We’ve seen way too many talented creatives quit because they couldn’t make it work financially. No doubt, the financial challenges of pursuing a creative or artistic career are daunting, but we felt there wasn’t enough discussion around how to make it work. So, we connected with artists and creatives who’ve been able to earn a full time living from their creative work and asked them to share their stories with our readers.

Martha Wade

Becoming a full-time artist has been a journey built on persistence, faith, and divine timing. It wasn’t something that happened overnight. For years, I balanced my creative practice alongside roles as an educator, administrator, and curator. My father, Eugene “Eda” Wade, was a pioneering Chicago muralist, and his legacy shaped me deeply—but like many artists, I had to carve my own path step by step. Read more>>

Mariya Anderson

Now I am busy with my creative work, but it wasn’t always like that… When I was at University, I knew that after graduation I would have a stable job that I could devote my whole life to, but after graduation I went to work and realized that it wasn’t for me at all! Read more>>

Oxana Cochran

I’m a full time musician. It’s a lot to take on! You’re your own producer, boss, creative source, shrink, PR manager and bank account. It didn’t happen overnight. At first, I was a school teacher and a community orchestra player with occasional gigs. Read more>>

Leah Osborne

Since 2011 I’ve been on a journey with being a traveling musician and cook. I joined my first touring band in 2011. We toured all over the country. From festivals to theater size shows. The most notable show for me was when we stopped in Cincinnati. Unbeknownst to us Emilio Estevez was there in the crowd with his family. Read more>>

Raul Vega

I’m one of the fortunate few who has! It’s taken years of learning, re-learning, and un-learning everything I thought I knew about music and storytelling — both in film scoring and voiceover. As much as vocational schools can prepare you, nothing truly readies you for the fast-paced, ever-changing flow of the entertainment industry. Adaptability is crucial. Read more>>

Dayne Johnson

Im able to earn a full time living with my creative work by working with brands. I tend to work with medium size brands in the outdoor, action sport or apparel categories. The services I provide are full scale video productions, short form content, photography, art direction and brand development for products. Read more>>

Andrew Strano

I’ve been lucky enough to be able to earn a living – at least in part – from my creative work ever since I was invited to performed in ‘G.A.S.P.! a Gilbert and Sullivan Parody’ at the Riverina Playhouse in Wagga Wagga, Australia, the town where I grew up. Read more>>

Tim Forcade

I have had all manner of employment, union laborer, house painter, offset lithographic platemaker, lumberyard worker, dental hygienist, commercial studio photographer, journalist, software developer, and more – all in support of my artwork. I began drawing and painting compulsively as a child, at home, throughout public school, and later at the University of Kan¬sas while studying drawing and post-modernist painting (BFA 1970). Read more>>