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.
Jeff Cable
I started as a marketing executive at tech companies, but while traveling the world for that work, I started getting the photography bug. One thing lead to another, and after photographing my first Olympics in 2008 it went crazy. The next thing I knew my photography business had grown so big that I could no longer do both. Read More>>
Kirk Habana
Yes — I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it’s been a journey of faith, uncertainty, and growth through every season. Read More>>
Princess Haynes
Not at first — it definitely wasn’t an overnight thing. I’ve always been passionate about creative work, but for a long time I had to balance that passion with corporate jobs just to survive. I worked in environments that were often draining and even disrespectful, but those experiences built the drive that pushed me to go all in on my purpose. Read More>>
Puspa Oh
Living inside my own hobby is really magic. When they do what you love and love what you do, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I’ve never imagined before I can stand happily, have my dream job and surrounded by good things. Art is my half, I do painting mostly, I love making content about daily life and culinary journey also travelling. Read More>>
Brittany Armbrecht
Today I earn a full-time living from my creative work — but it definitely didn’t start that way. I launched Bold Pixel Media Co after working in TV news and marketing and taking time to be a full-time mom. Read More>>
Katie Davis
I have always had a deep love for photography; it runs in my blood, as both my grandmother and great-grandfather were portrait photographers in addition to their full-time jobs. Because of that history, I initially thought of photography as just a hobby or a side-gig. I even went the practical route, earning my degree and becoming a Registered Nurse. Read More>>
Trey Carswell
Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it definitely wasn’t an overnight journey. The path has been shaped by persistence, continuous learning, and getting my hands dirty in a variety of different experiences. In the beginning, it wasn’t like that at all. Read More>>
Dangiuz
Yes, I’ve been able to make a full-time living from my creative work, but it wasn’t like that from day one. I was just a kid when I realized everything digital felt like the natural future. The world was going digital in every way, from communication to photography, so why not art? I believe two major turning points for me where 2017 and 2020. Read More>>
yvana romelus
Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it definitely wasn’t like that from day one. My journey started on YouTube, where I built my platform through raw, honest commentary and storytelling. Over time, I expanded into multiple channels, creative consulting, and dance-based education — all tied together by my mission to uplift and inspire Black youth and creators. Read More>>
Sara Wilczynska
Yes, I’ve been able to make my art my full-time job, but it hasn’t happened overnight. Like most creative businesses, it’s taken time to build something that feels both sustainable and aligned with my values. When I left my career at Google, I didn’t have a roadmap. I just knew I needed to reconnect with what felt true and meaningful. Read More>>
Emily Bussman
Yes, I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work through a portfolio of diverse creative income streams. My journey began when I opened my first art studio at the age of 26 in downtown Nashville, TN. It was quite an experience, and from day one, I thrived in the fast-paced, creative energy of running my own business. Read More>>