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.
Bridget Davies
Yes, I now make a full-time living from my art, but it definitely wasn’t like that from day one. I’ve always worked in design, but around 17 years ago I decided to see if I could build a career as a visual artist. I studied fashion at university and was always particularly drawn to the illustration side of the course. Read More>>
Will Saulsbery
You have to show up, everyday, clock-in and create. Ideas don’t fall from the sky randomly, they fall when you’re engrossed in a creative process. Read More>>
Dionne Julien
Yes, I have been able to earn a living from my creative work. It was like that from day one because I devised a plan to creatively give back to the community, using all of my skills, turning that into a brand. Read More>>
Erica Jaffe
I worked for a company as a full-time editor for about 8.5 years before deciding to go out on my own as a freelancer. As soon as I decided to quit my job, I starting networking. I attended networking event, industry events, and became active on social media in several industry groups. Read More>>
Dean Wethers
Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to turn content creation into a full time career, but it definitely wasn’t like that from day one. I started in September 2025 by creating videos with products I already had around my house. The feedback was surprisingly positive, and it made me realize there might be an opportunity to build something bigger. Read More>>
Latina Unique Hair
Fortunately I can say yes, and no that hasn’t always been the case… Read More>>
Toni Acey
I went from working a 9 – 5 at an engineering firm to taking a leap of faith to follow my passion for makeup and the creative arts. Sitting at my desk from day to day didn’t allow me to feel like the creative person that was on the inside begging me to get out. Read More>>
Kim Eubank
I have been making and selling artwork for 37 years. I started wire wrapping crystals and making beaded jewelry at age 15 in order to buy a car. I graduated from VCU art school in the early 90’s, with honors with a BFA in Jewelry & Glass. I sold my handmade jewelry at regional craft shows to pay for college. My Senior year, I took a sculpture class that would set my artistic path in motion… Read More>>
Pattie Crawford
I wouldn’t say that I work every single, solitary day, as I would like to, however, this is primarily my focus, and I’ve accumulated enough professional, creative work, credits, and accomplishments, to earn the title of SAG ELIGIBLE actress. I AM a professional artist–its my life. Read More>>
Summer Whiteside
I have been earning a full-time living from my creative work since early 2022. In my opinion, reaching that point required 3 major things: hard work, perseverance and a little bit of luck. In 2020 & 2021 I was balancing multiple side-gigs to make ends meet. Read More>>
Cap Rivera
My journey started back in 2003 making candles and soaps, but in 2018 I took a real leap of faith and relaunched my business with the intention of taking it seriously. By 2022, I was working for myself full-time and even opened a stand at Columbia Mall in Maryland with four paid staff members. What makes my brand unique is that my candles and soaps look like realistic desserts and food, so people are always shocked when they realize they’re not edible. During one stretch, I made more money in six months than I had ever made in a full year working traditional jobs, which really showed me the power of believing in my creativity. Read More>>