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.

Renee Dominguez

I truly am happier being a creative artist. I get to tell stories through pictures and videos and I get paid to do it. I would do it for free and I did do it for free for a long time when I was starting out, but I love that I was able to turn what I am passionate about into a career and way to support myself. However, with the creative process comes moments of doubt. I am a huge over thinker and I often wonder if what I am doing is enough. Read more>>

Christiana Alaire

I am very blessed to be able to use my passion as a career path. Throughout my childhood, my parents always encouraged me to be able to make a living out of something that makes me happy 365 days a year. As I grew up, I had many jobs that served to “pay the bills” while I still pursued my music, however those jobs were never as rewarding as achieving any of my music milestones- no matter how small. Read more>>

Bethany Joy.

This is a topic I think about often! I have a BA degree in ASL Interpreting and I have been a professional interpreter for almost 10 years. For about three years after graduation, I held a full time job with an agency as an interpreter. At the same time, I was developing my skills on guitar and in the evenings performing at open mics around town, learning how to play on a stage. After working the 9-5 life for a few years, my discontent had grown so much that I couldn’t bear to do it anymore. Read more>>

Dan Finnell.

In several seasons of my life I have wondered why do I see the world through such a different lens … why am I the only one to notice the one leaf falling, or the color of the light, the shape of the cloud, or the emotion in the face. I still don’t have that answer but I have grown to be comfortable in my silent observation. That observation brings a joy to me now and a desire to follow its energy to capture it in time. To communicate that moment through watercolor. Read more>>

Emily Elgin

The thought of being a full time musician never seemed attainable to me because I never thought about it as “a real job”. It was always something the elite few somehow managed to figure out…so, I never tried. Until one day I had grown so incredibly unhappy I took the leap and jumped all in. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I am the happiest I have ever been in a job now that I am doing what I love. Don’t get me wrong, there have been days that I’ve thought about throwing in the towel and going back to a “regular job”. Read more>>

Pariz

Being a Artist has always be my dream. I’ve been always wanted to be a rockstar since I was a baby but I’m living that lifestyle now. My personality never been the type to work for anyone about 4 yrs ago I tried the whole working for someone else but my heart wouldn’t let me. I knew where I want to go and who I want to be so I stepped out on faith and been rapping ever since. Read more>>

Beth Williams.

I can’t imagine doing anything else. Art is my life and my routine. I was on an art scholarship in college when I became concerned about my ability to earn a living as an artist and I switched my major to art education. I regret having done that. It wasn’t until after tragic personal events in midlife that I decided to pursue a full-time career as an artist. It wasn’t with the intent of art for profit, it was just something I felt I had to do. Read more>>

Sumo The Artist

I am my happiest when I am in creation mode! I think any artist working in their respective field will go through time periods were getting a “regular job” is an option on the table. I tend to contemplate the idea when I am seeking a fresh & productive work environment, looking to learn or exercise a new skill that will only add to and enhance my artistic career, and of course when I may want to manifest financial growth in my life. Read more>>

Donald McDaniel

I am very happy as an Artist. I cannot be imagine life without music. Music is definitely my passion and fuels my drive. However, I have faced the harsh reality that I personally cannot earn a living as a musician. I am striving for that. I did earn as living as a music educator for nine years. Read more>>

Christina Gliha

I have had many “regular jobs” throughout my life and nothing can even come close to the satisfaction of working for yourself while doing what you love. If you have a passion for any subject and can cultivate that, I would encourage you to pursue it wholeheartedly. When you work for others, you will invariably find yourself in a situation where your values don’t align and one of you will be forced to compromise – and as the employee in that dynamic – it will likely be you. Read more>>

Brian Velazquez.

I am happier as an Artist. For many years I lived in New Jersey working as a fedex delivery driver, the money was great but I was never satisfied knowing that my talents in art where going to waste. So I saved my money and took a leap of faith in pursue of a life I could look back and be proud of. Read more>>

Margaret Zox Brown

I am completely happy being an artist and a creative. I have had full time and part time regular jobs and they felt stifling to me. I thrive on the open ended and I am excited by creativity, even if it is creatively thinking about how to achieve different things in my business. I am happy when I have external goals as in deadlines for projects but the work to meet those goals must come out of me creatively in order for me to be passionate about what I am doing and also to do my best work. Read more>>

Jessica Becker

I’m living the dream, ha! I knew at the age of five that I wanted to be an artist and I remember stressing out at the idea of working a regular job for the rest of my life. I took some art classes in school but I really ended up teaching myself how to paint and that ultimately led me to being addicted to the craft. The idea of a career that didn’t revolve around being creative was not an option for me. Read more>>

Imani Moore

I love being an artist. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be in the performing arts world. It’s where I go when I want to feel joy and peace; when the world around me feels like it’s crashing down on me. I do have a regular job while working as an artist. I have thought about what it would be like if I stopped dancing altogether. Then I get reminded of the days when my dance group goes on a break and how I go home after work, doing nothing; Read more>>

Hannah Comstock

I have been drawing my entire life. Ever since I could hold I pencil I remember drawing, I think it came naturally to me. I was always creating characters and stories in my spare time, starting a multitude of illustrated books that never came to completion. Despite all of this, growing up I never dreamed of just being an artist. I always felt a deep love for the natural world, especially the ocean, and therefore my childhood aspiration was to become a marine biologist. Read more>>