The world needs artists and creatives. Unfortunately, being needed doesn’t often easily translate into financial stability. The struggle is real for so many incredibly talented artists and creatives and so we think it’s important to hear from creatives who have made it work – there is so much to learn from the folks we’ve featured below.

Summer Orlando

I’m Summer Orlando, New England’s premier theater drag queen and illusionist, I am known for my Broadway-quality costumes, show-stopping performances, live singing, comedic timing, and amazing event hosting skills. Hosting duties include bachelorette parties, anniversary celebrations, Weddings, Pride events, and birthday parties for all ages. I perform throughout CT, NYC, Florida, Internationally, and everywhere in between! Read More>>

Haas Almahdi

I wouldn’t say it was full-time from day one. In the beginning, it was just me putting in hours after work, learning the craft, studying production, and trying to find my sound. There were no placements, no real income, just consistency and belief in where it could go. Over time, things started to shift. Read More>>

Robin Evette

My creative journey has definitely been more of a **build than an overnight breakthrough**. While I’m still growing toward making a full-time living entirely from my creative work, the foundation has been built through several lanes in media and storytelling. A big part of that journey has been developing *Pillowtalkpodcast*, which started as a space for real conversations about culture, relationships, and everyday life. Read More>>

Erin Moore

I’ve certainly found a way to make a living off of my art and being able to do it my way as opposed to what would be considered traditional to tattooing. If there’s one important thing I’ve learned to make that happen, it’s that people are looking to find some sort of personal autonomy in my work and tattooing as a whole. Read More>>

Brian Lamont Daves

I began my career in social work, earning my Master’s degree from Howard University and my undergraduate degree from UNC Greensboro. My early professional experience was rooted in federal government work, where I developed a strong foundation in structure, communication, and service. Years later, I made a pivotal transition into full-time styling—an evolution that wasn’t traditional, but deeply intentional. Read More>>

Viktoriia Gevlenko

My name is Viktoriia Gevlenko, a professional dancer, choreographer, performer, and creative artist currently based in Miami. My dance journey began in Siberia, where I started training at the age of five and quickly developed a passion for competitive ballroom dancing. After years of training and competing in both Latin and Standard ballroom programs, dance became the foundation of my professional life. Read More>>

Marcus ‘Grabster’ Borges

I’ve been very grateful and am proud to be earning a full time living from my art. As a working artist, I am certain that there’s nothing else I rather be doing and I feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose, especially when I’m creating work in my own style. A career that offers creative freedom adds another layer of success aside from the financial aspects. Read More>>

Forrest Heusinkveld

People often ask me if I make a full-time living from my creative work in music. It depends how you define “full-time living” and “creative work.” In music school I was told the chances of making a full-time living as a performer were basically zero. I noticed all my musical mentors wore multiple hats, so I focused on becoming the best teacher I could be. Read More>>

Cody Hilton

Started Tinted Yellow Media back in 2020 with very minimal knowledge of how a camera operated. 2021 I pushed myself to go above and beyond my boundaries and comfort zone to gain and learn all the knowledge I could all year long to ensure Tinted Yellow Media was ready to keep pursuing the end goal. Read More>>

Nick Barilla

From 2017 until 2019, I was able to earn a full-time living from being a live music performer. It started with a weekly residency at a hotel which then expanded into me playing cover songs in bars and restaurants 3 to 5 times a week. From then on, I started stacking dates up around those gigs and started earning more and more income. Read More>>

Islam Gimazov

Being a creative freelancer in New York is rough because you need to find a balance between working on projects that help sustain a decent living and help your portfolio, and heartfelt projects that are more ‘you’. The ones that, when you sign up for, you create a creative pact of leaving every bit of oneself on a project. Read More>>

Abby Judd

Not yet but so close! I’ve been a full-time pharmacy technician while doing photography every waking moment I had on the side. from 5pm-9pm and weekends I am always putting into my business. I had hope that in 2025 I made enough to go full time but when I just did my taxes this year, I did not. Read More>>