Pursuing a creative or artistic career can certainly be fulfilling, but it’s far from certain. Over the years, we’ve heard about the struggles from thousands of artists and creatives – it’s incredibly challenging and it can be tempting to wonder – what if you hadn’t pursued this path. We asked artists and creatives from across the community if they’ve every had those doubts themselves.

Halley Sunwold

I take pride in being a creative. I view myself as highly creative, and working as a photographer enables me to tap into that aspect of my personality, which I might not be able to do in other professions. Read more>>

Edward Pokropski

I found the wording of this question especially interesting. How do we define what a regular job is? I think we first have to redefine our understanding about what it means to be creative. Read more>>

John McCreary

My least favorite question people ask is “do you have a real job?” Getting cameras for photo and video is so easy, the industry is mostly looked at as a hobby. Read more>>

Ronnie Ahlborn

It can be hard sometimes to look around and see so many people going down such different (and more stable) career paths. Honestly, I think the hardest part sometimes comes in seeing the day-to-day. Read more>>

Jeremy Chontow

There is literally nothing else in this world I was put here to do. I say that from a place of passion but also because I’m quite literally incapable of doing anything else. Read more>>

Marcanthony Naranjo  

Absolutely! To me it is almost therapeutic. Sometimes it is difficult to express how our day went or something that is coming up and to me, going out and being able to express myself creatively gives clarity to things I am facing or having to overcome. Read more>>

Obadiah Martin

I think, for me, being an artist is part of a bittersweet symphony. The love and joy I get comes from creating, using my talents to produce something that moves people and invokes an emotional response. Read more>>

Lindsay Hook

For me, going back to a regular job would only happen if it was a necessity. I would also deeply consider changing careers from what I was previously doing as a graphic designer. Read more>>

Tom DesLongchamp

I am very happy as an artist, but it comes with complicated moments for sure. For the last 10 years I have worked for myself. Prior to that, I was at an ad agency for 3 years and an e-card software company for 4 years. Read more>>

Laura Ganotis

As a creative, life can often lack some basic stability and balance. In an attempt to make it all work, I’ve often found myself in really difficult, stressful, exhausting and draining situations. Read more>>

Hank Von Hellion

I’m in a position where I can do both and it’s preferable. I have a day job raising money for non-profits in the arts sector and I have space where I’m able to create, sell, and express that creative drive. Read more>>

Karen Yost

Being able to make things has saved my life over and over again. I have suffered from anxiety and depression my entire life. The peace that I find while I create is the thing that keeps me alive and keeps me wanting to be alive. Read more>>

Bob Walkenhorst

I’ve discussed this question with several of my artist friends lately. The happiness of being a self-employed artist is quite different than most people would think. Read more>>

Yi Sun

I find it happier as an artist because art has a unique power to connect the world. It transcends cultures, languages, and borders, serving as the purest form of nonverbal communication. Read more>>

Jing Zhang

find being an artist very joyful, but I do occasionally imagine what it would be like to have a regular job. For instance, the last time I had this thought was when I was preparing for an exhibition but hit a creative block and felt immense pressure. Read more>>

Hanbin Choi

I can strongly say that I’m so happy. Part of my happiness comes from playing drums, teaching students, and as a Christian, seeing people healed and blessed. There are many things that make me happy. Read more>>

Kiki Liu

Hi there, thanks for having me. It’s my pleasure to be here. To answer your question, I am very content with where I am and where I’m heading as an artist in the creative field. Read more>>

Jack Austin

I often contemplate what my life would be like if I had a “regular job.” Not because I wish I had pursued one, but out of curiosity about how different my life might be. Read more>>

Brandon Chun

I am happy as an artist. The funny thing is that I kind of do have a “regular job” since I have a full time job as a music teacher at public schools. Read more>>

Phoebe Mallinson

Yes and yes! I am still figuring things out as an artist, still working to make it sustainable. My emotions can get too wrapped up in the music and one small set back devour me for the night. Read more>>

Notorio 718

For me, being an artist and a creative are intrinsically linked. As a music artist, I write my own songs and occasionally co-produce my records, which allows my creativity to flourish within my artistry. Read more>>

Elijah Griggs

I am very happy as a creative; it gives me the space to really be distinctly me and be different. I pastor a creative church where there is a lot of enthusiasm and entrepreneurs! Read more>>

Denize Katzen

Yes! I had a regular job . I was a former Acting Teacher / Theater. Director who has reinvented herself as a visual artist since moving to Sedona Arizona from NYC 10 yrs ago. Read more>>

Uzi Makhdoom

Im more happy as a creative,I have applied to other jobs and stuff but as a mental health advocate and bullying advocate I also go to university but online and I feel like I also feel like my life isnt normal and what a normal life is and I also dream like what a normal job and no advocacy is like and I can’t live a life without advocacy. Read more>>

Christopher Malunga

YES, I’m more than happier as an artist or creative because am doing me. I love to do me which is doing what I love the must and that is music. Read more>>