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.

Joe Carroll

The long story short of it is.. sometimes. I say sometimes because, like almost every other artist, I’m indecisive when it comes to giving a yes or no answer. Sure, I can go out and direct a movie. Sure, I can knock out a 96-page screenplay in a weekend. When it comes to a simple A or B? Forget it. I’ve always known that I was meant to be in the world of film and television. I just didn’t know how I was going to get there. And my journey started later than others who share theirs. Being from the south, we didn’t have “Hollywood.” When I first began my career as a production assistant, it was right when the 2008 strike started. I didn’t even know about unions back then. What I did know is that I got a phone call one day that a reality show needed a production assistant for a few weeks, and somehow my name came across their desk. I was all about it! Had no idea what I was doing, but you better believe I faked it until I made it. Read more>>

Carlos Leal

Definitely happy as an artist. Actor, musician and photographer, I’ve been making a living out of my art since I was 21. Of course, the challenges are multiple, the rat race is exhausting, the anxiety for the future is always in the present and you better know how to deal with insecurity. But it’s worth it. Being an artist means redefining every day who you are and what kind of contribution you wanna bring to this World. Don’t take me wrong, I’m not saving lives, I’m not a doctor or a war photographer but I can choose how my art can have an impact on people and try to bring an influence for a better World. Read more>>

Allison Chen

I think the grass is always greener—either that, or I’m just a dissatisfied individual. I’ve been creating content since my junior year of college, so being a full-time content creator has been a viable option for a while, so I’ve been experimenting with my options. Going into college, it was never a goal to pursue content creation, let alone baking and content creation as a career choice. Like most creators, I started making videos as a hobby, so it has taken me a long time to embrace the idea that content is a ‘real job.’ Oddly enough, I feel guilty that I don’t have to go into a corporate office and don’t need to report to a begrudging boss of some kind. Sometimes, it feels like a job can’t be ‘real’ unless there’s some kind of daily dissatisfaction, and I’m trying to unlearn that mentality. I still question whether it was the right decision, but day-to-day, I try to push away my anxieties. I just graduated in May, so I’m trying to take everything month by month until my work stops being fulfilling. Read more>>

Victoria De Leon-vallee

I am so happy being an artist! I get to step into my creative zone almost everyday. Being a hairstylist feels like getting to make your friends feel beautiful. It’s the best! I do often think about what it would be like to have a regular job. I hear a lot of people talk about dreading going to work and I’m so glad I’m not able to relate. Even on those days when it’s hard to get up in the morning, I’m always so grateful that my job doesn’t feel like a job. Read more>>

Tahina Fiaferana

I find that overall, I’m pretty happy as a creative – because being a freelance musician usually throws different curveballs at me as far as the music I get to work on/play. I think that keeps me going because I don’t like feeling of doing the same things over and over again, which don’t get me wrong, being a musician can feel like that sometimes. But, for the most part, I’ve found that a lot of the artists and musicians I get to play/work with, I enjoy working with because they push me in some sort of way to get better as a musician. Read more>>