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.

D.M. Darcy

With regards to being an author, I wish I would have started sooner.

I was always a writer. I wrote all kinds of stories, poems, songs when I was young. It’s how I escaped the world I lived in as a young child/teen. My origin story—if you will—is on the dark side. I’ll refrain from specific details here unless asked further on the matter.

Unfortunately, my father was less than supportive regarding the idea of his daughter being an aspiring writer, and he wasn’t afraid to tell me exactly his thoughts. At 17, I stopped writing due to his influence. Read more>>

Nick Poum

I wish I would have started my creative career sooner. I ended up wanting pursue the creative career November 2019, at first it was just for as a hobby then grew more into wanting to pursue more of the creative side to performing outside of my hometown. Career wise during that time, I was working full-time as an Oil & Gas Valve Technician. Starting sooner would have changed a lot for me and understanding what was needed to be done in order to get further, especially with music production and being a DJ. Definitely would have had a different outlook through knowledge and time if I had began to pursue being a DJ and music producer sooner rather than later. Read more>>

Amber Axelton

I feel like my creative career formed exactly when it was meant to. While it may be very tempting sometimes to wish that I had started earlier (especially as someone who didn’t begin practicing art until well into her 30’s), ultimately I know that I’m where I am now because of the choices that I’ve made, and I wouldn’t change that journey for anything. Read more>>

Tracy Loring

It’s impossible to know what would have happened, but I do know I wouldn’t be the artist I am today had I started my art career sooner. I’ve done creative projects my whole life but never considered it as a career option until I was in college. I was living in Los Angeles and going to UCLA. I stumbled into a rubber stamp store in Santa Monica and fell in love with the imagery, the inks, the markers, and the various mixed media options. I started working there part time when the owner suggested I teach a class. This was the 90’s and the rubber stamp/ mixed media industry was just getting going. LA was a hotbed of manufacturers. I loved it so much I went to work and teach at the store full time after graduation. From there I went on to work for a manufacturer doing demo art, trade shows, and teaching at their retails stores while also working the phones in their warehouse. I loved being creative and doing creative work everyday. Read more>>

Sharon Burton

When I was a teenager and full of passion and artistic potential as a visual artist, I wanted to go to art school after graduation. This was the mid-80s and although some people were pursuing a career in the arts, many of us “Gen Xers” were encourage to pursue what many of our parents considered “stable” and financially rewarding careers. So my father, who recognized my artistic talents, was well-meaning, but basically said that if he was going to contribute to my higher education, a degree in visual arts was not it. I recall him saying something like, I could always pursue my art stuff later. Read more>>

Caprisha Curry

If I knew better, I definitely would have started sooner. I have been on a lifelong journey to improve my health. I struggled with my weight most of my life, but I always ate healthy and was always very active. Once I learned how to balance the food and fitness along with the mental health, everything changed! Read more>>

Jen Whitlock

Honestly, I think about this a lot—and while it’s tempting to say “I wish I had started sooner,” I truly believe I started on this entrepreneurial thing at the exact right time.

Wonderwall Backdrops was born out of a very specific moment in my life. I had spent years in a super traditional corporate marketing role, leading teams in the healthcare sector. Driving strategy and revenue… but something was missing. I craved creativity, connection, and the freedom to build something of my own. Starting Wonderwall wasn’t just about balloon arches or backdrop installs—it was about reclaiming joy and creating moments that matter. Read more>>

Miriam Dix

Yes—without a doubt—I wish I had started sooner. I originally got licensed back in 2001, but I didn’t fully tap into the power and potential of the license until 2014. At the time, I was working in the banking industry, and someone I met there asked me a simple question that ended up changing the course of my career: “Are you licensed?” When I said yes, they offered to show me the ropes of becoming an independent insurance agent. That moment lit the spark. Read more>>