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.

Zachary Scot Johnson

I rarely think about what it would be like to have a “regular” job. I’m so happy to be an independent artist, and have known exactly what I wanted to do from a pretty young age and have made it my reality, which is incredible. The flexibility in particular can’t be beat. I love the elements of travel that are a pretty innate part of my job as a touring singer/ songwriter. Read more>>

Valeria Wicker

I’ve contemplated on this question many times, Especially, during times when providing for a large family was challenging for me and my spouse. Despite that, I’ve always believed there was a call in me that needed to be followed and that creating was, and still is, a the core of my existence. Read more>>

Robin Capecci

YES! YES! I love being an artist! And as a matter of record, I’ve had regular jobs. They were in the retail industry. Seems like I’m an artist no matter where I am. In the retail environment, my world was creating beautiful merchandise displays. My superiors could aleays recognise ‘my work’ as though my thumbprint was on it. It was peaceul, orderly, and very pleasing to the eyes. Read more>>

Sophia Ruppert

Being an artist can result in an incredible life. Living outside the limits of a “regular job” and being able to make for the sake of art produces deep thinking and revolutionary individuals. However, we live in a world where rejection of the status quo can be extremely difficult. My art career started in 2011. I spent nine years collecting a BFA in Sculpture, a BA in Art History, and an MFA in Sculpture. Read more>>

Clare Norris

Imagine being a public school art teacher, expecting your third child, and wanting nothing more than to “do it right” this time. In 2010, my husband and I were expecting our first child. I yearned to stay home with our son, and subsequently our future children, but I mistakenly believed this was a life for wives of lawyers and doctors, not teachers. Read more>>

Estivalli Medrano-E.

The concept of “a regular job” has evolved remarkably in the last couple of years for me, and it’s that evolution that allows me to better understand my craft and my position in the industry. Read more>>

Mike Cuenca

Definitely happier as a creative. And I do have a regular job! I work for the American Cinematheque as a full-time theatre coordinator. And working for the AC is practically dream next to being able to actually live off being a full-time movie-maker. Or to even get some dream scripts minimally financed that I’ve been sitting on for years. There’s just no way I would do those for zero-budget lol. Read more>>

Crisy Meschieri Dyment

I feel like I have to pinch myself every morning for being able to make a career out of my passion. I have loved the world of art and design since I was very little (looking back I should have known I would be a designer when I would spend hours trying to write the perfect version of each letter of the alphabet). I find the process of melding logical problem solving with visual aesthetics to be an exciting challenge. Read more>>

Carmen Salvá del Corral

If happiness is found in yourself, I am. For me there is no other way of living than creating. Yes, of course I think so, but it instantly disappears when I understand that writing what they force you to do or painting what they tell you is imprisoning your creativity. I can receive orders, of course I do!, but always keeping my focus and my work technique. Read more>>

Ashley Meenach

I believe that creating is what I was born to do! I don’t ever wish that I had what most consider a regular job, punching in and out at the same time every day, doing what someone else expects of us to earn THEM money. When I create, I know it’s exactly where I’m meant to be. I feel whole when I create, and I like to be able to have as much freedom as possible with my art. Read more>>

Cynthia Meng

I think what’s somewhat unique about my career is that I actually started off working in a “regular” job and then decided for myself that I would pursue a career in the arts (specifically, as a freelancer). I spent three years working as a software engineer before I went full-throttle as a freelancer. Every now and then, I’ll really seriously consider the possibility of going back to something more full-time, Read more>>

Bonnie Seymour

I am very happy being the owner of Exclusion Literary Studios, and also being a novelist. I’m also a realist, lol. I have a full career as a Health care translator. I have clients who are mostly overseas and my career is very demanding. I was raised to work hard until you can work smart. I’m finally at a point where I see revenue from my many creative ventures, however I dont plan on retiring anytime soon. Read more>>