certainly been challenging. Read more>>

Emily Anderson

It took me about 5 years of trying really really hard to feel like, “hey, this thing is going to work.” Then another 2-3 years to develop a flow and systems that worked for me. Read more>> 

Laura Goossens

Earning a living as a freelance dancer is definitely not easy. A lot of dancers take up side jobs to be able to maintain themselves. Read more>>

Kevin Vaisman

I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work since 2007. It has been a long journey, and the thing I have learned the most is that, Read more>>

Nicole Chase

Yes! I’ve been full-time with my blog and designing for just over a year now! I’ve been crocheting for over 12 years, and in the beginning I earned a little bit of money from my crochet by selling finished pieces to friends and family. Read more>>

Sheila Fox

I’m currently at the exciting beginning of my journey as a full-time mixed media artist. It all began last June when I faced a challenging moment being laid off from my welding job. Read more>>

Kelly Yankle

I grew up not having a lot on the financial side, but always had the most supportive family. I was always passionate and not having a lot taught me how to work. Read more>>

Christina Exantus

I do free lance makeup and have my own booking site. However, I am not a full time makeup artist I also work in a law firm, aspiring to become a paralegal. Read more>>

Zack Camilleri

Earning a full-time living from your creative work is not the dream job most people make it out to be. It could be, and it should be. But the few has ruined it for the working-class creatives. Read more>>

Ana Gregorič

Mother says that I literally went crazy as a child when I saw a camera. I loved taking photos, but back then it was a very expensive hobby. Read more>>