Do you ever wonder what life would have been like had you chosen a more standard path? Does everyone have these doubts sometimes? We wanted to find out and so we asked as many talented artists and creatives as we could and have shared highlights below.

Rocky Powell

I feel happier than I ever imagined choosing a path as an artist. When I was younger I’ll admit, I thought getting into the entertainment industry would be red carpet nights all the time, champagne parties, and photoshoots. All things I wanted! And don’t get me wrong, sometimes I’m fortunate enough to experience those perks. As I’ve grown, hustled, and created, I’ve learned choosing a career path in the arts is so much more than that. It’s a 10,000 piece puzzle that on some days I put together 20 pieces, on others maybe I fit one in, and then some days I look at the puzzle I’ve been working on for years and realize a bunch of the pieces are in the wrong spots and need to be rearranged. WOW, does the picture look better when you rearrange them, or try not to fit a piece where it doesn’t belong. Read more>>

Kate Cowan

While I was getting my BFA in Visual Arts Studies, people in and around my life would always ask me “What job are you going to do with that?” This question rang in the back of my mind for the entirety of my schooling. I loved my studio classes the most, but I was also dabbling in art history and art education courses. I was also on track to receive my K-12 teaching certificate, as well as my degree, because the thought of not making any money right out of college haunted me completely. I knew I would have a job in education, but I also knew I did not want to do that forever. I thought it would buy me some time at least. Read more>>

Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

Ah! That age-old question every creative person asks multiple times throughout their life. What would it have been like to be…”normal.” Being a creative person is like living in a kaleidoscope—every day is a swirl of colors, wild ideas, and unexpected adventures. Your brain is constantly dancing, and you see potential masterpieces in coffee stains and cloud shapes. You might lose your keys, but you’ll always find inspiration in a forgotten corner of your mind. A “normal” person, on the other hand, lives in a world where things make sense 100% of the time (boring!), and their socks probably match currently. Read more>>

Kaitlin Booth

I am happy working as a musician, but getting here wasn’t a straight path. There have been many moments when I questioned whether or not I was on the right track. After I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from UVU, I decided to try exploring other (more profitable and stable) career options. Working as a freelance musician is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also uncertain. One month you’re overwhelmed with gigs, and the next, you’re wondering where the next paycheck is going to come from. Read more>>

Frankie Sanchez

I am definitely happier as a creative, though I do have my moment of “Gosh what did I get myself into???”. The last time I had a what if I had a regular job moment was recent. It’s my last semester at Jefferson, so that question of “what’s next?” and “who do you wanna work for?” is plaguing me. Everyone always has such high expectations of me and it can get pretty overwhelming. On my commute home, the thought crossed my mind. What if I hadn’t pursued fashion all those years ago? Where would I be? WHO would I be? Honestly, it scared me. My whole life has been about fashion and it’s led me to who I am today. I’ve been able to tell my story, hardships, and express my true self with my work? In a way it’s therapeutic to be able to share my story, to share my love for clothes for those who need self expression. If I didn’t have that or myself today, I can truthfully say I don’t know where I would be. Being a creative person can be tiring point blank period. Going through prototypes, the conceptual stages, the patterns and presentations it’s all tough work especially when it’s solely you. However, it’s those parts that I love doing what I do and so much more that’s to come in the future. Read more>>

Tatyana Hope

I am the happiest when I create. Sometimes I wonder how it would be not having a full time job and pursuing my passion full time. I think about it all the time, and one day I will bel able to make the leap. Right now I’m finishing up my biggest project, raising two awesome kids. Read more>>

Dw Duke

Owning a law firm has both advantages and disadvantages. I spent much of my career in a large Los Angeles law firm. The benefit to a large law firm is the wide range of resources from which to draw. For example, it was easy for a large firm to calendar events because they always had someone available to cover the hearing. Another benefit, of a larger firm, is that there are many associates and partners to draw on for ideas. There is often greater freedom to take on expensive cases because the firm may have more resources to cover the costs. Read more>>