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.

Nader Bakier

Well, I create music in my spare time actually. I do (or did) have regular jobs in the past.. from information technology to electrical engineering to freelance technical work, I have done the 8-5 jobs for many many years (over 30) .. but I always managed to find some time to focus on creating something new with music. Read more>>

Hillary Hawkins

Working as an actress, singer, voice actor, script writer & all around entertainer makes me SOOOOO happy but helping those in need can be equally fulfilling. As a result, I have boldly embraced my share of “regular jobs” from child protective services for the State of New Jersey to interviewing victims of domestic violence for Safe Horizon. Now I wonder what it would be like to run a 24/7 Actors Anonymous Hotline that actors can call up to get the help that they need, but I recognize it’s a very big plight and I would most definitely need a full-time staff to help me with that one! Especially since I’ll simultaneously be working as a Voice Actor for cartoons and as actress screenwriter producer of “Actors Anonymous Hotline” the series. Read more>>

Jeff Peterson

I am absoulutly thrilled that I took the leap to create my own workshop. You have full control over your dreams and vision I take a lot of pride in what I do and strive to make those dreams of a vintage automotive workshop come to life. Read more>>

EDDIE SATURN

The grass seems like it’s always greener on the other side. Artists want to feel normal and normal people want grandeur. I don’t think either life is wrong as long as it’s true. I say this to say, if you truly are an artist DO NOT let your flame go out, DO NOT wonder what it’s like to have a regular job because it’s not you. I have felt this way and almost went all the way with putting my creativity to the side to work at an office job and just live a “normal life” and it was a terrible place to be disguised as peace. Read more>>

Sandra Dotson

Most days, I genuinely enjoy running my own creative business. It’s the freedom it offers that I really appreciate. I don’t have to negotiate over when I can take time off or feel guilty about calling in sick and leaving my colleagues in the lurch – that’s pretty nice. But, there are times when I wish the money flowed in more predictably and effortlessly. It’s the constant hustle for sales, sending out emails, writing blog posts, and bugging people to buy that can wear you down. Imagine how great it would be if I could just make jewelry day in and day out, and customers would come naturally. Read more>>

Cassandra Bohnel

I have never been happier in my life! I actually had a regular job for quite some time before dedicating myself to my art. I graduated from college with a degree in Finance and immediately went into the corporate world. I worked in the energy industry primarily in compliance and accounting so I definitely know what a regular day to day job feels like. I enjoyed working in the corporate world but it’s nothing like working for yourself, especially when you are doing something you are passionate about! I absolutely LOVE being an artist and focusing my efforts on my art 100%. I am very blessed to be able to do what I do and I wouldn’t have it any other way!!! Read more>>

Hsiao-Ning Liao

I am happy to be an artist. As a dancer, come from a small island to New York City to chase my dream, every day is a struggle, physically, mentally, and financially. Me and my best friend, who is a dancer from South Korea, we always joke on each other how poor we are, how painful and tired our bodies are, and why we are still here in NYC. But we know one thing, in long time in the future, we are going to laugh and cherish so much about the time we are here in this big city fighting for our dreams to be professional dancers. Read more>>

Forrest Lamie

Most of the time I am not, the time I use being creative is when I’m the happiest. I work 2 jobs, for a single bed apartment no pets besides my baby prey mantis. With how small my music career is taking off I do still rely on working to get the tools I need to grow artist profile. Read more>>

Nancy Schier

Being an artist involves crafting pieces that uplift and inspire while striving to produce something both captivating and distinct from the norm, all while relishing the occasional compensation for your efforts. I love creating logos that also mean more they just a visual representation., However, it can be disheartening when your art, despite receiving praise, isn’t shared as widely as you’d hope. It’s a mix of highs and lows in the journey of creativity. Read more>>

Cory Novak

As an actor, we all experience periods of drought – no work, no auditions, a silent phone, or a lack of audition tape requests. There are moments when I’m not thrilled with my status as an artist, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a job. It’s perfectly normal not to be content with every single moment in one’s career. I make an effort to uncover joy and positivity even during my darkest times. Read more>>