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.

Michael Cartwright

The moment I stopped obsessing on being a full-time musician and started focusing on living a life of interesting adventure, my financial opportunities increased and my depth of experiences widened a full arm’s length. A new life was born, by my letting go of my prideful ego and being down for anything. Read more>>

CHRISTINA FLACH

I always say that you should do what you love and then find a way to make money doing it. For me, I love meeting new people, traveling, thinking creatively, and making people feel and look like the best versions of themselves. Read more>>

Gabe Wolf

I just turned 29, and a lot of my 20’s were about figuring out who I was. Even though I had had a big revelation about my identity as an artist when I was 14 (and many times over since then), I doubted myself, and felt that I would need some other career because being an artist seemed too unlikely. Read more>>

Anel Muro

I am very happy working as a photographer! I actually worked a 9-5 office job before deciding to become a full-time photographer. I will admit that I was happy working the job that I had, I enjoyed it a lot and I loved my co-workers but I was getting tired of being stuck behind the desk every day. Read more>>

Tamara Willoughby

Am I happy as a creative? There are hard days, and waves of burnout. The kind that make you wonder if you’ve lost it or ever really had it at all. On the other hand, there are days that I’m inspired by the stories that sit in my chair. Helping others find the beauty within themselves is something that is so rewarding to me Read more>>

Celina Sasso

I’m extremely grateful that I can do what I love for a living. I feel like a lot of artists’ have an advantage when living in Vegas since we’re known for entertainment. I feel it would be a lot harder for me to make income solely off of being a creative if I lived elsewhere. Read more>>

Austin Hall

As an artist, I am happy more often than not, which is all anybody can really ask for in life. Sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down; I’m just lucky enough to be up more. I never wonder about what it would be like to have a regular job because I already know that I was miserable in one. Read more>>

Kristin Dragos

I am happy as an artist. Do I wish I made more? Sure. Do I struggle with wondering if I’m doing enough? Absolutely! I’ve had the “regular” jobs. In the past, I was a hairstylist, a teacher, and a software engineer. All of them left me wanting to be more creative. I wanted to create. Read more>>

Sydney Claire

Being a full-time creative is a tough path in 2023. It’s full of roadblocks, twists and turns, and unforeseen circumstances. It’s full of oversaturation, clickbait, and work that only gains attention because of personal popularity, not necessarily quality. Read more>>

Kimmy Burns

I’d have to say I am extremely happy with being an artist, and taking the path that I have chosen for myself. I’ve worked in the corporate world and experienced all there is in that industry, and I just have to say it was never for me. Read more>>

Madison Haley

As someone who went straight to working at an office and odd retail jobs after graduating high school, I can honestly say that becoming a tattoo artist has been my saving grace. There is nothing more I’d rather do than make people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin with what I am able to provide for them! Read more>>

Aremy Stewart

I am insanely happy to make art for a living. It’s my dream job. Read more>>

Jessica Burdeaux

The last several years of my life, since I graduated college in 2014, I worked regular jobs while pursuing a music career. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I finally went full time. When I was at work, my mind would race thinking about all of the things I needed to do to get closer to my goals of being a full time musician. Read more>>

Richard Keen III

It is no secret that I am at my happiest and most fulfilled when I am in my studio painting, drawing, or making sculptures. Anyone who knows me would tell you I’m less fun to be around if I haven’t had that time to explore and actively create my art. That said, I don’t have to wonder, I do have a “regular job.” Read more>>

Tyler Jordan

I believe that it’s important to do what you love and pursue your passion, even if it means taking a risk and leaving a stable job. While working for the MTA provided me with financial stability, it never fulfilled my creative desires or allowed me to fully express myself. Being able to work on my own terms and create something that truly represents me has been incredibly rewarding. Read more>>

Michelle ASARCH

I am in a unique position as an artist and as an art teacher. I have been creating artwork as long as I have been teaching it. While some might think that I would be a teacher first and an artist second, I actually think of it the other way. Read more>>

Padon Suber

This year is my first year being fully self employed, and I love it. I used to be in the corporate field for years before I took the risk to chase my dream, and I hardly look back. Sometimes the funds aren’t the same, with a typical 8-5 you can guarantee a salary, but even still, working towards earning more within a career I’m good at while enjoying what I do keeps a smile on my face . Read more>>

Reed Watson

I feel like I’m one of the most fortunate people on the planet, and I really mean that. I make my living in music, which is something I always *wanted* to do, but not something I ever dreamed would be possible. The thing that most folks don’t understand is how intense this work can be. I am, basically, on call at all times… and that’s because I have a personal relationship with the artists I represent. Read more>>