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. 

Michael Innamorato

The interesting thing about this question is that I am a creative in a ‘regular job’; Right now I am a digital media teacher at a high school, so I get to teach all about the creative process like design, website building, photo editing, video editing, and all things of that nature. Read More>>

Jasmine Alexander

I would actually like to take this time to say the exact opposite, factually. You see, I knew from a toddler who I was always going to be: an actress, singer, dancer, musician, fashion designer, writer, model, illustrator—in other words, a renaissance artist. The picture I want to paint is the scarcity mindset. Read More>>

Jessica Allen

I was happier as an artist/creative. For a time I was able to get by being a freelance artist but even that comes with it’s own set of cons. Over the years it has become less and less viable to live off of artwork alone. Or the passion diminishes as I was unable to enjoy making art for myself. Read More>>

Genie Appel-Cohen

I was a slow starter. I grew up during the time when women were expected to choose a career as a nurse, teacher or secretary. I volunteered at a hospital; but the smell of alcohol made me dizzy. I went to a stenography class to learn how to take dictation; but I couldn’t read back my notes. Read More>>

Bodhi Ryder

I would say that I am always happy as an artist. However, just being an artist isn’t typically what everyone is searching for. Most people, I think, want to fuse their art into a business so that they can do what they love. And this process isn’t always happy. Read More>>

John Sharvin

Being a full-time artist is a struggle. There are definitely times when I wonder what it would be like to have a regular “9 to 5” desk job. That thought has come up several times throughout my career, usually when money is tight. Read More>>

Denton Burrows

I am undoubtedly happier as an artist and creative, especially at this more established point in my career. Coming out of graduate school it was much more turbulent. Friends were stepping into traditional careers while I was entering a far less predictable world, trying to carve out a place for myself with no guarantees. Read More>>

3DSPACECADET

I’ve been struggling with this recently. I long to be financially stable, to feel free, to have my own place instead of living at home. But the truth is I can’t see myself sitting at a 9-5. Read More>>

Axel Dupeux

I never lose sight of how privileged I am to live off photography. It still feels almost miraculous to me. Read More>>

Brinda Pamulapati

I get that thought often, more often than people might imagine. Even recently, I found myself thinking about it again. It usually comes in very ordinary moments. Not during something dramatic, but in between. Maybe after a long day at the gallery, or while looking at numbers and realizing how unpredictable income can be. Read More>>

Luisa Mesa

I am very happy as a creative. I don’t think about having a regular job because art is a second career for me; I was in the business world prior to going back to school, earning my degree in art and pursuing a professional career as a fine artist. Read More>>

Alazne Perez

I feel happiest when I am creating something or studying artwork. It’s one of the only things that I can completely focus on and put my best effort into. Because of this, I never question my path in being an artist, but I have thought about what it would be like if I had a different career path. Read More>>

Raycheal Winters

I don’t know if I’m happier as an artist… but I do know I feel more like myself here than anywhere else. There are moments though (very real ones) where I think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. Defined hours. A paycheck that shows up the same way every time. No algorithm. No constant self promotion. Read More>>

Jinyuer Jiao

I wrote my first song in high school after a breakup, it was more than just me wanting to express my emotions. Just because something hurt and I didn’t know what else to do. I think most people have had that feeling, the kind of emotion that you can’t talk your way out of. For me, writing music became the place it could go. Read More>>

David Wright Faladé

Absolutely happy–and no, I don’t ever wonder what it would be like to have a regular job. This, in part, because I’ve had regular jobs—a whole lot of them and from a fairly young age (busboy; fast food worker; on construction sites; in a convenience store; on and on). Read More>>

Miyuki Matsunaga

Honestly? The doubt has never fully disappeared — though it visits me less often these days. There are moments that bring it rushing back. Read More>>

Kira Metcalf

The times I am able to fully devote myself to creative projects are far and away the most fulfilling. I recently went on tour and had some paid cover sets booked when I got back. Musicians put years of hard work into their field and rarely see financial stability or security from their efforts. Read More>>

Katie Alexander

I think about this question a lot actually – what would life be with a “regular” job? The truth is, all i’ve ever known is to be an artist and entrepreneur. My first job was at a local pottery place, where I grew my skill and knowledge about all things art and networking. Read More>>

Alex Michell

This is a question I’ve asked myself countless times throughout my career. Sometimes I envy the consistency of a 9 to 5. The steady paycheck, the predictable schedule, the sense of stability. And I’ve had a taste of that life through the long list of side gigs on my resume. I’ve worked as a teacher, a personal trainer, a grassroots fundraiser, the list goes on. Read More>>