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.

Mermaiid Ink

I am extremely grateful I get to call tattooing work. I love that I get the opportunity to create and have my art roam around California :) Read more>>

Holly Settoon

This is a great question, because I feel like in some ways I am of course happier as an artist, because it’s what I’ve always wanted to do, but at the same time, it can be very challenging and I think about having a regular job all the time! Read more>>

Joshua Hagler

I’m happy as a person and that makes me a happy artist. Painting, for me, has shifted away from a primarily achievement-oriented, ladder-climbing concern to occupying just one part of a larger contemplative or spiritual practice. Read more>>

Timmy Black

It’s very clear what the term “essential worker” implies. Firefighters, health care workers, plumbers, mechanics, teachers, agricultural harvesters, bus drivers, the list goes on and then it abruptly stops. Read more>>

Rebi Paganini

This is a great question. Like so many actors in New York City, I am also a server. I recently received a promotion within the restaurant and excitedly told my parents of my new responsibilities and small raise. Read more>>

SONI withanEYE

Absolutely! Being able to do what I love is food for my soul. Through the ups and downs, I would not trade it for the world. The life experiences it has brought me are priceless. Read more>>

Zondra Mckennie

In this season of my life, Yes, my artistry brings me happiness. I feel extremely blessed to be gifted the opportunity to not only adorn the body with jewelry pieces but to Liberate one’s mind with an inspirational “peace”. Read more>>

Coraline Gustave

I could start by saying that I am extremely happy being an artist and to create beauty every day. To be honest I’ve never thought how it will be different if I had a regular job since I’ve never thought at doing anything else. Read more>>

Giorgi

I am happy as an artist, yes! In fact being an artist often feels like the only thing I can do well and for the long haul, or for hours at a time. Wealthy yet? No. Happy? Yes. Read more>>

Chandra Lockett

I am very happy being able to create stories. Not only do I get to create stories for my children but also get to connect with other children in the world. No, I don’t wonder about having a regular job. Read more>>

Robin Elise Maaya

I would say that I am more than happy to be working in a creative career. I have been taking photographs for what seems like my entire life and other than a few months at one service industry job and one retail job, photography is all I have ever known. Read more>>

Zhengyi Yu

Yes, I am genuinely happy as an artist. My passion for storytelling through visual arts drives me every day. The excitement I feel when creating artwork that resonates with people is unparalleled. Read more>>