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.

Noelia Antweiler

I have been a full time artist for as long as I can remember – I’ve had my slew of day jobs, from bartending, waiting tables, being a barista, a nanny, a home organizer, a personal assistant, and so many more, but it’s always been in pursuit of maintaining an artistic lifestyle. I would not have this lifestyle if it didn’t make me happy, but I think any creative would be lying if they said they’ve never thought about what a different life would be like. Read more>>

Ti Larkins

It’s 4Am on a Monday, I roll over, away from my one year old daughter and the three year old foot in my back, to check the time. Usually at this time of the hour I’d roll back over and continue sleeping, but since moving back to my hometown in pursuit of a full time creative career, I’m awake and full of intention. It’s time to finish some work before the deadline. Quietly, I tiptoe away from the bed, collect my things, and head for the kids’ bathroom across the apartment. Read more>>

Riley Macc

Being that i’m in my first month of doing music full time, i would say i love music and it’s always consumed all of my time so i guess it feels normal. Outside of that it’s the feeling anybody doing something creative or risky gets, Failure. I have a high belief in myself but it’s always a small thought. Read more>>

Mariel Bayona

Well… It is a struggle to pursue a full time career as an artist. I am currently a tattoo artist, in my own shop that I co-own. However, life before tattooing wasn’t easy (to say the least). Now a days, the reality of being an artist is that: you have to make peace of having a “regular” job(s) in order to produce good work. Before I became a tattoo artist, I had my art studio in San Francisco which I would go every night to produce work after getting off my job as a bookkeeper. The crazy thing though, is that, aside from that – I use to co-own, co-direct, and co-curate an art gallery in the city (Bass & Reiner) as well. Read more>>

Matthew Gordon

This was actually the topic of a conversation that Megan and I had very recently. We have both had, and still have, what could be considered more conventional jobs (Megan recruits for a tech company, I teach music lessons part-time). Although we both appreciate and enjoy our day jobs, I don’t feel like either of us could live a life without performing music for a living. Read more>>

Brayden Tabakian

I am definitely in love with what I do and wouldn’t trade it for anything! I worked a couple non music jobs when I was in high school. They were both in food and I enjoyed both of them, however, what I’m doing now is much more enjoyable. I can’t remember specifically the last time I thought about going back to something like that, but I do know that in the past it would come to mind here and there. Read more>>

Joe Gergley

I’ve had every type of job that I can think of while chasing my art career. Until recently I sometimes had multiple jobs, on top of juggling my artistic pursuit. There was never a time I didn’t give my all into these jobs. However, there was always a point of realization that I’m giving so much time and effort only to be a number on a spread sheet. There is no soul or passion in living pay check to pay check trying to escape on the weekends. Read more>>

Sam Craig

I would be lying if I told you I didn’t frequently consider just dropping the makeup artist dream and going to school for some type of computer job. I’m sure it would probably be less competitive, less stressful, more steady and reliable, but also way less fulfilling. I wish I could dive into the details of the last experience I shared with these thoughts but unfortunately I cannot, because the thing is, nothing special, different, or significant has to be going on for my thoughts to hop on that doubtful train. Read more>>

Liz Ferron

I can’t imagine doing anything other than what I do. I started later in life and sometimes wish I began at a younger age, but realize this is my time. When it feels right, that’s when one can begin their journey. Comedy, radio & television are such a huge part of what I do and who I am. I ah e tried 9-5 jobs but have been too restless & always longing to do Benin the entertainment business. Read more>>

James Brickey

I would say I am happier, but I’ve found that doing what I love full-time only contributes a small part to my overall happiness. The freedom that comes with ‘being my own boss’ has both positives and negatives. The positives are likely self-evident to most people; I get to make whatever choices I want to make and generally don’t have anyone to answer to other than myself. However, therein lies the potential for negatives. The freedom I have also comes with the weight of my career being solely on my own shoulders. Any mistakes or bad decisions are mine alone and that can be hard to deal with at times. Read more>>

Rachel Counts

I’ve always been a creative at heart, so yes, I am very happy that I can earn a living doing what I love. Working online from home has its pros and cons, but I love the excitement that comes from being your own boss. The sky is the limit with what you can achieve—and it all has to do with the creative things you love most! Now that said, I have definitely wondered what it would be like to have a regular job. I have had my own business since I was 16, so I never got a “regular” 9-5 job. It would be very different for sure! Read more>>

Hanae Kawai

To be honest, I am not really aware of being a professional artist in my current career. If anything, being creative is a way of life. It is great to be able to make a living off of what you create, but for me, that is not the purpose of creating art. I always feel that I am just lucky to receive some kind of reward for it. Because it’s like I’m already being paid for creating and showing my work. So I have been creating while doing other work, both as a student and now. Mostly as an assistant to artists, but I have also worked as a cram school teacher, washed dishes in a restaurant, and even worked in a haunted house. Read more>>

Colleen McLean

Being in nature is where I am most at peace. When I was a girl, one many nicknames my dad gave me was Girl Naturalist. I was always exploring outdoors-curious and happy so long as I was immersed in nature. I brought home toads and salamanders all summer long. Nature is where I feel calm, focused and renewed. I can be in the moment rather than thinking about the past or future. I tune into the birds, the smells and the wind. I am alert and aware of my surroundings. Read more>>