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.

David Gappa

My career as a glass artist was a slow and gradual evolution. I originally studied as an architect at UT Arlington, and during my graduate studies, UTA started a glassblowing program. I took the first glassblowing class ever offered – our class of 7 students actually helped build the furnaces and glassblowing equipment. I took the class primarily as a stress reliever to take a break from the long hours I spent behind the drafting table. After I graduated in 1999, I worked as an architect for approximately 10 years. Read more>>

Abigail Boatwright

I graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in agricultural communications and internship experience at a major equine breed association’s media department. My time at the American Quarter Horse Association gave me valuable skills that I carried into a similar full-time position at Fort Worth-based American Paint Horse Association’s media department. I worked on staff as a writer and photographer for nearly 5 years. When I decided to go freelance to have more flexibility, I reached out to the editors at magazines whom I’d met during my time on staff, and let them know I was available to freelance. Read more>>

Jodi Hill

My illustrations have never been a full time gig for me but I have really enjoyed the creative distraction in my life. Sometimes I worked on one children’s book illustration project a year, creating all the artwork, including creating the cover, getting paid, and then the authors self publish on amazon. When I look at the completed books that I have had the honor of illustrating, including my name on the cover, I am so proud and I feel accomplished in my art career, tiny as it may be. Looking back when I was in college as an art major I thought I would create a famous logo or a creative label to be seen on the shelf at the grocery store. I just enjoyed creating and drawing. Read more>>

Matt Druin

I started my business toward the end of 2010 and officially opened in February 2011. I was in my late 20s with only my wife, Jessica, and very few other responsibilities. At the time, the economy was still recovering from the 2008 housing market crash and I was working part-time and going to school. I was majoring in finance and marketing when I decided to switch to graphic design because I wanted a more creative career. One of the required classes was photography. I spent the semester trading a toolbox on Craiglist for a camera and taking all kinds of photos for school and myself. Read more>>

Tierra Traniece

I always strive for more. Initially, my plan was to become. teacher and do music and publishing on the side. The roles have switched tremendously. I am a reading interventionist part-time and I’ve decimated the bulk of my hours to being an artist, author, and Publisher. It was never in my plans to do hard labor after 25. I’ve always man infested “retiring” at 25 and I made sure whatever work that I will be doing didn’t feel like work. Read more>>

Samantha Pendleton

I am officially earning a full time income as a creative as of last December. It’ s scary and wonderful all at the same time. I was able to do this by learning patience, accepting rejection and realizing the transition wouldn’t occur over night. I thought if I started an Etsy and a website people would just flock to it and it doesn’t happen that way. I now know that my people skills are just as important as my creative skills. You can have the most beautiful products and if no one knows about them they aren’t going to sell. You have to talk about your business for people to know about your business exists. Read more>>

Jerry Gontang

I’m one of the lucky ones that can fill in the occupation box on my tax form with the word MUSICIAN. Back in the mid 1950’s I performed at a school talent contest playing guitar and singing a couple of songs. The response I got was surprising and infectious and I felt my destiny taking shape. I’ve tried earning a living through various career fields but performing live music has been my passion. Taking business classes in college set the foundation for me to attach this songful livelihood on. Good fortune and a solid business plan has kept the wind in my sails as I still venture around the country entertaining people, doing this activity that I love and call a job. Yeah, I’m one of the lucky ones. Read more>>

Alessandro Sarno

I discovered photography late in life. For the first years I kept shooting and shooting without knowing what to do with the photos I was taking. Everything started to change after I had a conversation with an old friend of mine. She told me to focus and set a goal of sales for the year. I did, it was $3,000. But still had no idea how to reach that amount, small but big at the same time. This was, I recon 5 years ago. I started to be more focused and use my sales skill, learnt from past professional experiences. Read more>>

Morgan Farris

I began freelancing as a graphic designer a few years out of college. Even though I was working full-time as an art director for a worldwide television network I somehow found myself with enough time on my hands to start a side business. Knowing that I wanted to keep working even after having kids, and knowing that I was learning a lot from my full-time job, I opened my company in 2010 as a graphic designer and web developer. Read more>>

Jennifer Decker

Actually, I have not been able to earn a full time living from my creative work, but it is a labor of love, so I’ve kept it going for 20 years to keep a very worthy mission alive, and to pay other artists for their work. I started a theater company in 2001, but I did it on my own power, and without any financial backers or significant funding. I did it because I loved making art, and theater was my passion, and I wanted to make some beautiful art with like-minded people. Read more>>

Debi Starr

I was born a creator. I started drawing and painting at a very young age and knew I was destined to be an artist. In nursery school, sitting in circle time, Ms. Anne asked each of us what we wanted to be when we grew up. I immediately responded, “An artist!” I never changed my mind nor my path. My parents were very supportive of my passion and allowed me to take art lessons as much as possible. Read more>>

Wayne Riker

At age 19 I locked in my goal to be a full time professional guitarist and guitar teacher. During my four years of college I formed my own band and began to practice twelve hours a day while minoring in Music. Upon graduation I immersed myself in the New York City music scene where I was fortunate to play with a number of high level veteran club musicians. At the same time I began teaching guitar as well. Now at age 71 I look back with no regrets as I have successfully made a full time living playing gigs and teaching, Mission accomplished all chronicled in my memoirs: 50 Years, 50 Bands, 50 Bucks on Amazon. Read more>>