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.

Grecia Salamon

There are times when I definitely wonder, but thankfully I have built a career that supports and sustains my way of living and my need to be constantly learning and exploring. I have done the “regular job” in the past, but I can’t be in one place for too long. I have to be creating and connecting with different kind of people, situations and scenarios to feel inspired and motivated. Sometimes my work is 10-12 hours a day, it can be pretty challenging depending on the production, but I love what I do, and as long as I am in my element, I can do it all day. Read more>>

Stephanie Hardy

I am so happy as a creative person. Throughout my life, I have been artistically involved. Whether it was ballet, hip hop dance, choral singing, theater and writing, I was in it! But after college, my musical pursuits were not as successful as I thought they would be. As I worked to make a living, I struggled with what I really wanted to do. Read more>>

Christy Ross

I feel extremely fulfilled to be working as both an artist and an art educator. I get to combine my passion for exploring creativity, sharing my love for art by connecting with others and expressing myself through my art working in both of these areas. From when I was in the second grade I had dreamed of becoming an artist. When I got into UCLA I was accepted into both design and art majors. Read more>>

Alex Windsor

I’m absolutely happy as a musician. There are definitely some difficult days, but I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. The rewarding feeling I get when I walk off stage or after recording a good take in the studio is unmatched. Read more>>

Deborah Lindquist

I am happy as a creative artist. Read more>>

SAM FOX

Are any artists happy? Ha! I am a the literal definition of a suffering artist. But the irony is that there’s a masochistic quality to most all artists, especially filmmakers, and I therefore feel that if we weren’t suffering, we wouldn’t be fulfilled. If it was easy, we wouldn’t do it. The only thing I’d like from a real job is money, but if money doesn’t buy you happiness than I may as well get chummy with being a suffering artist. Read more>>

Joshua Glass

Ultimately, as an artist, I’m very happy. I’ve learned in the last few years that my happiness as an artist should not be centered around how much I create. I have learned to be content in the mere fact that I am still a creative whether or not I’m always putting out material. Through my experiences, I have come to the realization that every part of life can be used in my art. Even the moments that may not feel so good. Read more>>

Owen Munisamy

When I see my painting finished, that’s when I am the most happy. But of course, the question is when is a painting finished? It takes a long time to plan, to lay out sometimes on Photoshop so I can change my mind without throwing away, decide on colours, any change in style and to execute (to actually paint). Watching paint dry is not just a joke! Another happy moment is when my painting is sold or even just selected for an exhibition. It shows Read more>>

Nadia Maryam

I am happy as an artist because I am able to define my career. In this, I have agency in every job I take. I am able to prioritize the desires of my spirit and in doing so, the jobs I take align with my standards. May it be in terms of my heart and its fulfillment, the choreographer, collaborating artists, or payment, I am almost always satisfied with what comes my way. I don’t limit myself, but I do have boundaries in any space I tend to. I value my time, energy and company deeply. Read more>>

Dameon Victorian

I am one billion percent happy as an actor and filmmaker! And, I also have a regular day job as well. It’s indeed a tricky balance but I’m here for it all. I have yet to make a full time living off the creative work though there’s no stress on my mind that I eventually will. The great and wise Nipsey Hussle said, “It’s a marathon”, and as long as I keep the pressure running then everything will come together. Read more>>

Kate Marley

Being an artist and a creative has been a lifelong goal for me–in elementary school, I had big dreams of being a visual artist and a singer (and a vet, but I feel like every kid wants to be a vet), and I never let go. Even in high school, my pursuit of the arts overshadowed my initial plan to get a more typical college degree. Read more>>

Byron Eliazim

Being an artist and having a creative mind can come with a cost. Those costs do not necessarily have to be in monetary value (although sometimes it does) but can sometimes be out of your control. I have wondered what it would be like to have a regular job; the universe made it possible. What was once a thought, nowhere near reality, became just that. Talk about unwanted mind manifestation! Read more>>

Gustavo David

Happiness is a state of mind… I feel happiness when I am part of someone’s art or my own. The process of every creative world that I belong to…makes me feel that (I) exist with the world. So, yes, I am very content with the creative path that I chose. Read more>>

Alex Garcia

Being an artist is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing to be able to do what you love but it’s a curse to not be able to “clock out”. As an artist you’re always working, either on projects or the business side of things. My whole life is built around this. Read more>>

Mikey Jay

Well, can you even experience happiness without going through sadness? The craziest thing about being creative is that it’s going to drive you absolutely batshit crazy. These past three years have especially driven my mind off of a cliff. I felt completely lost. In a sense, I kind of quit my dream when I moved back home because I couldn’t take any more let downs. I’ve been at war with myself, trying to figure out what to do. Read more>>

Anton Du Preez

I am immensely happy as an artist, and I also have a regular job! I’m a studio singer, film composer, songwriter, and arranger. I’m also a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a board certified specialist in neurologic physical therapy. As anyone feels in their respective fields or positions, I too hope for more success, better gigs, better positions, more recognition, etc. But, I consider myself very lucky to have two professions to fuel those desires. Read more>>

Joey Feldman

When I was 23 years old and living in Philadelphia I hit a bottom and was literally homeless. I lived out of a cardboard TV box that I would fold up during the day. So the success I have now is never lost on me nor taken for granted. I honestly couldn’t be happier. And when someone supports my work whether its by sharing my social media, etc … or the highest honor of actually purchasing a piece it sends me into an overwhelming state of bliss and gratitude. Read more>>

Alan Gonzalez

I am really proud and happy to be able to do what ai am able to do as a Creative/Artist. I thank God everyday for allowing Him to take me into rooms where other like-minded creatives excel & I also couldn’t do it without the huge support group I have; rooting for me! Read more>>

Savannah Marshall

I am (relieved to say) happy with myself. I enjoy who I am, and wouldn’t change my identity even if I could. My identity is strongly rooted as a musician, so therefore yes, I am happy being who I am. Blessed even. In terms of how I apply my identity towards my vocation, that relationship is always being assed. I approach the world with a creative mindset, and believe that I can make a living doing what makes me happy (a privileged mindset, for sure). Read more>>

Rojonna Luv Handy

I feel blessed that I was given the responsibility to be a creative. As an actress, Dancer, and Filmmaker, it gives me great pleasure to be able to express myself creatively. To turn my feelings and my thoughts into a visual representation gives me an adrenaline that I cannot describe. To be surrounded by other creatives and be inspired by their works gives me an adrenaline that I cannot describe. Read more>>

Heather Duris

I am the most fulfilled when I am creating something, whether that is painting, making jewelry or creating linocut prints, even cooking. When I was in college the first time I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to make a career out of being an artist. I also felt like I didn’t have the life experience to really say anything in my artwork. So I joined the Army as a Multimedia Illustrator, and loved it, but ended up switching from a course of study in art to the Administration of Justice thinking that would serve me better in a military career. Read more>>

Yash Naran

I love being a creative human being. It makes something small seem so grandeur. I am in the transition from juggling working 40 hours a week and making time for creative endeavors and bookings. I know I have the talent and drive to get there but taking that leap can seem scary. I know a regular job for the rest of my life isn’t something I could be happy doing. If I was solely working for someone else it wouldn’t feed my soul. Read more>>

Gayle Gurchiek

Being an artist and creative is all I know. At the age of 14 I started as a fashion model. For almost 40 years I traveled the world shooting for magazines, catalogs, campaigns, walking the runway and shooting tv commercials. I have lived in London England, Tokyo Japan, Osaka Japan, Athens Greece, Sydney Australia, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit and current I live in Florida. Read more>>

Macarena Salinas

I feel lucky to have the opportunity to dedicate myself to what I am most passionate about, which is working in art, making works, researching materials, proposing works. Working on painting as much as on ceramics, contacts me with that inner being, which forces me to have something to say, forces me to have that need to express myself through art. Read more>>

Arturo Hoyos

I am a creative, always have been. Ever since I was a child I would find different ways to do things I love. Whether it was playing soccer in the backyard with trashcans as goals or playing in a mariachi band to learn a new art. I have (and to this day still do) appreciate creative human beings: painters, architects, and of course, footballers. Read more>>

Joan Fullerton

Because my art and my painting workshops are based on curiosity and play, my life is incredibly happy and meaningful. I’m always digging deeper into things and imagining new ways of seeing a situation. My Dad had these qualities, and my mother was responsible with a quick wit. I’ve used these qualities to build an ever-evolving art aesthetic and dynamic teaching career. Read more>>

Carlos Campos

Short answer is Yes! The actual answer isn’t quite concrete. Especially having attended school with fellow creatives, I’ve adored being an artist above partaking in typical lines of work. But of course, without going too much into it, being an artist under capitalism has its caveats, both systematically and within contemporary society. That being said, I do think a major part of being artist is having worked a regular job, monetarily compensated or otherwise. Read more>>

Laura Schein

I love being an artist. Sure, it’s not the smoothest ride. But I’m here for it. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been ready to throw in the towel and get a “regular job” when all of a sudden the phone rings with an amazing creative opportunity. I believe that the universe listens if you communicate what you want. Read more>>

Ron Purvis

I was in corporate finance for 25 years. I was pursuing satisfaction from this career by pushing myself to climb that ladder through additional education, taking on highly visible projects, and a willingness to commit a substantial amount of personal time to the companies I worked for. I got a bachelor’s degree, became a licensed CPA, and went back to school full-time and got an MBA. Read more>>

Rick Landers

I had a regular career for decades and it had it’s crests and troughs with respect to happiness, and I think having a regular job asks of us to fit into a mold that may be great or challenging, like life it’s a matter of shifting emotional sands and while trying to earn a living. I was fortunate to have steady employment and a career path or a road map that gave me at least a financial goal to achieve. As an artist or creative, overall I have to say that I’m definitely happy in the pursuit of creative achievement. Read more>>

Jianna Maarten Saada

I think at one point maybe every artist has bemoaned their decision to be an artist and uttered the famous words ‘Why didn’t I just pursue (fill in the blank here) at school as my parents suggested?’ But if you are really an artist then you know why you didn’t study law or go to medical school, trying not to be an artist is a little like living without a limb. You are always aware that a part of you is missing and no matter how hard you try to forget, you can’t. Currently, the entertainment industry has been on strike for like five months. Read more>>

Sarah Roth

I am happy when I can create and use my hands. I wake up wondering what will I get to make today. I have had a regular job at times, but always come back to my passion of being a maker. Read more>>

Ali Holder

I find this prompt to be pretty interesting. As someone who has earned income from many avenues including: musician, arts educator, tarot reader, etc. I have found a few different things to be true. Read more>>

Laurine Lambert

I am lucky to have grown up in an artistic family because it gives you a different approach in life neither of my parents had 9-5 jobs when I was growing up. They encouraged me to really do what I wanted. There are a lot of days where I wonder how a steady regular job would make a difference. It’s crazy but it also sometimes feels like a rush not knowing where your next money will come from. Read more>>

Frances James

I am my happiest when I am able to create something that I love. I have been unhappy working regular jobs and it wasn’t until I found ways to be creative within those regular jobs that I found some peace. I worked in an escape room for 6 years and it was fun, but being able to create props and paint add to the artistry of the rooms is what made the job not feel like work. Read more>>

Moesia Davis

I”m extremely happy as a creative in my field. Trust me, I’ve had the 9-5 job and my prayer every morning is that God allows me to continue to live this life. There is so much responsibility that comes with working for yourself. Ultimately, it’s my brand that I’m that I’m building. Read more>>

Dahquaisha Rasberry

I am a creatix, I bleed creativity. I am the most happiest when I can express all of my creative energy. I vowed to turn creative outlets into my career. Working a regular job doesn’t work for me, it is quite depression. Although I overstand the importance. It’s just not for me. Read more>>

Paige Compton

Oh boy… This is the penultimate question for anyone that continues to pursue a creative path. Am I happy that I chose this life? Overall, yes. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not hard. It’s the hardest thing, everyday… mentally, physically, emotionally, financially. It’s 90% of the time really f***ing hard. With 10% of it being rewarding/inspiring. Be aware, I never used the word “easy” in any of that description. Read more>>

Viktoria Kay

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being a content creator. It’s a path that has opened up a world of amazing opportunities and possibilities for me. The best part? It never gets boring. But, like everything else in life, it has its ups and downs, and one of the biggest challenges is holding myself accountable. Nonetheless, nothing beats the feeling of making my own schedule, closing my own deals, and being creative all at the same time. Read more>>

Amari Jones

Not all the time, sometimes you get the feeling of getting impatient or a lack of motivation but then I turn around and think maybe I could just be normal and live a normal live then my head explodes. It’s not something I can fathom, giving up on one’s dream and passion. Read more>>

Devin Franklin

“Happy” seems a bit insufficient. I’d like to say that I am fulfilled as an artist– even with all the curveballs. I do sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a “regular” job; that thought usually pops up when financial issues arise or I get overwhelmed by working in a subjective field. Read more>>

Nino Bosikashvili

This specialty is not about if you feel happy or not. It is important to do what your mind and heart desires constantly, non-stop and a moment will certainly come when you feel happy. I have often had diverse jobs where I worked as graphics designer, illustrator and UI designer, where I evolved around my specialty and it helps to technologically evolve. Read more>>

Ashley Michelle Simpson

Like any occupation, there are good days and bad days. Most of the time, mine come at the end of a contract. I’m working in the US on a work visa from Canada, so like anyone else on one, there’s always that scare that you may not have work lined up for you after the current project is completed. Having to uproot yourself is daunting and stressful to think about. I have worked as a dishwasher and even a librarian for nearly ten years before I had the job I have now, and the bad days had different causes. Read more>>

Kashara Johnson

I’m happy as a creative, but it took me several years to reach a point where I could accept that my career path is not a ladder-like most of my other friends. The creative life is more like an unpaved trail; the only signals that tell you if you’re on the “right” path are those coming from your gut instinct. It’s human nature to always look for someone else who’s gone before you or is doing something similar as validation. Read more>>

Ronnel Parham

I’m thankful every day of my life to be an artist. Through the ups and downs, wins and losses, tears and joy, there is truly nothing else I could imagine doing with my life. My story is a bit different than some other actors and/or filmmakers. I didn’t grow up doing this stuff, in fact, I never once seriously considered it. Never really even gave it more than a thought or two–until I was 20 years old. I did play music growing up. Read more>>

Lauren C. Steinert

When asked if I’m happy being an artist, the answer is always yes. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life and being anywhere near as excited about each and every day. Now when asked about having a regular job? I happen to have a couple. However, all are within the arts—so maybe this isn’t “regular” to someone else. Read more>>