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.

Deanna Barton, ATR-BC | Board Certified Art Therapist, Artist & Educator

It’s been about four years since I quit my full-time job to start my art and wellness business. When I compare myself now to the person I was then, there’s been a lot of change. Four years ago, I was burnt out, lost, overworked, underpaid, stretched too thin, and feeling stuck. Today, I feel more aligned with my authentic self. So, yes, I would say I am happier as a creative. I am a creative. I don’t think there is a better way to describe me. In my mid-20s, I relocated to a new city to take a new job as an art therapist. Due to budget cuts, I lost that job after two years. Read more>>

David Benedict | Audio Dramatist

For me it’s not so much wondering what it would be like to have a regular job, because I’ve had several. For me it’s about the fact that my path keeps leading me back to the creative field rather than advancing me in a more traditional career. One of my first jobs was in a CD store, back when those were a thing, which gave me exposure to that kind of field (I mean, it was just retail, but we would occasionally have musicians come in). Later I was a House Manager at various theatres around town, which put me in touch with other creatives on a regular basis. Read more>>

Louboutin Kendoll | Graphic Designer/ Entrepreneur

I really love being an Artist. But as a Graphic Designer as well as any Artist you have times when business slows complete down. When this happens, I sometimes begin to doubt myself. I start to wonder if being an artist and doing what I love is worth it, or if I should get a regular job. Every once in a while I’ll pick up a regular part-time job to test it out, but I always end up feeling out of place like it’s not for me. At that job is when I remember my worth and my fire returns. Because at that moment, I realize that I’m so much more than punching into someone’s clock and doing things I hate just to make ends meet. Read more>>

Michael Litten | The Last DJ

After an almost 40 year career in disease care, it was a blessing beyond measure to be provided the opportunity to host Ride The Vibe. As The Last DJ, I get to play what I want to play and say what I want to say, how coooooooooool running is that. While I had a tremendous ride working for both Fortune 500 companies and start ups nothing beats working for yourself and following your passion, which in my case is music. As a music addict, nothing assuages my jones more than hosting Ride The Vibe. Read more>>

Jordan Suess | Recording & Touring Artist

I knew when I was a 6 year old what I wanted to be when I grew up. A rapper. In 1994 being from Wyoming people ridiculed me as well as my parents. They just told me to keep at it and I did. By 16 I was performing my own original songs and by 19 was co owner of a record label. I have played my music in 43 states and have sold over 100,000 records. Goes to show what hard work and dedication will do. It was rough at times, but always worth it. I literally make a living doing what I love which only brings me complete happiness Read more>>

Samantha Anderson | Event Artist and Private Instructor

There are plenty of times where I ask myself this question. To put plainly though, I am much better off as an artist on my own! Every time I’ve thought about this, I just have to think back to when I worked at a movie theater or even at the San Diego Zoo as an artist. With all of the time it took to travel back and forth, the extra gas money it took, and even simply getting scheduled when you didn’t want to work, were sick, or needed to get off but couldn’t, it’s so nice knowing these things are not a hassle anymore. Not only do I get to set my own schedule, but I also get to work whenever I want or need to. Read more>>