Everyday, somewhere, there is an aspiring artist or creative daydreaming about pursing their creative career full time. Everyday, there are countless creatives thinking about whether to pursue their passion more seriously and so we wanted to hear from folks who’ve made the leap. We asked them to reflect on if they wish they had started sooner or if they feel they would have been better off if they had waited a bit longer.

Alison Chace

You know, that’s a great question. But here’s the thing: I firmly believe that everything happens exactly when it’s supposed to. Whether you start your career sooner or later, what truly matters is that you embrace the journey and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Read more>>

Jack Razor

If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself to get serious about social media sooner. Although social media hasn’t been great for humanity as a whole, it’s a real boon for artists. Read more>>

Kevin Hall

I wish I started my career sooner. I got married to my first wife at age 19. Instead of pursuing my dreams I became a husband and father. Providing for my family became my sole focus. Read more>>

Constanza LAGUNA ROLDÁN

It´s difficult to know what would it be better… My first jobs were as economist, and I enjoyed it. Arts was my second degree and I studied it just for pleasure. Read more>>

Nic Morgan

I do sometimes wish I had started my silver smithing journey sooner. I wonder if I had had access to metal smithing classes when I was in college if I would be further along in my career than I am now. Read more>>

Hannah Robinett

I began pursuing my art full-time in my mid 30’s. Before that, I worked as an interface designer in NYC for almost 15 years. I’m grateful to have had this time to work with other creatives in this industry because I learned so much along the way. Read more>>

Alex Goransson

I have had that thought many times over and over again and sometimes I would say yes I wish I started earlier. But then later thinking back on everything I’ve learned and experienced doing other professions and I wouldn’t changed anything. Read more>>

Hillit Wahlberg

Absolutely. Reflecting on my journey, while I initially embarked on my creative path early after college, it wasn’t until recently that I made the decision to commit fully to being an artist. Read more>>

Candace Hearn

I have dreamed of owning a dance studio since I was in elementary school. I began dancing at the age of 2, and it helped me to come out of my shell as I was a shy kid. Read more>>

Morgan Richardson

I don’t think it’s uncommon for people in any career to wish they had gotten a head start. When you compare yourself to peers and colleagues, it’s very tempting to a put yourself down or be flooded with self doubt. Read more>>

Jessica Kurnas

I do wish I started on my creative career sooner. In part though, I don’t fault myself for starting when I did down this long not-so-often traversed road. Read more>>

Fenesse

I truly believe everything happens at the time it’s suppose to. Everyone is on their own path with their own timing. It took me awhile to indoctrinate that mindset in the beginning. Read more>>

Brandie “East” Miracle

I have been creating art for over twenty years but only pursued the avenue full time three years ago when I signed with an independent publishing company. Read more>>

L.k.p

What’s crazy is that I have been making content since I was in middle school. Life is always revealing why things happen when they do. Read more>>

Aditya Dikka

Like many, I often wonder if starting earlier would have been better. I have been struggling with feelings of being behind in life. But now, I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, inspired by the wise words of Marie Forleo who says that you have to try to ‘adore your detours.’ Read more>>

Fritz Fayman

This is a question that is always hard to answer. I do wish I had started making music earlier. I’m nervous that I’m getting too old and that I missed the best time to be on social media and take advantage of it when I was younger. Read more>>

Esther McLean

Absolutely! Not only did I miss out on building my brand during a prime time (the pandemic) when I was still traveling, but I also missed out on sharing my experiences with those who needed it. Read more>>

CJ Dyer

Sooner for sure. I started my musical journey a little later so I get the worst fomo from people who started at like 16. Don’t get me wrong – I’m super grateful for finding my passion. Read more>>

Kelly Galindo

I embarked on my creative career quite early, beginning in childhood. By the age of 17, I had already started my professional journey in the entertainment industry as a model and dancer. Read more>>

Caroline Lawless

This is a question that I get asked a lot as a thirtysomething actor. When I first began this journey, I had moments where I’d come home from a studio taping session and think, “Dang, I really wish I had started acting professionally when I was a kid because I’d be so much further along by now!” Read more>>

Jade Lundgren

From the earliest age I can remember, I wanted to be on a stage performing. I was the happiest as a child when I was doing something with the performing arts. Read more>>

Zach Wetzel

My background is wacky. I have a BM in vocal performance from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota. Read more>>

Vicki Lovelee

I definitely wished I started my career sooner. There was a moment back in high school, when I let someone’s opinion affect what I truly wanted. Read more>>

Grace Blackburn

Definitely sooner. I was initially hired as a receptionist with no expectations of anything further than that. My mentor, Jacki, tried to talk me into apprenticing under her for SIX months before I caved. Read more>>

Faith Michael

I wished I started earlier before 2021. Absolutely, I wished I started earlier, but on the other hand I’m grateful for every step and process that I have passed through. Read more>>

Amanda French

I do sometimes wonder about the benefits of starting my standup career sooner. I first got on stage in 2020 and started a comedy class just as Covid shut everything down. Read more>>

Po Mia

I’ve been musical my whole life, and so has my family, but it was an extremely hard process, working up the courage to share my original work with the world. Read more>>

Reina Higashitani

I’m one of the filmmakers who wanted to become a filmmaker since a young age, but I didn’t start pursuing it until well after college. Part of the reason is that I didn’t have much confidence in my ability to succeed. Read more>>