The world needs artists and creatives. Unfortunately, being needed doesn’t often easily translate into financial stability. The struggle is real for so many incredibly talented artists and creatives and so we think it’s important to hear from creatives who have made it work – there is so much to learn from the folks we’ve featured below.

Joshua Kindla

I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living as a musician and, more recently, as a product designer for the past six years. But the journey was far from easy.

After college, I landed a steady job in software at a bank—a job that I dreaded going to every day. My mind was always elsewhere, dreaming about performing. Every evening, I dedicated myself to practice and open mics, often running on just two hours of sleep—a brutal reality for someone who cherishes a solid eight. After about a year of networking and honing my craft, I finally took a leap of faith and quit my job to pursue music full-time. Read more>>

3 Snapz

I’ve been fortunate to be a full-time DJ for the past four years. When I first started DJing in 2013, I took every opportunity that came my way—even unpaid gigs—simply because I loved bringing joy to people through music. That passion naturally led to more opportunities, a growing clientele, and increasing recognition, which helped me build my career. Read more>>

Joanna Baker

Earning a full-time living as an illustrator has been a winding journey for sure! When I left my corporate fashion design job ten years ago to launch my illustration business, my creative practice shifted from hobby to main source of income in an instant. While this pressure was very motivating in the beginning, over time it weighed heavily on me as an artist. I’ve come to learn just how important it is to continually try new things and make room for creative play without expectation. Read more>>

Nicole Ko

I launched my floral design company ephemera in 2019 with only 6 months to spare before the Pandemic shut everything down in 2020. I was able to book a few weddings in that first 6 months before getting shuttered and held on hope during the Pandemic that I would be able to flower again soon when things resolved. Read more>>

Gerardo Morales

Yes, it all started when I was attending Pasadena city College. And there I met my friends/colleagues, and we formed a band. Through that band, I learned so much, and grew as a musician. I made so many connections in the Music industry. that experience propelled me into a career of being a professional Musician. Read more>>

E J Edward Ouellette

E J (Edward) Ouellette is a music artist/entrepreneur and owner and CEO of Whole Music Records™ and Whole Music Studios. His lifetime in the music business has brought him much joy and a multitude of skills. He is a multi instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, a music producer, an engineer, a music business consultant, and a practicing yoga music therapy coach. He is proud to be a Producer/Featured Artist/Engineer/mixer of a Grammy® nominated Song. Read more>>

Aleena Kendrick

I started by taking photos for friends and people who found me on Facebook, charging very little just to gain experience. Over time, my skills improved, and my online following grew. At one point, a more experienced photographer told me, “You should really be charging more.” That was a pivotal moment because, in this business, knowing your worth can be tough. We tend to be our own worst critics, and with social media at our fingertips, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others constantly. Read more>>

Laura Pemberton

Right now, I’m not yet making a full-time living from MaxCo Gold, but that’s the goal. Building a business takes time, and I’ve been focused on laying a strong foundation—learning the jewelry industry, digital marketing, and refining the brand’s identity. It’s been an evolving journey, and I’ve embraced every step, knowing that growth doesn’t happen overnight. Read more>>

Abbe Minor

I never set out to make a full-time living from my creative work—it just happened organically. I grew up on a campground, where I was always drawn to small-space design and renovation. From a young age, I learned how to work with power tools by helping renovate campers. When I went to college, my plan was to pursue real estate investing and flip houses, but that changed when I bought my first van. I wanted to travel the country, so I converted the van myself, and when I finished, I realized just how much value I had created. Read more>>

Bridget Couwenhoven

I am first and foremost a mom, and being able to work while still being at home with my kids was very important to me as I was pursuing different career options. Wedding photography allows me the opportunity to be home with my two young children for most of the week, while also being able to work outside of the home. I average now about 25+ weddings per year, so that is 25 days I get to spend on one of the greatest milestones of my client’s lives. I absolutely love it. Read more>>

Guy Vasilovich

My creative journey started in Wheaton Illinois where I spent most of my time in music and art. As a percussionist I was involved in band, orchestra and stage shows giving me the experience to perform and entertain in front of audiences. My time off [during the day] I’d spent most my time drawing and developing my art portfolio’s for submission into art schools. A last minute offer came to me at California Institute of the Arts where I was accepted into their Disney sponsored animation program. I had always pride myself on my artistic ability until I arrived at Cal Arts. I became humbled immediately at the talent that surrounded me. The teachers were ex Disney artists and designers who were willing to pass on the creative torch to aspiring young talent interested in Disney animation. Read more>>

Kody Bryant Carpenter

Many people think I just sit around in my underwear all day then pack up, hop in a truck and go play a show. There is so much prep that goes into a show, especially a show that is never the same. I play a lot of requests, so I have to be on point, mind in it every second.

I think what’s given me an edge to go full time is a wife that supports me, people around me that have believed in me and ultimately trusting God with my schedule and plans. I can always grow, but by his grace I am doing this. I don’t take credit, I just put on my working boots. Read more>>

Loy Webb

The principle that guided me in making a full-time living from my creative work was articulated by actor Denzel Washington: “Do what you have to do, to be able to do what you want to do.” From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a writer, but I also understood that one doesn’t simply wake up one day and start making a living as a writer. Read more>>

Selin Eskandarian

I started playing violin professionally about 25 years ago. I was playing with a lot of bands and doing a few solo things here and there, but in 2020 I decided to do the Arizona bridal expo, so I came up with my company, Esko Violin, where I am a one woman band, veteran owned, and I do weddings and large corporate events. I pretty much do all events as well, and I do this full-time. Read more>>

Angela Thomas

I have been fortunate to have had my entire career in the art world. I stared out right after a college doing free lance illustration and then landed a job at a design house for heat transfer printing designs and worked in house with six other creative artists. We all learned so much from each other and that knowledge is still with me today. I worked full time free lance for the next ten years while I raised my two young children. Read more>>

Tim Hutchings

Well it has been a forty year journey to get to the place I am now, and truly earning a full-time living doing what I love as a creative. To be honest where I am now was in no way on my radar in the beginning as I had no idea what I’m doing now existed. I did my first commissioned portrait sitting in art class in high school and for the next 30 plus years did mostly commissioned portrait work as my artistic career. Now I must clarify that during most of those 30 years my art was only a part of my career path as I was also a carpenter and for 20 of those years a private investigator, bodyguard and occasional bounty hunter. Read more>>

Christina Davis

I feel truly blessed to have earned a full time living as a dancer and choreographer. My journey began in Philadelphia, where I packed my car and traveled to Los Angeles with little more than determination and no money. I spent my days attending open call auditions, tirelessly seeking opportunities even without a place to stay or food to eat. My goal was to get signed by a specific agency, Bloc LA, and when I learned they were holding auditions, I made sure to be there. Read more>>