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.

Leo Araiza

I held a “regular job” for many years, I wouldn’t mind if I had to retake that road at some point. I’ve worked in enterprise IT for nearly 20 years and I’m pretty damn good at it. In fact, that was my seed money to start LVX Media. But I have to say that since I’ve been having a go with my creative outlet, I’ve been able to do so much more with my time since I don’t have to be “on the clock” for the majority of my day. I’ve fostered and socialized nearly two dozen kittens and have dubbed it Leo’s Kitten Academy. I spent some time catering private parties and found out that creating meals that kill conversation (because it’s so good) is very gratifying and lucrative. Read more>>

Frankie Runge

In a short simple answer, yes. Yes i am much happier as an artist, as a painter and a model. Though I think every day about how much happier i would be if i were doing something more financially stable, to be quite honest.

I used to be many things before i dove into creation full-time. I was a line cook, a janitor, a factory worker, a retail associate, and even a zipline instructor. I loved some of those jobs, and some were incredibly fulfilling in certain ways. However, none of them paid much better than minimum wage. All of them left me crying in bed each night from the pain that i would come to find out was caused by chronic illness. Ever increasing panic attacks or full on breakdowns were ruining my mental health, as well. Read more>>

Greg Bigoni

Getting by on creativity alone can be socially isolating, and isn’t often the most clever financial decision. There’s an unpredictable, feast or famine element to the hustle, and that scared me away from making it a life priority. And dry seasons in commissions and sales are hard not to take personally sometimes, because art is such a personal pursuit. Read more>>

Sonya Marin

I am happier as a creative. I spent 25 years working in banking and at a fin-tech startup.
I believe my experience in the corporate world however is what makes me appreciate my life now.

At the time, I just had a baby a year ago, I was supporting the family, my husband was in the middle of an immigration case which didn’t allow him to work, we were caring for my ailing Father-in-law in a small 2 bedroom condo. The tipping point for my health was that my job had decided they no longer wanted to allow our team members to work remotely which added 10 hours of commuting to my work week. Read more>>

Reina

Becoming a drag queen changed my life. It originally started by watching Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 6 and I was amazed by the transformations. I started going out in drag shortly after to the nightclubs in Hollywood and it was all fun and games. It quickly turned into a new passion of mine that allowed me to explore more of myself. After a couple years and winning competitions in the local drag scene, I started to do drag and get paid for it. The bookings kept coming and I found myself in a pickle. I had to decide if I wanted to commit to my day job or accept more bookings. Read more>>

Lucila (lux) Villarreal

As a creative with a small business and a 9-to-5, I know firsthand how difficult it is to balance financial survival with pursuing a passion. But in the grand scheme of things, there are far greater struggles happening in the world. In the U.S. alone, rights are being stripped away, families are being torn apart, fires consume, and the universe itself feels like it’s gasping for air. Just recently, my right to legally identify as nonbinary, my authentic self, was taken away. The only true job I have, to stay authentic. Taken away. Read more>>

Jesus Martinez

Great question! Yes, that’s a recurring thought in my mind, at moments very common, and other moments very scarce. Usually when things don’t go in the way that I expected or when I have to face what seem impossible challenges, but you know what? I think that’s also the beauty of being in arts because artists question everything and look beyond first sight to obtain a deep appreciation of life, and it is impossible not to question “what if” or “maybe I should’ve done something different, easier”, but no, I believe that working in arts its so rewarding that, for the people that choose this career path, it means everything. We can question if we should’ve picked a regular job, but at the end of the day, we thrive in the challenges and toughness of life as creatives. Read more>>

Amy Drake

I am very happy as a creative writer, storyteller, and producer. Few things have given me as much satisfaction as having my work published, viewed, and acknowledged with awards and compliments from viewers who connected with, or were touched by, a story I brought to the stage or screen.

Although I receive compensation for my creative work, either through ticket sales, acting in commercials, or writing commissions, and I always pay those who work for me as actors, techs, and directors, I have found it very difficult to make a living solely from my creative projects. Read more>>

Jasper Mangum

Creativity is a passion, its my therapy session. Creativity is my way of escaping reality, while giving me the ability to perceive the world in new ways. It challenge my ability to think above my expectations and around difficult obstacles, seeking new hidden patterns and making connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena. I think that’s what makes a great artist. I have never been so happy just doing what I love. It also allows me to express who I am as a person. Read more>>

Katie Horisk

I literally have never been so fulfilled in my life! Every time I walk into my studio I feel so much at peace- it’s as if every single thing in my life that has happened has led me to this moment! So many pinch-me moments, so many dances while making arrangements & really just constant cheesin’! It is a blast and this shows through my work! Read more>>

Vaishanavi Raul

I come from a family of unpublished writers. Each one of my folks is a gifted storyteller and an even better writer and yet, pursuing writing as a career was never an option for them. I grew up believing that in order to do well in life, one must either be an engineer, a teacher, or a doctor. Of the three, the first two roles were already fulfilled by my parents for theirs, leaving me with the third. But I’ve always known that I want to be read. I want to be read, just as much as I want to be seen and interpreted. Read more>>

Alexander Chen

I’m incredibly grateful for the job I have right now and for the God-given talent to understand music on a deep level. Being able to take the sounds I imagine in my head and turn them into something I can share with the world is truly fulfilling. For me, this feels like the natural path because of my perspective on music—I’ve never envisioned myself working a “normal” job. Read more>>

Demetrius Thomas

I separate my job and music, to be honest my workplace is not what it use to be and I get very happy to just clock out for the day. When I get home, I usually try to cook my dinner early & eat so I will have time to either practice my steel tongue drums or go live on TikTok or Instagram doing sound bath meditations or affirmation meditations using my drums. When I don’t have to work on the weekends usually I am booked to play for a yoga class either indoors during the winter season or I’m outdoors at my favorite park, Belle Isle here in Detroit,Mi. I also play for weddings, baby shower, art shows, private parties, etc. I really want to make a name for myself here in Detroit, I know that they’re people out there who want me to venture out of Detroit because honestly, most people don’t think there is a yoga/meditation community here in Detroit, which it absolutely is. Read more>>