The world needs artists and creatives. Unfortunately, being needed doesn’t often easily translate into financial stability. The struggle is real for so many incredibly talented artists and creatives and so we think it’s important to hear from creatives who have made it work – there is so much to learn from the folks we’ve featured below.

Kari Brock

I actually have a background in healthcare, nothing related to jewelry! I earned my bachelors of science degree from the University of Georgia and a masters degree in occupational therapy from Brenau University. I am an occupational therapist and worked full time in nursing homes and acute care for 8 years. Millie B. was always a side hustle during this time. Read more>>

Samuel Winternheimer

I have been able to make a full-time living from my creative work. It took a while to get to a comfortable place financially. I have had to wear many different “hats” to piece together a great living. I teach private electric and upright bass lessons, teach music classes, perform regularly in bands, make small wooden housewares and custom furniture. It is a real balancing act to make it all work, but I am fortunate to do what I love to make a living. Read more>>

Judy Wright

As an author and personal historian, I enjoy encouraging others to write their memoirs and capture family histories. I have 22 books on Amazon but do not earn a full-time living from the books. Read more>>

Kevin Urbina

Starting a business for your creative work is truly an exciting adventure, but also terrifying. When I started my business, I had little to no professional work to showcase to potential clients. Just a few goofy videos I made with my friends and family. I needed a way to build my credibility as a professional filmmaker. Read more>>

Lashay B

I have been able to work in a profession the dreamed of and love to do! In college I interned at WEUP, Hip Hop and R&B station the I know work at and have been for over 15 years! Sarting as a volunteer, to an internship, then to a part time employee and eventually I was offered a full time position which was a dream come true. I think my process is ideal for most people working in media/radio. Radio has also help me run a successful dj career, where I get to travel to dj and host! Read more>>

Maria Roberts

My full time job as a content creator was definitely not an overnight success. Initially when I started my account (which was actually a blog before Instagram launched), I was working full time as a speech pathologist and treated content creation like a hobby. It was really fun, and something I was doing as a creative outlet with my sister. Read more>>

Gopi Shah

I am able to earn a full-time living from my ceramics work. It was a long journey that I started nearly 10 years ago when I decided to pursue a career in it. In my early 20s, I was too risk-adverse to be financially unstable, so I saved money by living at home and working a traditional 9-5 job. Once I felt comfortable investing in my artistic pursuits, I started my business part time, while working under a ceramic mentor and taking temporary jobs. Read more>>

Keisha Finnie

My journey as an artist began from my very first art class in kindergarten where one of my first murals now lives (Nurture Your Mind). I’ve always taken art classes in grade school as well as trying to take the college route but plans changed when my financial aid didn’t go through. I came home and received my first full time job as a now graduated adult. Read more>>

Khloe Katz

Being able to earn a living from just my creative work has been quite the journey. I have been a drag entertainer going on 14 years, and only in the past couple years have I been able to make a living wage from just my creative work. Starting out, I would often just be excited to be invited and only work for tips or drink tickets or even for free. Read more>>

Moesia (Mo) Davis

I have been able to earn a full time living from photography. It wasn’t an easy journey! My career was honestly a hobby for years, When I started charging for photography, it became an unexpected second job. I didn’t know what to charge and that was a major milestone. Timing is everything! Read more>>

Georgia Barrett

I am so grateful that I can support myself with my graphic design business. When I first graduated college in 2014 I thought the only way to succeed as a designer was to be part of an agency- there was no way I could support myself from my art! Read more>>

Melissa Klema

I really believe when one door closes, another opens. I was working at a contract textile and wall covering company in Minneapolis in 2008. The housing market had crashed and I ended up losing my job. I knew it wasn’t my ‘forever’ job, but still scary nonetheless. I couldn’t find work in my field ( I went to school for visual merchandising, interior design and architectural drafting), so I decided to move back to the area that I grew up. Read more>>

Jingo M. De la Rosa

I’ve been working as a full-time artist for almost 10 years now, and it wasn’t an easy or short journey. I immigrated to the US from the Philippines right after college, which was already a huge adjustment on its own. I basically had to start from square one and navigate my way around a completely new culture while dipping my toes in the professional realm. In the next 8 years, Read more>>

Kim Clay

Building a life as a dancer takes dedication, courage, integrity and a lot of support. I would not be where I am today without my parents, my friends, my teachers and my life partner, James. From injuries and audition rejections to long distance relationship challenges while on contract, sticking with a chosen career in the performing arts is incredibly hard. Read more>>