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.
Cammie Meerdink
There are many doubts I have as a creative person trying to earn a living (in this economy!) that range from how sustainable my practice is to whether my body can keep up with the physical demands of this work. One of the hardest for me to handle is whether or not it would be easier to have a “regular job.” Read more>>
Michael Matteo Rossi
I’m absolutely happy being an artist. I knew from a very early age that the ‘9-5’ a day job wasn’t going to work for me. In high school and a bit in college I worked the part time retail and services jobs and absolutely no disrespect to them, but I just knew I had to make it in film to pursue and do that as much as I can. We are all on borrowed time whether we like knowing it or not, so make the most out of doing what you love. Read more>>
Carmen Jabier
For the most part, yes! But like anything else in life there are ebbs and flows, and it would be inaccurate to say that that happiness is present 24/7. It can get overwhelming running a one-person production and I definitely wonder every so often what having a regular job and everything that comes with it (such as consistent income and the ability to turn off “work mode” Read more>>
Miranda Spence
I would say that I am happy with the work that I do. I have in the past had to get a “regular job”, but with the birth of my child in August, I am working full-time as a parent, while also continuing my work as an artist and facilitator to the next generation of artists. I am fortunate enough to have the support of my partner, Chord, who is able to financially care for us as well. Read more>>
KerryLynne McHugh
I love being an actor. I absolutely have wondered and even dreamt of having a more “normal” career path. Especially being an actress of a certain age; I see the women I grew up in with their successful careers and it’s very tempting. But I’ve always said that if I ever found something I love as much as this, I’d do it. I’m 20+ years in and I’ve yet to come across anything. Read more>>
Steve Windham
Prior to 2020, I’d only painted walls. While I’ve been accused of being “creative”, it never had to do with painting or art. It was a perfect storm of Covid, replacing my fence and having a couple of fish shaped craft pieces hanging on my wall. I simply thought to myself, “I can do that”. I have left over paint and fence pickets and time on my hands. Read more>>
Nathan Amondson
I questioned the value of an artistic life vs. the “regular job” at an early age. Our father had a wide variety of professions: artist, chainsaw sculptor, preacher, politician, and amateur home builder. As a child, a “regular job” (doctor, lawyer, or some other more secure profession) was the dream. Read more>>
Max Venus
I absolutely love being an artist! It’s a great way for me to express myself & share similar feelings & experiences with other people. Read more>>
Sabrina Krause
Being a freelance artist for 16 years has its ups and downs. There are definitely days, years, (the pandemic) that are harder and better than others. Mostly I love that I set my own hours, I can vacation when I want, volunteer when I want and never have to miss a field trip, class project or random weekday event with my kids. Read more>>
Lanier McKinney
Yes, I enjoy everything that comes with being a creative because its then intimate expression of life. I have the freedom to do want and when I want. I don’t miss anything about working a regular job because I don’t like feeling confined to one thing for to long. Read more>>
Michael James
These were questions I asked myself nearly every moment of my 20’s. In the long term I always felt, “Music is worth everything,” but that answer couldn’t have been more volatile in the interim. Read more>>
Kait Scarano
I think so! It depends on the moment and how much weight the word “happy” holds for me that day. The act of creating brings me insurmountable joy, but like Michael J. Fox said, optimism is more sustainable. Read more>>
Anna Mazman
As a self-employed artist and business owner, I can create and execute my vision and make my own decisions. I can choose the projects I work on, the clients I work with, and the direction of my business. However, being self-employed also means that I am responsible for all aspects of my business, including finances, marketing, and operations. Read more>>
Vian Borchert
I never really sat and pondered if I am happy or not as a creative person. I know one thing though being a creative person and an artist is the truest and closest path to my authentic self. I have always been creative ever since I was a child. I would look at things from many angles, If I wrote a story, I would add illustrations and make it into a mini book. Read more>>
Bronwyn LeAnne
To be truly honest, the only time I have been happy when it comes to work is when I have been an artist or creative. I always knew from the time I was a little girl that I wanted to do something creative. I started painting at a young age and was always so in love with all things art. Read more>>
Karen Tedesco
It’s taken me decades to reach this place in my life. I use my creative skills every day in my work as a photographer and recipe developer. And I’m actually making a living! I attended college in the 1990s and majored in photography and art history, and at the same time, I was finding that food and cooking was my great passion. Read more>>
Carrie Clayden
My name is Carrie Clayden and I am a professional artist who paints in Acrylics in a semi abstract expressive style. I was always searching for my “thing”, my calling or niche. I wasn’t always artistic as a child so it was easy to discover, I tried many jobs, school and didn’t find my way until I was much older (40s-50s). Read more>>