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.

Christian Miró

I’ve always performed for a living. When I turned 45, I decided to study to become a school teacher, and try to have a “regular job”. I did, and I loved it. I loved the school, I loved the job, and I loved the kids. But the pandemic hit, i’ve lost all my savings, and I couldn’t afford to have that regular job anymore. So now I’m back at performing on cruise ships, which I also love. I’m glad I did that back then, and I’m glad I’m back at performing full time. Read more>>

Elijah Stavely

I think all artists or creatives or even those without “regular jobs” wonder what it’d be like to live that sort of lifestyle. One of my favorite things is budgeting and organizing my calendar, agenda, to-do list, etc. and while it certainly isn’t boring having an ever-changing budget with varying income, expenses, or such a sporadic schedule, I do wonder what it’d be like to have a fixed foundation. To know that your income is X, your expenses are Y, and what to do with what’s left over. To know that *these* days of the week you’re working *these* hours, so any time beyond that you can schedule your workout, your time off, your laundry days. Psychologically especially I think it would provide an incomparable feeling of clarity, based on what I know about my current lifestyle. Read more>>

Donna Benedicto

I’ve definitely found joy in working regular jobs in the past. The experience taught me a lot so that when I entered the acting world, I had the two to compare. There’s a sense of structure and predictability in traditional employment that can be reassuring. However, for me, routine lacked the artistic freedom and the constant flow of creative energy that I find in my current profession. It made me appreciate the diverse challenges and rewards that come with being an artist. The stability of a regular job has its perks, but the fulfillment and passion I find in my creative endeavors are what truly make me happy. Read more>>

Zion Jeng

Oh my god. Of course! I guess most of the artist or creator has came up with the idea of getting a regular 9 to 5 jobs, especially in the early stage of the career. I still remember when I just start gigging in Taiwan, I had to bring my 20kg keyboard, 30kg with case downstairs, (by the way I’m still not used to pounds) and it was also a apartment without the elevator,, and I had to get an Uber to the restaurant for a two hours gig, I only got paid 20 bucks……, I was like…, you know…, frustrating. The living cost in Taiwan is way lower than LA, but it was still really low. Though I was very upset for not really able to make a living by just being a musician at that point, I just can’t get over the feeling of that connection between the singer and the musicians, the connection between the band and the audience, when you’re expressing yourself through music, there’re always someone who can feel the same feeling that you’re feeling, laugh together, cry together, be mad together, it’s truly beautiful. So to answer the first question is yes, I’m really happy to be an artist. Read more>>

Helen Plenert

We artists have a tendency to think in the present moment. Planning for the future is really top of mind, unless it’s art supplies. Looking back, it might have been nice to have a good retirement plan. Read more>>

Zeynep Solakoglu

I am very happy as an artist and creative , i can’t imagine myself doing something else.But i feel like , sometimes , when you are very passionate about something , things lose it’s balance.Being in a studio most of the day , painting alone is very isolating and challenging.You should have a balance in your work and social life.Sometimes i wonder if i had a regular job and have a clear distinction between my work and my life.It’s an unknown to me.Should be nice to have a clear boundaries in your life and a healthy sleeping schedule , but i go back to painting anyway. Read more>>

Celia Hsu

So far, I have been thoroughly enjoying my work as an artist. Being able to combine my interests with my career is incredibly important to me. I don’t think I could stay committed to a job for a long time if I didn’t have a passion for it. I have contemplated pursuing more conventional careers, like teaching or banking, but none of them hold any interest for me. While they may offer stability, they would also lack the joy and challenges that come with being an artist. Read more>>

Terra Leone

I certainly prefer being my own boss. I delegate my time where it needs to go. I rest when I need to rest, I study when I need to study, and explore new ideas at my leisure. It makes my art richer and deeper when I’m not encumbered or rushed by deadlines or looming overseers. Read more>>

Count Scapula

I have never been happier with my vocation than where I am currently pursuing my life in the entertainment world. Like many musicians we all have day jobs in Dead Alive that support us primarily and pay our bills. Our band is our art and until that can develop into a machine that has demand for us to travel the world and make money being traveling T-shirt salesmen, we will need to continue to work our day jobs. Read more>>

George Tutie

I would say I’m happy. It’s not always easy. In fact, it’s mostly never easy. It takes a lot of perseverance. You have to keep at it and always look at things a bit more positively. Does that mean I’m always positive? No, I’m human just like everyone else. I have wondered what it would be like to have a normal 9-5, monday-friday job. I’ve held and currently hold a semi-normal job. I work for Aldi. I’m not always working on a film or dj-ing a gig. I look at my day job as a way to help me do the things I love. Read more>>

Lolitslea

I often think about this. Where I’m at in my music career as an independent artist, I am financially responsible for all my music, marketing, creative, and PR. This certainly causes for a difficult career/life balance resulting in a lot of challenges, hard times, and stress. Because I am self-funded, I work several (and I mean several) full-time, part-time, and freelance jobs. I have a day job, am a bartender, and freelance on the side. All of this is done while I’m traveling the country performing, writing music, getting studio time, and making lasting connections as an artist. With all that being said, I would love to focus strictly on music, but I will continue to grind and work hard so I can afford to grow my artist project! Read more>>

Erin Zhang

I think the perception of happiness can be viewed quite differently for someone in the creative industry in comparison to one who has taken a traditional career path. As a full-time creative, I have to constantly remind myself that the lifestyle and career path I have chosen is relatively unconventional, and has many unique hardships that come with it. Job and financial insecurities are a freelancer’s worst nightmare, and a very realistic reality that forces many people out of having full creative control and freedom of what they hope to make of themselves. Because corporate careers are more financially fruitful, offer health and insurance benefits, and allow people to measure success in a more objective and tangible way, it feels discouraging and almost tantalizing to want to be a part of that world during slow seasons. Read more>>

Sophia Hope

I have never doubted that a career in a creative field was right for me. From a young age I have always been the most happy when surrounded by art or making any kind of art. I’m the kind of person that knows what I like and what I don’t. I always knew I didn’t want the type of job that was just for the money, or was easy but miserable. I love the challenge that comes with being a creative and how it is never the same. I don’t like to be doing the same thing for a long time. Having a lot of projects makes me feel fulfilled. One time my dad tried to teach me things about coding- he was a great data engineer- and as he was explaining certain things to me, I started to zone completely out and stare at the wall. After a few minutes he saw I was staring, patted me on the back and said to me, laughing, “it’s okay, baby, I know you will be great one day with your art. You won’t need this.” That story is so funny to me, and it makes me feel very lucky. I feel like I never had to doubt my creativity because I had a great support system growing up. I think my family never really wanted me to have a normal job, I think they knew I would hate it. I am very grateful to have had that. Read more>>

Caroline Brun

My art is to share my wine expertise.

I am super happy to do it through my abstract art that I call “La Dégustation visuelle (the visual tasting) which is not really abstract…My creations are my tasting notes in which I bring an extra touch of soul and depth. Read more>>

Rachael Drummond

I am happy as an actor. And I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job every day. I recommit to acting all the time. Whenever I hear an actor’s give an acceptance speech at an awards ceremony and they say something like, “I was about to quit…” I think, yes. We are all always about to quit. Read more>>

Carolina Hernandez

I am happy to know that I am utilizing my creative skills to develop art and projects that come from my own imagination based on the places I visited or my surroundings. I don’t think there is nothing more rewarding in life than bringing your own ideas to life. There are some days where I get too overwhelmed by everything I am doing and that’s when I know It’s time for a walk on the beach. Read more>>

Bea Hurd

I think its nearly inherent to the experience of every creative to wonder what life would be like with a “regular Job”. I often think about the majors I almost chose in college, the higher paying jobs I almost pursued, and the life of security that I passed up for a life of art and making. While the career I chose is constantly showing up with personal battles, feats of money management, and long-nights in the studio, I would not change anything about my life. Read more>>

Ivan Armendariz

I have found contentment, unadulterated and true to myself in the work I do as a creative. Unfortunately, it is not the only channel that I put my effort into. I do work a full time job, like plenty of the artists that surround me in my scene. Read more>>

Catherine Clancy

Yes! I absolutely am happy being an artist! I love the process of constantly discovering how to create something. For me, art is a journey, not an end goal. There is always something new to learn which is why I love it so much. That’s not to say that being an artist is easy. Creating is always filled with challenges, technically, emotionally, and mentally. As artists, we’re always striving to improve our abilities. In some ways, improving our skill set is the easiest part. What is more difficult to overcome are the barriers that we place upon ourselves. We question if we know what we’re doing, if we can do it, and sometimes we just want to quit. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve looked at a painting in progress and wondered if I even knew what I was doing. So the doubt is always there, but you ignore that and just keep pressing on. The desire to create is always there within me, and my passion to paint and express the beauty that I see around me never diminishes. Read more>>

Takuro Tsubaki

After graduating from high school, I had convinced myself that considering my family circumstances, pursuing a general degree at a university, and securing a stable job would be a good choice. However, My father told me “when you make an important decision that changes your life, choose what you really want to do. You don’t have to prioritize family concerns.” This advise inspired me to make the decision to pursue my own dreams. I know most parents would want their kids to have a safe and stable life. I really appreciate my family for believing in me and supporting me. I believe doing what I love and being happy is also a joy for my family. Although obtaining a stable income can be challenging as a musician, the joy derived from chasing my dreams outweighs that concern. Therefore, I have no regrets about the choices I’ve made. This musical journey may present its challenges, but I’m excited to experiences this profound joy obtained from pursuing dreams. Moreover, the emotional journey shared with my family holds precious significance for me. Read more>>

 Lyndsey Wilson

Olive Fiber Arts was created based off of my love for the fiber arts. I have been dyeing yarn since 2021 but passionately knitting and crocheting for well over a decade! Read more>>

Christine Weber Rivera

My short answers: Yes, and yes. But to really answer this first question, I find myself needing to go a bit further back than I would necessarily have anticipated. I came into the life of a creative at the same time my mother was re-igniting her own–she had studied to be a director, but largely gave it up in service of helping my father build his business and to raise my brother and me. By the time I was 9 or 10 she had introduced me to the world of theater and I never really looked back. In all my years working across the United States, whether in large houses, independent films, studying in London, or training with world-class institutions, “Are you happy as an artist” is nearly always the question paired with the statement, “…because if you can do ANYTHING ELSE that you like doing, then do it.” This, I have found, is a bit too reductive to be fair. More reliable day-to-day structure, less rejection, higher pay, better opportunities for advancement–all of these “regular job” benefits are almost always the collateral that come with the life of an actor or director. So of course the thought of jumping ship and getting a “regular job” has crossed my mind–I’d be shocked if you ever came across an artist who hasn’t entertained this idea multiple times throughout their careers. But what I’ve found as my career and life have shifted (again, multiple times!) is that being an artist/creative is actually more a life philosophy than strictly a profession. These days we have folks like Elizabeth Gilbert who are heralding the inherent creativity that each person holds within them. “The Artist’s Way”, a tried-and-true workbook for anyone looking to cultivate their own confidence and understanding of their own creativity, encourages everyone to think of themselves as artists…that part of the beauty of this life we have is to express ourselves in the ways we can, through the outlets we can, when we can. Read more>>

Nita Mistry

I am happiest when I am creative. I did take a year out of acting some years ago. I had a regular job working in a law office, and although it paid well, deep down, I wasn’t happy. Money can help you with paying your bills for sure, but in my case, I knew the gift that God had given to me was in the creative field, and it’s when I’m acting or writing that I feel the most fulfilled. With this awareness, I went back to acting, making it a career decision, and put my faith in God as anyone who works in the entertainment industry knows there are no promises or security. But it is an industry where preparation meets opportunity. Thankfully, I haven’t looked back since. I still have to work the side hustle to pay the bills now, but my career is as an Actress and writer. Read more>>

André Almeida Rodrigues

Yes! I am happy as a filmmaker and also a full time SAP consultant. There is time for everything! It’s a question of time management. This need for regular work arises because in Portugal we don’t live by art alone. After 8 hours a day as an SAP consultant, I dedicate time to the Moinho Cine Fest, an international film festival that I created and in April will have its 6th edition. To give you an idea, the 6th edition began to be prepared in May 2023 and we received 656 films from 50 countries in a total of 138:09:51 (hh:mm:ss). I see all the films that have been submitted to the Moinho Cine Fest that comply with the regulations. Moinho Cine Fest differs from most festivals in that it pays a screening fee to the films in competition in addition to prize money. Read more>>

Micah & Steven

We played this indie-rock fest during our first year as a band, before we had released the ‘Sunday Sessions’ EP, and after our set, this kid met us at the side stage to tell us how the first song was his favorite! It didn’t even matter what the song was. This genuine gesture and connection in that moment, with another human, through our art – that’s happiness. Besides, we get to make our own schedule and tap into the things that inspire us. Sure, there are harder, not-so-fulfilling components that come into play when your art becomes your career but both Steven and I have held “regular” jobs and found ourselves incompatible with those environments. Neither of us would trade our pursuit for a job. Read more>>

Mike Elder

In this moment I am content with where I am at it life and like most creatives, I do have a day job that is very much buttoned up.

That said, I often times think about – maybe even fanatisize, though I never actually consider doing it – the idea of moving somewhere exotic, say a tropical island or Manuel Antonio or a coastal spot in Thailand and just working a low stakes, clock-in, clock-out bartending gig. Read more>>

LEIF

 

I don’t know if “happy” is a good word to describe it. I feel like happiness is a temporary feeling that comes and goes in whatever you do. I think a better word is “fulfilled” which is something that can last longer. You can think back at what you did and ask yourself “was that fulfilling?” “did it feed my soul?”. It requires a lot of self belief, self motivation, and self discipline to be a music artist, music producer, singer/songwriter, or any creative in that regard. And with that comes a lot of insecurities and self doubt. Those are NEVER fun. Read more>>

Kaldric Dow

 

im pleased to be in the position to earn income from art that create for the enjoyment of myself first, the happens to bring enjoyment to others. art has took me to other cities and states that Im sure I would have never visited had I not become an artist. Read more>>

Aunia Kahn

I really love being a creative person doing creative things, however, I’ve found that having a “regular job” has actually helped me with my creative pursuits. Right now, I’ve been running a website design, SEO, and digital marketing agency for 25 years, and it’s how I make most of my living. This setup lets me focus on my art, like gallery shows and connecting with people, without constantly worrying about paying my bills and I feel it helps me create better work. Read more>>

Shelly Daood

I’ve always been a creative person so, yes, it makes me happy! Like a regular job, you have to keep pushing through on those hard days that you don’t feel creative at all. Whether filling orders or dreaming up a new product, I’m thinking of my customers all the time and what they want and how to fill their needs. I have had full time jobs in the past and for me, they’re not nearly as fulfilling as being a handmade business owner. Read more>>

Payton Kustka

For a long time I considered pursuing a career in a STEM field, maybe microbiology or genetics research. Having done well academically through middle and high school it felt like a waste not to find a regular job in a more stable or even respected field. I did love science and being intellectually challenged, but art had been the most consistent part of my life and the only thing I could imagine myself being entirely happy doing. I’ve since learned that pursuing your passion is perhaps the greatest path to ‘success,’ because potential only matters if you have the energy and desire to channel it. I’m happy to say now that while I do still have fears surrounding my chosen career path, I’ve found only joy in the challenges it provides. Better yet, I’ve found ways to integrate the analytical parts of STEM that I love so much into my creative practices that make it even more fulfilling! Read more>>

LIng-Yen Jones

Embracing the artistry of crafting handmade jewelry in sterling silver adorned with pearls and semi-precious stones, has been a source of immense joy and fulfillment in my life. Over the years, I have honed my skills, passionately creating designs that reflect my unique vision and aesthetic. Despite the inherent challenges of sustaining a livelihood solely through my craft, I have navigated this journey with resilience, often supplementing my income through various other jobs. Read more>>

John Steven Gurney

I’ve had a long career as an illustrator, almost 40 years. For the great majority of that time I’ve been freelance. It’s been fun to have a variety of projects and clients (book publishers, magazines, ad agencies…) but also been stressful. There was either not enough work, or too much, and I was always afraid to turn down any assignment, because I was afraid it might be my last. I was lucky to have illustrated a few chapter books series, which provided steady work, (a rare thing in freelance illustration). I think it’s important to have a variety of skills in the arts, so you can adapt as the market evolves. During the past 40 years I’ve worked as a caricature artist, a plush toy designer, and as a school presenter to supplement my illustration work. I’ve enjoyed the perks of a freelance lifestyle (like being able to spend time with my kids after school) but I was often envious of folks who had regular jobs (and regular paychecks). For the past 5 years I’ve been teaching at Kutztown University. Its been wonderful to work with students, and It’s allowed me enough free time to write and illustrate my own series of graphic novels, Fuzzy Baseball. Read more>>

Antionna Fuller

You know, I do sometimes wonder what it would be like. I appreciate the security and stability a consistent paycheck brings in. I catch myself browsing the internet for jobs but can never quite find “the one.” I pray for opportunities flexible enough for me to work and fund my creative dreams. I spend hours brainstorming creative ways I can pay my bills. To sum it up, it’s hard being a creative. Read more>>

 Joshua Courtright

It’s a mixed blessing, to be honest. As the sole content creator (which includes being the writer. editor, director, videographer, photographer, researcher, and on air talent for ROOM 6), things can get a little crazy and overwhelming sometimes. I actually do have a “day job”, but I’m fortunate that it allows me enough free time to do what needs to be done. Read more>>

Charlotte Mirebeau

I always wish I had an upcoming check when I don’t have any commissions but I wouldn’t trade my artistic profession for any other career in the world. When you freelance, you have to wake up and ask yourself “How am I making money today?” and you quite literally have to figure that out. Read more>>

 Pete Mancini

This is an interesting question. I originally started playing in bands to avoid getting a “straight job” and eventually found myself making a living playing music. It was not easy getting there. It is not easy being a freelancer in a society where recorded music has been devalued to fractions of pennies. Live shows are the bulk of my income. I also work part time as an assistant/tour manager to Jimmy Webb, who is a legendary songwriter. Getting that gig was a game changer and I have learned a lot. I also have always taught guitar lessons as a side hustle and that all adds up to what I reluctantly call a “career in music”. Read more>>

Kat Janis

Embarking on the journey of turning art into a profession felt like unlocking a secret key to life—an escape from the real world. However, the reality check hit hard: work is work. In the last 15 years, I’ve navigated odd jobs, ventured into a marketing agency to broaden my skillset, faced debt, climbed out, and circled back to a salaried design job with the aim of saving for the next artistic adventure. This, my friends, is the artist lifestyle—lonely, fraught with insecurity, yet entirely worthwhile as long as you honor your craft and chosen path. Read more>>

Lavanyaa Surendar

 

Art has the potential to be a dynamic career . The art world is challenging and competitive to navigate. Initially when I transitioned to being a full time artist quitting the Science field , I understood that being an artist does not involve just researching and performing but ensuring that the work gets noticed by the curators, art organizations and the community. This involves making sure that the work is relatable and benefits the community. The difference between amateur and professional creatives is often the time spent on the actual craft. My passion lies in integrating Arts , Science and the community. I know for a fact that arts is significant for developing a happy and an inclusive community and hence made a conscious choice of being a full time artist. Having said that I feel that being an artist is also a regular job if we adhere to a strict schedule and work with discipline. Read more>>