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.

Jusun Jessie Seo

I sometimes wonder how different my life might look if I had taken a different path. The last time this came up was over coffee with friends, fellow artists I work with. Between breaks, we throw out these “what if” questions, and one of them was “what if we weren’t artists”? In that parallel universe, I imagine myself as a neurosurgeon (though I admit I probably wouldn’t make it past the first anatomy exam), a writer, or maybe even a campsite manager. But no matter how far I follow that thread of imagination, I would always end up back on the artist’s path. Read more>>

Antwhan Diaz

As a creative, I feel much happier when I produce my art. Being able to create a piece that someone can enjoy or even sit and think about is a feeling I love to produce. When I’m not creating, I’m planning my next piece or getting inspired. As a college student, I work part-time at a non-creative job and although I do enjoy it, I usually am counting down the clock because I can’t wait to get back to my art. Read more>>

Yohji Cantar Daquio

I often think about how lucky I am to have the best of both worlds. As an artist, I get to perform and gig all over the country, doing what I love and sharing my passion with audiences in cities I used to only dream about. At the same time, I have a flexible and supportive job at PianoPiano Rental Studios, where I work as a rental specialist. It’s a role that doesn’t just pay the bills—it feeds my spirit, too. Read more>>

Zhen Lin

Hello, my name is Zhen Lin. As a freelance illustrator, I do feel fortunate. I love working with traditional media, especially watercolor. Much of my work explores themes of religion and mythology. What I value most about this path is the freedom: I get to choose what I want to create, when to start, and how to bring it into the world. I have full control over my own rhythm. Read more>>