We think the world needs more artists, more creatives and more folks unwilling to spend their days as a cog in a giant corporate machine. We don’t necessarily dislike cogs or machines but we think the world clearly needs more artists and creatives and so we wanted to try to figure out how more artists can make it work financially since this is one of the major obstacles blocking so many artists and creatives from pursuing their art full time. So, we asked folks who have been able to make a full time living through their creative work, how they did it.

Cristina Perez Basora

I became a full-time videographer in 2018 after a moment of deep reflection and prayer. I remember being in my room, dreading the thought of going to work. I spent eight years after graduating from film school, working as a bartender and waitress. Despite my long-standing desire to create films and eventually start my own video production business, I found myself stuck in a loop of false security, clinging to a job that simply paid the bills. Read more>>

Maureen Janson

Wow, this is a big question. And lucky for me, my journey has been a long one so far! I think one of the things I have found the most important is to allow myself to constantly learn, and not be defined by one particular art form or way of working. The only way I’ve been able to survive is by doing many different things. I can’t say it’s been completely the creative process that has brought financial success, so I include teaching in my definition of “creative work”. Read more>>

Matt Haddaway

In short, no. Not yet. Eventually I hope I can earn a living as a full-time artist. Until now, my art has always been kind of a side-hustle as I work a full-time job to pay the bills.

In the early days, the biggest step that I took as a professional artist was doing art shows and festivals. The majority of my art sales have always come from shows. Nothing can really beat seeing my paintings in person. Plus you get to interact with the public and answer questions about a piece that has piqued their interest. And the camaraderie with and wealth of knowledge from fellow artist is priceless. I look forward to hanging out with my fellow artists as much as making sales! Read more>>

Alejandro Vallejo

Q: Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work?

A: Yes, but it took me a few years to figure out. What has worked for me personally the last ten years has been a steady mix of a few music revenue streams. Most musicians start playing music as a creative outlet or to jam with their buddies. If you decide to make it something you’d like to try as a career, then you learn a little more about the business side of how to actually monetize yourself as a creative. Read more>>

Dina Bechman

I have always been a creative, maker of things. It took a long time to actually call myself an artist. In any creative’s life there comes a time that they feel the need, drive to sell their art. In 2014 I found myself unemployed and looking for direction. A friend told me about a small storefront, near her business, available for rent. Within a month I had opened Five Monkeys Inc (named because I have 5 children, they are my monkeys it is my circus). Five Monkeys Inc started as a small collective. I sold my art and consigned for other local artists. The storefront was literally 400 sq feet with 15 foot high walls. I filled that place with an eclectic mix of artists. In 2015 I moved the business to an larger store front, took on more artists, hosted regular gallery showings, often an artist’s first show – that makes my heart happy. Read more>>

Margarita Hanke

I have been fortunate to dedicate myself full-time to my creative work, but it has been a journey of persistence, learning, and adaptation. It certainly wasn’t like this from day one. My path began with a deep love for art and a constant desire to explore and evolve as an artist. I’ve always balanced my artistic pursuits with other responsibilities, but my commitment to my craft has grown steadily over the years. Read more>>

Laura Goodstone

I started making money with my art when I was 13, just enough to support myself and get by. But honestly, life has thrown me quite a few challenges that made it tough to go all in on my music. I’ve always felt like I was living two lives—trying to keep a “normal” job to stay afloat while chasing my dream. That regular job definitely helped me, but I also think it slowed me down in truly finding my artistic essence. Read more>>