Is it natural to wonder what life would have been like had you chosen a different path? Is it common? We asked many artists and creatives from all over the country if they’ve ever wondered about whether they should have pursued a more standard career path to see what we could learn from their stories.

DavionTre Brown-Harris

After over a year of working on my story The New Genesis: Leviathan, I can confidently say I am happier as a creative. I would be lying if I said I haven’t thought of giving up on it in place of a regular job, though. Read more >>>

Kay Bee 

I am much happier overall working as a creative. I think back to the financial stability full time employment afforded me and how comfortable it is to know that a paycheck is coming twice a month, and honestly I wouldn’t go back to it. Read more >>>

Momo Cao

I’m really glad I somehow ended up on the path of art from a young age. I think it was my mom who really knew how to notice my strengths. Like one time I drew all over a white wall while she was asleep, and instead of everything, she actually thought it was kind of funny and encouraged me to keep going. Read more >>>

Lori Ruml

Yes, I’m happy as an artist. It’s fulfilling to live a creative life, to express ideas and emotions, and start conversations through my artwork. I’m also an art teacher, and I’ve had the privilege of teaching in a wide range of spaces from colleges and school districts, to art galleries, corporate events, parks and recreation programs, and more. Read more >>>

Linnea Hodson

Moving through this world as a creative and artist has brought me the most joy I’ve ever experienced. My journey as a creative person has taken me down many paths — trying on a ‘regular job’ for size was one of those paths. For nearly 3 years, I was a part of the corporate world, working a remote marketing job. Read more >>>

Mashael Alqahtani

I truly believe that I picked the right career. The love of my life is writing. It’s the first thing I knew to lean on and the most consistent art-form I’ve enjoyed. It’s both my career and my joy. Read more >>>

Vy-Anh Nguyen

The funny part about this question is that I am currently working both a full-time regular job in tech and a creative job on the side! I wasn’t expecting to be in this situation, but I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to experience both fields at the same time. Since I graduated college last year, I had been on the constant job hunt. Read more >>>

Charlie Park

This question arose frequently while I was trying to break into the industry. I actually remember applying for a few office jobs. And when I was too depressed to think about anything positive, I often regretted my decision to become a professional artist. I felt this a lot, especially right after I graduated. Read more >>>