We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joshua Kindla a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Joshua, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living as a musician and, more recently, as a product designer for the past six years. But the journey was far from easy.
After college, I landed a steady job in software at a bank—a job that I dreaded going to every day. My mind was always elsewhere, dreaming about performing. Every evening, I dedicated myself to practice and open mics, often running on just two hours of sleep—a brutal reality for someone who cherishes a solid eight. After about a year of networking and honing my craft, I finally took a leap of faith and quit my job to pursue music full-time.
Unfortunately, that leap happened in February 2020—just one month before the world shut down. Suddenly, I found myself living on a prayer. Thankfully, I was able to keep performing via Zoom and had an incredible support system that helped me through. To stay afloat, I picked up a delivery job, which gave me the flexibility to create my own schedule and focus on improving my skills with a clear mind. Looking back, that period was pivotal in my growth as a working artist. It forced me to persevere and gave me the space to carve out my own path.
As the world started opening up again, I seized every opportunity—contacting venues, networking, and landing enough gigs to quit my part-time job and fully commit to performing. In the beginning, I took almost any opportunity to perform, even for little to no money. But the moment I started turning down gigs because I was already booked, I knew I had reached the next level.
Looking back, I don’t think there’s a way I could have truly “sped up” the process. Every struggle, late night, and setback taught me something valuable. But if I could give my past self advice, it would be to trust the process, stay adaptable, and build a strong support system. The journey is never a straight line, but perseverance and passion will always lead the way.
Joshua, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Joshua Kindla, and I’m a full-time musician, producer, and product designer. My journey began as a singing guitarist performing for tips at a local coffee shop. Over time, I built my clientele, expanded my opportunities, and eventually found myself performing in different musical capacities every day of the week, allowing me to support myself—and now my wife—comfortably.
As I navigated the industry, I realized that building a brand as an artist was just as crucial as the music itself. Through trial and error, I learned how to turn my passion into a sustainable career, and I knew I wanted to share that knowledge with other creatives who are eager to start but unsure of how to break in.
What sets any artist apart is their ability to express their authentic self through their work. What I’m most proud of is not just capturing my unique artistic identity but developing it into a recognizable brand and product—and learning how to market that product effectively. The challenge for many creatives isn’t just making great art—it’s knowing how to package, present, and sell it while staying true to their vision. That’s where I believe my experience and insights can help others carve out their own path in the industry.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My resilience was truly tested when I quit my stable job in February 2020 to pursue a full-time career as a performing musician—only to have the world shut down a month later due to COVID-19. Overnight, my calendar was wiped clean, and every opportunity I had worked for seemed to vanish.
Instead of taking it as a sign to return to a 9-to-5 lifestyle, I adapted. I organized virtual performances, allowing me to stay afloat while staying connected to my audience. More importantly, I used this time to hone my craft, refining my skills and building a stronger artistic foundation. So when the world began to open up again, I wasn’t just picking up where I left off—I was ready to hit the ground running, stronger than ever.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to turn my authentic self into something tangible—a performance, a brand, a product—that not only represents who I am but also resonates with others. Art is more than just creating; it’s about connection. Whether it’s performing on stage, producing music, or designing, the greatest feeling comes from seeing how my work impacts others—whether it inspires them, moves them, or simply gives them a moment of joy.
Beyond personal fulfillment, I also find immense reward in helping other creatives navigate their own journey. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to turn a passion into a sustainable career, and I love being able to share what I’ve learned—helping others find their voice, build their brand, and create opportunities for themselves. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing another artist realize their potential and take that first step toward making their dreams a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joshkindladesigns.com
- Instagram: @joshkindla
