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.

Noa Beazley.

A little over a year ago, a game I had poured myself into was canceled – unfortunately not an uncommon scenario in the turbulent indie scene. I was especially proud of my music for this game and the interactive music system I had built for it. That moment of dragging my work into the Archive folder and feeling like it was all for nothing was a low point for me. It’s easy in those moments to lose sight of the long term and to feel like just giving up in favor of stability. Read more>>

Michelle De Joya

I think we all have FOMO occasionally when scrolling through our social media timelines — but I honestly never thought I’d be seeing instagram stories of my high school friends working very normal jobs like serving, construction, etc. in our east coast hometown and feel jealousy toward them. I’m living the dream that we’d all craved. I’m getting paid to write plays, direct plays, choreograph dances, teach students about theater and performance — teaching them about the importance of their bodies and the voices and their identities. Read more>>

Natalie Crenwelge

I am happy as an artist and maker! I create handmade functional pottery that beautifies people’s homes and makes every ordinary moment feel like a special one. I love creating things that make people happy while adding function to and ease to their lives. That’s why I do what I do. Read more>>

Tiana Gamble.

Since I left high school in 2016 I want to be an actress and model. But being 5’2 in modeling isn’t easy and honestly I’ve ran into so many scams when it comes to acting. But I’ll be honest it’s not to I started having kids did I start wondering if I should get a “normal job” I mean at less I know when I’ll be home and when I’ll get paid. And while pregnant I tried it. I got two different jobs do to things being slow in BG acting when I was pregnant with my first son. It was ok, but made me yearn to be on set. Read more>>

Erik Gilbertson

I absolutely love being able to do what I do. Owning my own business and having the freedom to do what I want and when I want is, to be completely honest, pretty fantastic. The caveat of course is you have to bring in the business and get the work done. It’s still a lot of hard work, don’t get me wrong, but when you love what you do day in and day out, even the boring and difficult parts of running a business is better than working for someone else. Working for yourself definitely isn’t for everyone. Read more>>

Clair Gaston.

Yes! I am so happy about being an artist. I get to choose what I focus on, and follow my interests as much as possible. This lights me up, connects me with nature, and satisfies my curiosity, Read more>>

Drew Michael Marotte Askew Art By Drew

The only life I’ve ever known is being an artist. I’ve been in the performing arts (and arts education) field for decades. I’ve now turned my focus to fine art (mixed media). Read more>>

Robin Johnson.

I’ve pretty much worked at various corporate jobs that I was not fulfilled in. If I was slightly fulfilled in a position, it was usually for a short amount of time because I was working on an assignment that aligned with my creative ability. I remember my very first job was at a radio station and I was assigned admin work at first. Then the radio hosts asked if I could write a script for a commercial. Read more>>

Naomi Joy Nelson

Yes, I am happy as an artist. I feel so much fulfillment doing what I love and being adequately compensated for it. Read more>>

Britt Dignan

Ah, yes…that question is an ever present in my mind, almost daily. Truth is, being a full time artist/musician is not for the faint of heart. You have to wear many hats to be successful and what is successful as an artist you may ask? Well, I believe the meaning of being “successful” will vary with each artist you ask. For me personally, being able to do what I love and take care of my family is what matters most. I was never really one to want the bright lights and super fame, that life really doesn’t seem appealing to me. Read more>>

Slizzy K.

Although being a creative and an artist are both fulfilling, I would definitely say I’m happier as a creator. The creative process has always been my favorite part when it comes down to each project. Seeing what goes into establishing a project from beginning to end, is what made me fall in love with music. I love performing, but most of my joy comes from building each project from scratch. Read more>>

Special Watkins

As a creative, I am the happiest. I was happy prior to being a creative as a Case Manager but nothing beats the position, I’ve created for myself as a business owner. At this point in my journey, there’s no looking back and I don’t wish to return back to the 9-5 lifestyle. We’ve been groomed to believe that having a 9-5 is the only route to success or the only way to have security but I believe otherwise . Read more>>

Jamie-Lyn Della Selva.

Being an artist isn’t an easy path, and it is not that it will necessarily create happiness, but it will fill emptiness. A job is really just this thing that you do. A job’s main purpose is to provide you money, which helps you survive on a necessary, but primitive level of existence, to get from point A to point B. But I have found that it is extremely hard for me to exist with this sort of menial focus, and I often have fallen depressed when art is not central to my life. Read more>>

Charlie Unruly

I don’t believe there’s been a moment when I’ve wanted to return to a regular job. Even in times where the business was slow or when I had to take weeks off for planning. True artistry is a commitment. Commited to yourself and the bigger picture. It’s beyond obligation, more like you’re at the point of no return. I feel like if there is ever a point in your creative journey where you feel reliant on a plan b in the form of a regular job, you may not be fully invested enough to see change. Read more>>

Joe Kelley

I began doing stand-up for the same reason most people do… I didn’t want a “regular” job. As I approach my 10-year anniversary of doing stand-up, I have realized there is a big misconception that you can either be a comedian OR have a job. Read more>>