Do you ever wonder what life would have been like had you chosen a more standard path? Does everyone have these doubts sometimes? We wanted to find out and so we asked as many talented artists and creatives as we could and have shared highlights below.

Erika White

Asking a professional artist/creative whether or not they are happy with their job is a loaded question in my opinion. Creating art does make me happy. It makes me feel fulfilled, accomplished and like I have an official place in the world. Channeling art and creative passions into a professional or money-making setting is entirely a separate thing. I didn’t get into tattooing with the goal of making lots of money or seeking popularity. Read more>>

Five Richh

I’m definitely more happier as a creative, like I’ve always knew that my mind work differently — I would see sounds and hear colors. That’s how I describe it. Working a 9 to 5 was always just another hustle for me, when I did work one like it was just another way to get money so I can fund my creative mind and ideas and projects and help other people fund their dreams and projects. Read more>>

Cedrina

I’m definitely most happiest when in a creative environment. I live for the buildup of ideas turned into acts, the long nights of research and planning, and of course the studio and performance aspect which is merely icing on the cake. This also requires a bit of business development which is equally important as the creative side, so it’s another job in itself. Pursuing music is not a choice to be considered with ease as it comes with major sacrifices. My reality is that I’m still a student to the industry and learning as I go, so I haven’t made that transition quite yet where my music has replaced my regular “9 to 5” job. Read more>>

Nick Diaz

I do my best to not let my happiness be dictated by whether or not I’m an artist or creative. I’ve held regular jobs in the past. Waiter, retail, manual labor, data entry, admin assistant, etc. the list is long, and though I thought a lot about being a full time musician during those times, it didn’t dictate whether or not I was happy, I’m pretty happy most of the time, it comes from within. I think it’s possible to have another job, work on art, and still maintain a healthy balance of happiness. Read more>>

Sedona Feretto

As an artist, I am most happy when I’m creating. Whether it’s writing a screenplay, being on set, or getting into a fun cosplay, my art is the thing that drives me forward. As an actress & screenwriter, I am in one of the hardest industries in the world. There are moments, days, and even weeks where I wonder if I am ever going to “make it”. I’ve been pursuing my passion for over a decade now, and there have been a lot of highs/lows that have made me question if I’m on the right path. The only thing that has never changed for me – is that I know that there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing with my life. Read more>>

Lori Schappe-Youens

I’ve been working as a visual artists for over 35 years. It is a soul enriching, fun and gratifying way to earn a living; it’s also damned hard and unpredictable. I’ve had to accept monetary help along the way from family, friends and benefactors. A business man friend of mine told me something years ago, “Lori, never have all your eggs in one basket” That’s when I started making jewellery and teaching Abstract Painting out of my studio. Read more>>

Zach Paradis

There’s no way around it, full-time artistry is a hard journey. On a fairly regular basis, I’ll let my mind wander into the possibilities of what my life would look like had I taken a more traditional career path. Things seem like they would be more straightforward. Boundaries would be clearer. Vision for my future may even be easier to come by. However, happiness is rarely circumstantial but often about perspective. Because the grass really always does look greener on the other side. Read more>>

Vince DiGioia

I’m much happier as an artist! I’ve been playing music for 16 years and because of that, I’ve had such incredible experiences I never would’ve had otherwise. I’ve met people who have become family because of music. I’ve gotten to perform at venues I never would’ve dreamed of patronizing because of music. I often do think what it would be like to have a “regular job,” like some of my friends. I’ve worked “regular jobs” and they lead me nowhere and they felt mundane and boring. Read more>>

July Dreaming

The truth is that as an artist/creative you constantly question your options and if you’re doing the right thing pursuing your dreams. The main thing that keeps me going is the love that I have for what I do. Every time I get a thought about going back to other options it seems like something big happens for me in my creative area. For example I was releasing a new single for a song I had wrote and had released a visual with it and it wasn’t taking off right away then it seems like in the next week I was offered to do a part in an upcoming movie which will be my first. I love the many different options you can pursue within this industry being a creative. You just have to tap into all of your potential and talents. Read more>>

Christopher Franklin

The funny thing is I have regular jobs while also being a creative & an entrepreneur. They key is balance and time management. I work at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Stax Music Academy, and Brown Missionary Baptist Church. Growing up, I only thought you could choose one. (Professional Musician OR Regular Job.) Here I am being a professional musician, an entrepreneur, and an employee all at the same time. The Stax Museum serves the purpose of improving my people skills and expressing my creative side. Read more>>

Deshawn Royale

Being a creative is definitely my greatest joy. I would not be the same person if I had not found my love and passion of dance. Through dance, I’ve been able to learn so much about myself. My strengths and weaknesses show in my dancing. My personality, my essence, my hopes, and my dreams are all intertwined into every step I do. Whether it be in a class I’m training in, a class I’m teaching, or a piece f work I’ve choreographed, I can always release and leave a piece of myself behind. Dancing has truly opened up an avenue of self-reflection and self-love that I don’t know I would’ve found through other means. Read more>>

Domonique Merriweather

Yes I would say Im happy being a creative? Having the freedom to think and attempt to bring my thoughts into reality is a form of therapy for me. Taking something I incisions in my mind as a finished product and being able to be happy about the results kind of light the soul in a way other things can’t. There’s nothing wrong with working a regular job if that’s what makes you happy and feel fulfilled. Any form of money that doesn’t jeopardize your freedom is good money to spend on happiness. Read more>>

Dalvion Fields

Not every project or every show is successful so yes I’ve had the thought many times, because being a professional creative is not an easy path and there a plenty of ups and downs, but then I think how I’d be even worse off just working a more ordinary job. I’d be worse off because It’s simply not what makes me the happiest. When you’ve found your path that makes your life brighter everyday, and feels meant for you, then It’s worth pursuing! There’s so much to celebrate when you get to the ‘ups’ and so much to learn from the ‘downs’ too, but most importantly do the things you enjoy! Read more>>

Djenane Saint Juste

I am the best version of myself as an artist! I am happier, healthier, and more connected to nature and people. My artistry guides me through a journey of spiritual growth and enlightenment. I am more eager to take risks and step out of my comfort zone to explore new territories artistically, mentally, spiritually, and physically. I feel in harmony with the universe because I am a dancer, a choreographer, a storyteller, a writer, and an artist. My sensitivity helps me stay constantly connected to who I am, so to everyone and everything at once. Read more>>

Bryan “Harvest Blaque” Hancock

I am very happy with being able to use my gifts and It took a lot of work to get here. I’ve worked so many jobs that were essential to the hustle of getting me to evolve and pour into my dream of being a performer. I feel there is levels to it and through the highs and lows you must make room for your personal evolution and embrace your gift. There is a big difference between gifted and talented. A lot of people have talent but gifted people have a remarkable way of saying who they are, why they are, and why you should be listening to them right now. I am embracing my voice and those questions. Read more>>

Sam Slupski

Being a creative person is one of my favorite things of all time and being able to pursue it as a job is a privilege I do not take for granted. Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of grieving about what pre-pandemic life looked like. Before COVID-19 hit, I was a touring artist, was teaching workshops regularly, featuring at different events, and was working on a book. At the end of 2019, I was planning another tour for the summer of 2020. I could never have anticipated the pandemic, and I know that many creative people felt knocked off their axis when it happened. Read more>>

Jade Hustler

I’m asked this question quite frequently and never can seem to answer. What I can say is as a creative I’ve always been stuck between the decision to go harder or go off the grid. Transitioning from corporate to following my dreams as an entrepreneur has had its difficulties. Most individuals would say that the financial stability is the hardest, but for me maintaining will power to not quit was the real challenge. Sometimes the best way to work is to NOT! Self-love & self-care are like fuel. Read more>>

Andres Makishi

Yes, I’am, I think that if I had a normal life I would had more time for my personal life, but in art you really don’t have the luxury. All the time you are looking for a new project, ideas as a tattoo artist my tattoo session go for around 6-8 hours and then I have to go back home and keep working on new designs for clients or personal projects like painting. Being an artist is a lot of work but the final result is very satisfying. Read more>>

Ashlea Sovetts

I would say yes and no to being happy as an artist. That answer is two fold in the sense that being happy for me is something that comes down to the present moment but also is determined by making thoughtful decisions in preparation for happy moments in my future. For example, as an artist I feel happier in the ways that I am able to express myself through my medium of dance. I am happy as an artist in the present moment when I am performing in real-time. Read more>>

Bradley Donahue

I would say life is much more enjoyable as a creative. There is something to be said about the feeling of carrying out one’s imagination and passion’s. Spending personal time and energy bringing them to life. I often find myself bouncing between freelance work and the regular type, “9-5” work, All of which have their own merits. Recently while working a freelance project, I found myself a bit stressed out. lost in the feeling of losing control of time. I felt my “regular job” demanded too much time and energy. Offered less compensation and even less respect or motivation for a job well done. I was conflicted with feelings, thinking to myself I should be grateful to have time to also pursue my creative endeavors. Read more>>