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. 

Mike Bright

So to answer the question, yes I am very happy as an artist/creative. Couldn’t be happier. To the second question, I actually have a ‘regular job’ as well, so it’s not a thought, it’s my actual life. One that I am blessed to have to be honest. Read More>>

Austyn de Lugo-Liston

I don’t think having a career outside of being an artist or creative was ever really realistic for me. Even early on, when I was in school and had jobs outside of creative fields, it was a huge struggle to find motivation to show up and stay present. I need to be able to see value in what I’m doing beyond just making money. Read More>>

Nicole Renee Ryan

Most creatives do it the ‘right’ way: keep the day job, build the art on the side, go full-time when it’s safe. I did it backwards. I spent 12 years as a full-time artist before I ever had a corporate job. I loved it. Read More>>

Mariam Megalla

Art is my whole life, it makes me happy. Sometimes I think about what my life would be like had I chosen a different path. Before actually pursuing a creative career, I found myself floating between one road and another. In college, I switched from pursuing pharmacy to journalism to culinary arts. Read More>>

Chuck McPherson

A regular job… been there, done that in the private sector, then became a contract teacher (Community Services Lecturer) at a local Adult Ed campus when an art friend shared that he was leaving his position… until I retired as 2026 hit! Read More>>

Raquel Delgado

I don’t any creative necessarily feels that they are happier. Creating to us is more of a calling, an obligation, something we feel that we have to do in order to live on. In a sense, creations are our lifeline. I fantasize often about what it would be like having a regular job, in a non-creative field. Read More>>

Carson Kapp

While my current practice is defined as an intuitive, spiritual expression by using vibrant layers, energetic strokes, and experimental techniques to uncover a singular truth, my past career as an architect stood in stark contrast. My former professional life was rooted in commercial scale, rigid structural integrity, safety protocols, and strict functionality. Read More>>