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.

Creative VIce Randy Morales

You know, being creative is like being on a crazy roller coaster. Some days are awesome – I’m hitting new milestones and really seeing my career grow. But then, there are those tough days where I’m battling doubts and that sneaky imposter syndrome. It’s like I’m constantly chasing this future version of myself, and that’s both exciting and kinda overwhelming. Read more>>

Alex Durow

No. I’m rarely happy. But also No, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. As scary as the instability can be. As intense as the emotions can be. As hard of a life as a creative can be- I don’t think I or anyone else who does this would want to trade for a ‘regular’ job or a ‘regular’ life. It’s our calling. Read more>>

KEMACO

Happiness is sometimes finding the bright side of a cloudy day. As a creative, consistency is hard to come by. Pleasing fans within my own terms is what keeps me going. Whenever A new ear gets turned on to my music, I hope that they can’t stop diving in, because to the reader, I promise, It’s deeper than the surface and the story continues. Read more>>

Ashvinder (Ash) Rana

Since I have worked as an IT Consultant in the corporate world for more than 20 years, I am able to make the comparison between the “regular” work and my artistic work! And I can tell you, emotionally, I am most definitely happier being an “Artist”! Note that I did not use the term “creative” here because, most of the times I had to be “creative” even as a Data Migration Specialist in my Corporate career! Read more>>

Erica Scott

Being an artist can be exciting and adventurous but this is often proceeded and tempered by strong discipline and patience. Happiness is less of a destination and more of a tool you carry with you throughout life. Happiness is work. The ability to get up and ‘struggle’ in your passion is far more mentally sustaining than working a job that you’re unsuitable for. Read more>>

Sam Pletcher

I love being an artist. It’s one of my favorite parts of being human! The way we visually process and then create art from our own experiences is endlessly fascinating to me. If I could study that forever, I think I’d be pretty content. But no one has that kind of time! So the fascination makes for great fuel and creative energy. Read more>>

LaShawn M. Wanak

Actually, what’s happening to me now is the opposite. I’m going from a regular job to being a creative full-time. Read more>>

Opal Kodovitzky

Since a young age loved to draw and to create so it was destined to go and study something in the field. Finished 4 years of VisualCommunication studies at Wizo academy of design and now I work in the field as a Freelances motion designer, Graphic designer and illustrator. Very happy I could combine the creative world in my career and make money out of it. Read more>>

Robert Morrison

Overall I can say yes. I didn’t really know my career path, but whatever it was gonna be I wanted to be happy with it. Here’s a some elaboration on it. Read more>>

Kate Rigby

I’m most happy when I’m creating. It’s a necessity not really a choice. I have done a fair few ‘regular’ jobs in my life, paid and unpaid and those have provided material for my writing. But I had to go get up work in that sense on health grounds. I do think of my creativity as work but the worst part about it in this digital age is having to do my own marketing and promotion which most indie authors loathe. Read more>>

Sierra Collins

Yes, I am a happy artist. When you are a creative, life is always in motion. Which is perfect because stagnation gives me the ick. I am continuously learning, growing and evolving with my art. I love working with my permanent makeup clients. Tattooing faces is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Helping people feel more comfortable in their own skin is priceless. Read more>>

George Kuznetsov

You know, I’m absolutely stoked, especially when I’m up on that stage or in the studio, surrounded by folks who’ve got that same burning passion for music. When we come together and lay down some sweet tracks that send good vibes coursing through everyone’s veins, that’s when I’m feelin’ the true meaning of happiness! Read more>>

Mariana Hernandez

During my professional career I have had the need to have both a regular job and a creative job, I have had to divide my time and be very organized to be able to meet both goals. Read more>>

Jared Hudson

I do both! My art life, whether it was music years back or illustration now, I’ve treated my artistic endeavors like a professional hobby. It’s something I’m passionate about and devote most of my time to outside my day job, while also treating it like a full time profession. I work with my publisher, develop physical merchandise, books, handle commissions for clients when I have them open, etc. Read more>>

Meghan Warby

Wow, I love this question because it nudges me to be a bit contrarian right off the bat – ha! Personally, I’ve found it helpful for my mental health to remember that my happiness doesn’t correlate in any rational way whatsoever to my creative work. And it doesn’t need to! Read more>>

Paul Bond

Being a self-employed artist suits my freewheeling lifestyle. As a prime example, my wife and I relocated to Costa Rica last year. Something that would likely not have been possible with a more traditional job. There is a wonderful sense of freedom in how I spend my time and what I choose to creatively birth into the world. Read more>>

Jordan Orlando

I have had many “regular” jobs in my life. Although none of those jobs made me happy, there are some days I wish my soul was not that of a creative. Sometimes I wish I had a fascination for programming, finance, engineering, or anything that might prove to be more stable and make more money. Read more>>

DEan Bonzani

1. After many years of envying people with “normal” jobs, I’ve finally settled into myself and accepted that this is what and who I am. The challenge is in the valuation of what I output. That’s the hard part. It helps that my creative partner and I started and ran a successful retail store for twenty years. Read more>>

Greg Dallas

Since transitioning to being a full time musician I definitely feel happier overall in comparison to the many years of coffee shops and other random day jobs! For the most part it is more difficult though, mostly for the inconsistency. Some months it feels like I’m making a killing because there’s just so many gigs, and other times I am barely scraping by. Read more>>

Samantha Belén Lester

This is a difficult question to answer, and I want to handle it with the utmost care because being an artist is HARD. In my opinion, it is the hardest job one could possibly choose. It IS a job. Yet, we as a society, idolize the stereotype of “the starving artist”. Artists, whether they are actors, visual, writers, musicians, etc, are more often than not asked to create and perform for free or below any sort of living wage. Read more>>

Kaitlin Francois

I’m closing in on my 4th year as a full-time freelancer in this industry. It’s been the most rewarding experience and it gives back to me everything I put into it. Read more>>

Maria Morales

I love being an artist and creating new artwork that wouldn’t exist if I didn’t create it. We are all unique and how we express ourselves or what we create is unique to us. Read more>>

Norhan

This question is one I ask myself a lot. Short answer is that art makes me happy. Creating is a beautiful process that is freeing, healing and makes me very happy. However, the process and journey of trying to make my art become my career, is something I question a-lot. Don’t get me wrong I want to be able to make a living off of what i love and be able to put in all of my time towards art, however, the stage in between is a very stressful time and it has me doubting my choices a lot and often leaves me feeling lost. Read more>>

Dylan Huey

At the age of 21, I’ve carved a unique path in the realms of creativity and entrepreneurship that many might dream of. Reflecting on the question, “Am I happy as an artist or creative? Do I wonder about having a regular job?” I’d say my journey has been a blend of passion, hard work, and a constant pursuit of innovation, which has brought me immense satisfaction and fulfillment. Read more>>

Angelique Davis

Being an artist has introduced me to the most amazing people, brought me to the most beautiful places, provided me with the most unique experiences, and continues to open my perspective on a daily basis. I could not be more grateful to live a life where I am able to pursue a life full of art and share that with other artists. Of course, like any other artist, I’ve thought about the 9-5 career path. Read more>>

Shideh Ghandeharizadeh

I wish I had a regular job all the time. An art job is still a job. I get tired and frustrated with my work all the time. On top of that the art industry is in a pretty volatile place right now. I have trouble finding illustration jobs and often find myself working gigs that don’t extremely fit my skill set. Read more>>

Devan Renea

Asking if I am happy as a creative is such a layered question. It is one that I’ve often thought of, along with what else I would possibly be doing if I wasn’t committed to earning a living as an artist. I naturally think I would have become a fulltime teacher because I’ve grown to immensely enjoy teaching through my work as a filmmaking and screenwriting instructor. Read more>>

Alicia Walter

Art is life, and life is art. The sheer joy I experience as a creative is beyond words. Yes, being an artist has its challenges, but the satisfaction it brings is immeasurable. I’ve made the choice to prioritize peace over the pieces of myself. Read more>>