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.
Ren Galera
I absolutely love what I do and what I strive to become however; I would be lying if I said I didn’t wonder if a regular career would be best. I struggle with severe anxiety and I am realizing the career I am passionate about could worsen the issue. Read more>>
Lo Cornell
Honestly, this is not only a question I mull over on a regular basis, but one I get asked most often by people I converse with. As many times as I’ve been asked this question, I’ve always come to the same conclusion- I wouldn’t be true to myself if I didn’t give my creative dreams and passions as much time and respect to grow as I can possibly offer. Read more>>
Mary Tabor
Being an artist/creative is not always the most welcoming and easy path, but it’s one path I will take over and over again. There’s times where I wish I had desk job with steady pay, benefits, normal hours. But I always remind myself, that being born with a creative mind is a special gift and to not use it would be a waste. Read more>>
Zaneta Roman
I am a lot happier as a creative artist and carry a different type of outlook, meaning and purpose on my life. I’ve worked and been a part of the corporate world and other things relevant to it and never felt more empty. Read more>>
Skye Lam
I am CONSTANTLY going back and forth between whether or not it was the “right” choice to pursue art as a career. Creative burnout is so real and its a concept that doesn’t really enter your mindset until you’ve put yourself on this formal path of artistry like attending art school or working a job that involves a consistent flow of creation. Read more>>
Elena D
There are so many times where I take a step back and wonder if I’m really doing what I should be, that it would be impossible to count. Every time, I take a deep breath and eventually come back around to the conclusion that I won’t see exactly what I want out there in the world unless I make it happen myself. Read more>>
Evan Reeves
I remember driving over the Bay Bridge at 4:30AM on my way to my job in the financial district of San Francisco. I was twenty two years old and making great money working as an assistant bond trader. I was also side hustling as a performing musician, recording studio intern, and upstart music producer. Read more>>
Chelz The Creative
Being an artist/creative is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’ve had well over 10 jobs, simply because I could never find a place that fit me. I had the privilege of working in different types of fields which helped me become a more well rounded person, but I was never passionate about any of them. I always found myself working closely with some type of merchandising or design department even though it wasn’t my specific job. Read more>>
Kuan-Ya Wu
If I were to define my family, I would always think that it leans toward the traditional side when I was a child. I grew up thinking of art as a hobby and less like a career as I thought a career should always be something stable and should be those jobs that start at 9 and end at 5. Read more>>
Ashaee Bundy
I am happy being an Influencer. I feel blessed that I have had the opportunity to become a public figure, influence, and inspire people. I do think about how different it would be having a “regular job”. I am currently in the process of going to school for a degree. Read more>>
Katelan Foisy
I can’t imagine myself in another career but I believe that is from working different jobs while putting myself out there as an artist. I spent most of my time after I graduated college trying to get illustration jobs and a rep while working retail to pay the bills. I loved the friendships I made while working retail and in copy and shipping centers. Read more>>
Travis Davidson Jr.
Yes I am quite happy. I love being an artist it’s is all I ever wanted to do. Even though sometimes I may seem ungrateful but it’s only because I am impatient and I want to do so much like go on a world tour, meet the people i always looked up to, and have the accessibility to Record as I please and get these pictures into motion Read more>>
ARTic Flair
We are happier as artists. The goal is to reverse from our regular jobs to fulltime artists. Just recently we were in a show, this show was a little bigger than what we have done in the past. Everything went well, we sold pieces connected with other artists. Many artists on every level, to see how everyone minds work creatively in so many different ways are very inspiring. Every showing is pushing us closer and closer to our goal of having a gallery/studio. Read more>>