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.

Matt O’Neill

Absolutely, I’m happy as an artist/creative! It’s who I am in the core of every cell. As essential and involuntary as breathing. I can’t even fathom being any other way. It’s just how I’m wired. Read more>>

Qi He

For me, there’s a distinction between being an artist and engaging in artistic creation. I find joy and fulfillment in the act of creating, yet I also feel somewhat weary of the social attributes and demands that come with the profession of being an artist. I truly wish to create and live simply, but as you know, this profession requires more than just creation. Read more>>

Lauren Kern

Yes, I’m happy as a creative. Modeling taught me so much about self acceptance and confidence. Being in front of the camera helped me learn to love myself: my body, my features, my individuality; and that’s something I might not have discovered in a regular job. Modeling also gave me a sense of freedom and a new perspective on life. Read more>>

Kiki Risque

I’m happiest as an artist, truly. Creating, performing, teaching … it’s the core of who I am. But there are definitely moments where I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job with clear boundaries and predictable days. One moment that stands out happened when I had two productions coming up just weeks apart. Read more>>

Mark Michele

I’ve always kept the balance of having a day job and pursuing the creative side. I think it’s easy for artists, especially performers, to daydream about reaching a level of success where they don’t need to clock in anymore. I never minded it. It gives structure to the creative parts of your daily life that can sometimes pass you by. Read more>>

Evelyn Mora

I am very happy working as an artist, painting and creating, but there is a harsh reality in the times we live in, where competitiveness and the low value placed on the cost of art become facts that affect making art solely as a profession that generates financial security. Read more>>

David Elmo Cooper

I find my greatest happiness as a creative and educator, a challenging but intensely fulfilling path that allows me to live my dream illustrating picture books and mentoring students at Pratt, SVA, and FIT, while serving the professional community through organizations like the Society of Illustrators and the Society of Publication Designers (SPD). Read more>>

Allen Sofiov

There are definitely moments when I stop and think about what my life would look like if I just had a regular job. A predictable schedule, clear boundaries, and the ability to clock out at five. It usually crosses my mind on the tough days, when I’m juggling clients, deadlines, job sites, and the unexpected problems that come with running a design-build firm. Read more>>