We’ve seen way too many talented creatives quit because they couldn’t make it work financially. No doubt, the financial challenges of pursuing a creative or artistic career are daunting, but we felt there wasn’t enough discussion around how to make it work. So, we connected with artists and creatives who’ve been able to earn a full time living from their creative work and asked them to share their stories with our readers.

Mike Geno

I did not expect to actually get to this place where I can live off of my work. Initially when I was offered the opportunity to go to college. I went to Penn State University having no idea what I wanted to do, but figuring being a business major was practical. There was a core curriculum requirement that included the need to have two classes of art and so at the age of 19, I experienced my very first art class. Read more>>

Maty Young

Yes, I have managed to sustain a full-time livelihood through my creative endeavors. At times, this trajectory has felt like a natural and seamless evolution, shaping my enterprise into its present form. The story of my progression is intertwined with my introduction, which I will delve into more fully in my response to the subsequent question. Thus, I shall provide a succinct summary of my background before proceeding. Read more>>

Greg Houston

I have been a full-time, professional freelance illustrator for the last 35 years. However, I have had to diversify by creating my own projects to make ends meet. I’ve written and illustrated two graphic novels of my own and signed on to illustrate another for a client, written two books on illustration (Illustration That Works and Understanding Caricature– both for The Monacelli Press/Phaidon Books), created and sold original artwork to buyers, and taught — initially at the college level and now at my own private, unaccredited illustration school. Read more>>

Waves

I’ve been DJing for 11 years now, but only took the risk to start pursuing it professionally in 2019 and quit all of my day jobs. My first year as a full-time DJ was amazing. I finally devoted every free moment that I had to the one thing I loved the most and it lit me up like never before. Read more>>

Salme Dahlstrom

I’m gonna start at the end – For the past 15+ years I have made a full time living as a musician. What got me there are what many would consider a cliché – hard work. consistent hard work. Of course you need talent but talent will only take you so far, you need to have the drive, you need to show up every day and work your ass off. Read more>>

Chelsea Rhodes

I started this journey back in middle school. From singing at vocal competitions, to hundreds of benefits, to being in a local bluegrass band, to then going onto college where I received a scholarship to play bluegrass music for 4 years. I received my degree in Music Production and moved to Nashville, TN to pursue my dreams. When moving to Nashville, I worked any job I could to get me started. Read more>>

SéBakunzi Matemane

Thank you for your inquiry. As a recording studio manager, I have had the privilege of working in a creative field that I am truly passionate about. While my journey to earning a full-time living from my creative work was not immediate, it has been a fulfilling and rewarding process. Read more>>

Saeg Arts

I have not yet earned a full-time living from my creative work. I’ve certainly had periods where I’ve made a decent amount of money—enough to live on and even some to save—but it hasn’t been consistent enough for me to quit my day job. That said, I’m finally on the way to getting there, and here’s how: Read more>>

Erik Steele

I haven’t had a stable nine to five job since 2010, I was lucky enough to get into feature film work when the film incentives were prevalent in Michigan. After a number of movies and tv shows, my roommates and a few friends talked me into opening up a space to work out of that wasn’t just our living room. Read more>>

Ian Ware

For the past 2 years, I have been able to earn a living working full-time as a video producer/videographer, and if you had told my college self that I would be a full-time filmmaker by the time I’m 25 I would have laughed in disbelief. At the time, I was studying Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego and I was feeling very disillusioned. Read more>>

Rasheen Harris

I have been earning full time from my photography business even though I am still learning and growing. I teach photography as well in private session to new photographers. Each day I promote my business to possibly draw up some new clients and even do specials monthly to draw even more work. Read more>>

Isaiah Vela

Making a full-time living from your creative work, is no easy feat. It takes long days, long nights and a heck of a drive to want to better yourself. I have been blessed enough to be given the opportunity to create the way to earning a full time living off of my work, which is photography. Being able to do this, takes lots of patience, it doesn’t happen over night, in the first month or even the first year, it is a constant quest in the beginning. Read more>>

Kaci Beeler

When I started out at 18, choosing what kind of university I wanted to apply to and what kind of major I would pursue – I was incredibly confused about what my future could be. Read more>>