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.

Anton Martiushev

I’m definitely happier as an artist. I don’t really fantasize about having a “regular job” – mostly I compare what my life looks like now with what it could have been. In my small hometown in Russia almost everyone followed the same script: study, find a stable job, don’t take risks. When I started tattooing, most people didn’t even see it as a real career. Read more>>

MariaEsther Lovero

I am very happy as an artist. I have crossed many bridges in my life and actually due to extremely difficult circumstances I held a regular job, it was a very important job however, I had to learn to follow days and hours schedules I was not used to and yes, throughout the years. Read more>>

Lyndsey Langsdale

I think about this all the time. My fantasy regular job is bagging groceries at the Raleys down the street from the farm. “Paper or plastic?” I could probably make it through the whole day by just uttering those three words. Read more>>

Thommy Davis

In a global economy, creative professionals are often positioned in contrast to academic and institutional careers, as if artistry and intellect exist in opposition. I rejected that false divide. Returning to higher education was not a retreat from creativity, but an act of authorship—an investment in breadth, discipline, and self-definition. Read more>>

Jared Blackstone

I am definitely happier being creative. I have had thoughts of what it would be like to just have a regular job and have a safety net. I tried doing both but it just wasn’t for me. It seems to be harder now to stay at one job and retire than it was back in the day. Read more>>

Brenda Echeverry

She taught me to be open minded about the wide range of tarot reading styles, to identify and maintain professional boundaries and scope of practice, and to shift my mindset about receiving fair financial compensation for providing spiritual care. I enjoy leading tarot workshops for all levels of experience so we can learn, discuss, and practice tarot together. The book really showed me how to teach tarot in an inclusive way. Read more>>