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.

Lauren Brown

I’ve never had a “regular” 9-to-5 job. I grew up in this business as a second-generation owner, so this world is really all I’ve ever known. Sometimes, when things get especially overwhelming—like when I’m putting in long hours, working weekends, or juggling a dozen urgent issues at once—I do wonder what it might be like to have that kind of job. Read more>>

Erin Rolfe

I’ve known since probably birth that I’ve always been different, just like most of us, if not all of us as an artist and a creative. So I knew pretty early on that I wasn’t going to be content living what you might call a normal life. I’ve always enjoyed going against the norm and doing what I love instead of what society thinks I’m supposed to. Read more>>

Carin Huebner

Because of where I grew up and the idea of ‘success’ that I was given, I have to be VERY diligent in watching my thoughts around my career choice. The last time I truly spiraled around my choice to be an artist and a creative as my career was about a month ago when I had COVID for the first time. Read more>>

Bernarda Castillo

It’s a difficult question because, at the same time, it’s about defining what happiness really is, haha. However, even though it’s challenging economically, at the end of the day I’m grateful to dedicate myself to this. And, of course, without romanticizing it, it’s a pleasure to have, for example, some flexible mornings where I can choose to work in a library, at home, or elsewhere. Read more>>

John Snow

I enjoy creative cosplaying and use it as a way to escape from reality. Every time I get a vision on a character or an outfit in mind, the creative nerves in my brain starts flowing in all directions. I enjoy going out and hunting for pieces to put my character/ outfit together. From thrifting, Facebook marketplace, bidding on eBay, or stitching/ sewing clothing. Read more>>

Amber Streed

I had a ‘regular’ job for over 10 years when I decided I needed to pursue what set MY soul on fire. I yearned everyday to find something creative in my position but it just wasn’t enough. I felt depressed everyday I went to work. I dreaded every interaction and felt myself slipping away. Read more>>

Alex Robles

Two trash bags of Legos and a Sega Master System. If I must be grateful to my father for anything, it would be the day that he decided to dumpster dive in Los Angeles, California for some free blocks for his kids. Read more>>

Lorenzo Scardigli

I’m very happy with my job. It’s true that it’s unpredictable, but it also gives me the ability to decide how much time and energy to devote to it. If you manage these two parameters well, I’m convinced you can have plenty of free time to pursue your passions. Read more>>