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.

Michelle Sandifer

As an artist I am over the moon and completely engaged in a hobby that has developed into passion. Creating art allows me to escape the voice in my head that is constantly wondering about the next crisis life will throw at me. Read more>>

Kaleb Justice

I would say as of this moment yes, I am happy but I am not content. I feel like being an artist comes with its highs and lows naturally. Read more>>

Brandon Simmons

I’m happy to be making a living playing music. It does cross my mind to consider a regular job, but then I think.. Why? We were not put on this earth to spend most of our life at a job we don’t like, pay a bunch of bills that you’re stressing about, and die. Read more>>

Taylor Marie Contarino

I genuinely feel so blessed that I am a music industry creative and also a music industry professional with experience on the business side. I love that I can make art, while still learning and understanding the business side of the music business. Read more>>

Brian Hoang

Being a full-time artist is something that I’ve wanted to be since middle school. Since actually becoming one ten years ago, I still have to stop and pinch myself over it. Read more>>

Michal Bush

About once a year I seriously ask myself whether it’s time to “give up the dream” and get a regular job. Usually this is when I am exhausted and discouraged. Read more>>

Addison-Vincent Pfeiffer

Am I happy as a creative? Yes. I always say everything happens for a reason, and my current career in the arts was no accident. In 2011, art was my side hustle and I was working in a warehouse. Read more>>

Christina Varga

I had to decide in answering this question to focus on the Happiness that comes from being an artist versus Being Misunderstood as a creative artist. Read more>>

Ciera Alyse McKissick

Being an artist and creative, and working with them is such a gift and it inspires me everyday. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, except maybe being a chef! Being a creative it is not for the faint of heart though. Read more>>

Vidhi Bansal

Honestly, I often wonder what it’d be like to have a regular job. Sometimes, when things get tough, it seems like it might be easier elsewhere. Back in school, I was good at math and science, so people always asked if I’d be an engineer like my family. Read more>>

Olatunji Sanusi

I am very much happy as an Artist and I have never for once taught of having a regular job. To me Art has been a hobby wich turns around to be a career for me. Read more>>

Alexa Ray

Am I happy? Absolutely! All the time? uhhh no… Being a musician is one wild ride, and I’m sure every artist will tell you this. Read more>>

Dominika Bronner

I grew up in a country where less is more , you’re not supposed ask for too much ! Because what would the others think . Being an artist is being yourself being free ….. Read more>>

Tymm Hoffman

I think the better question is “am I torn?” That answer would be 100% yes. Some days I am super happy as a creative where I get to make something, dream up something, write something, produce something and watch it come to life. Read more>>

Meg Warnock

Creating artwork has always been something I am passionate about and what I feel I am best at. The rush I get when a composition is coming together is unlike any feeling in the world. Read more>>

Indah O’Reilly

Yes, I am happy as an actress. I love the idea of pretending to be someone else temporarily. I feel that each character I play inspires me on who to be in real life. Read more>>

Ian McIntosh

Overall, I am happy as an artist. It gives m another way that I can express myself. As I get older, I’m learning that communication doesn’t necessarily get easier and that it’s important to be able to speak to people in more than one way. Read more>>

April Merl

I’ve been freelancing since my first job out of college, so it’s been over two decades of life without a “regular” job. Sometimes the uncertainty of what’s going to be next is anxiety provoking, but ultimately, I can’t imagine another way to work. Read more>>

Michelle “Mimi” Rossi

Am I happy as a creative? I can say that I am at by best when I am creating. To me, happiness is not constant; it is moments in time, moments in the day, moments in life. Creating brings joy and purpose to my life, and that makes me happy. Read more>>

Cheng Hang Liu

As a concept artist, I find happiness in solving others’ problems and expressing myself in the process. The way we solve problems varies greatly due to the influences of our life experiences, almost like a summary of our journey from birth. Read more>>

Jaela Roe

I am absolutely 100% happy to be a creative! This is because, as an artist, I am able to live my life with no regrets. Pursuing my artistic passions allows me to live out my dreams. Read more>>

Joshua Washington

I find there is an immeasurable joy in being a creative/artist. I can’t really imagine what it would be like to work a regular job. I feel as though it’s one of those vocations that you need a few screws loose to pursue it wholeheartedly, I can certainly say I’ve fully embraced that. Read more>>

Daniil Demichev

At the age of 17, I chose my profession and was confident in this choice, however the pressure of society and my parents often made me consider pursuing a stable job. Read more>>