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.

Reba Cooke

Yes, I have been able to earn a full-time living. My journey didn’t start until my first year in college, until then I hadn’t heard of Graphic Design. Simultaneously I started working at an online custom marketplace that was testing out a local brick and mortar. I created on-the-spot custom goods for people and businesses. Read more >>>

Susie Schaefer

I started in the publishing industry by working with a mentor who taught me the ropes. As I was building my client list, I was working five jobs…yes, you read that right…FIVE jobs. From freelancing to driving rideshare to waiting tables at a steakhouse. It was a constant dance of scheduling, multitasking, and making strategic financial decisions to keep myself afloat. Read more >>>

Terry Sauvé

I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, though it was a slow build. When I began selling oil paintings, I had a somewhat “Hollywood” idea that someone would discover me and handle all the marketing and sales while I stayed in the studio. Read more >>>

Annette Mashi

When I left my full-time job at Intel after 17 years, I felt lost and confused. At 50, I was searching for my next step, but returning to a corporate position felt daunting. And after years of working for others, I craved freedom. I reflected on what brought me joy throughout my career. Read more >>>

KATHLEEN KINKOPF

Over the years, I have have acquired a variety of creative skills and capabilities, some out of curiosity, some out of necessity. These skills have enabled me to make a living as a creative entrepreneur and have supported me through a career challenges and opportunities. My education and professional background are in graphic design, branding, and illustration. Read more >>>

David Amoroso

My art career began while I was holding down a full-time job. I didn’t really have a fully thought out plan, but I wanted to have my finances in order before working solely as an Artist. When the timing seemed right, I dedicated myself completely to art. Read more >>>

Anay Sanghvi

It definitely wasn’t like that from day one. I don’t come from a film family, so when I started out in India, I had no connections to lean on. I began with internships and AD work, long hours on set just to learn and prove myself. Often, I was the first in and the last out. Read more >>>

Christine Adele Moore

I’ve been making a full-time living as an artist since the age of 22, and I haven’t had a regular paycheck-type job since high school. In college, I took on any artistic odd jobs I could find to cover spending money. I was fortunate to have parents who paid my tuition, which allowed me to focus those years on artistic growth and self-development. Read more >>>