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.

Sheresa McCauley

I am going to answer the second question first. Even though I respect everyone’s position, I’m not satisfied or thrilled about “regular” jobs. There are few positions that have actually ever interested me which is why I stayed in the service industry for so long. Yes, the requirements or expectations may be the same on the daily but, I have had the opportunity to experience an array of environments that have brought a lot of excitement to my life throughout the many years that I dedicated. And, as Frank Sinatra said, “I did it my way!” If I picked a regular job, it would probably be a psychologist, but I got to be like a therapist with every ounce I pour. Moreso referring to the interaction and less of the actual liquor. Read more>>

Stermon Rolle

I’m definitely happy as a creative. I get so excited when I see my work/art displayed in public spaces. For example, it’s exhilarating when I can see my graphic work displayed on billboards here in the Bahamas for the company I work for or the work I do for my clients. The other part that leaves me overjoyed is when I hear my music playing on the radio as well. It’s such a fulfilling feeling, and it fuels me to keep going because this is honestly what I love to do. Read more>>

Sam Taylor

Well, happiness obviously comes from within, and people love to say “oh you should be happy no matter what your career”, and I agree to some extent, but I think its more that you a doing yourself a disservice when you know in your heart what your soul’s purpose is and you don’t pursue it. I have been creative ever since I can remember, and the majority of times when I was truly at peace, was when I was drawing, painting or being creative. Read more>>

Helloworld

I’ve been asked this question before – and I actually think about it quite often. I am incredibly *fulfilled* being an artist and a creative. Not always happy. Happiness is sometimes fleeting, but nothing in this world makes me feel more fulfilled than pursuing a passion that I can work daily toward. Read more>>

Robert Soffian

I am always happy creating. I am not a depressive. Makings things brings me joy. I never wanted to be a regular joe. Eccentrics should be celebrated. Read more>>

Katinka Huang

I am definitely grateful to be an artist because I see it as an occupation with the most amount of freedom. There’s no set of rules to follow to become an artist and there’s no corporate ladder to climb to get to where you want to be. I have the flexibility to try out all sorts of jobs as long as it supports my studio practice and expands my mind. I can work at a shop, restaurant, library, as another artists’ assistance.. Whatever I choose to do I’ll still get to be an artist while accumulating an abundance of life experience which contributes to the substance of my work in the end. I often think about what I would do if I wasn’t an artist, and I think it would be a lot of fun to be a food stylist, but I’m not sure if I would call that a regular job! Read more>>

Andres Salazar

Creating visuals (art) or stories (writing, film) really “fills my bucket”, I get the most charge and joy when making something and that process honestly fuels me, a lot. I’d say in tandem is consuming it also excites me and I am re-fueled and inspired when I go to a museum or some place like that. I have done the regular 9 to 5 and I have done just the solo artist gig. Unless you are very successful and well-known, it is extremely hard to live (especially here in California on the coast) on just selling paintings, comics, what have you. You need to have that steady income (or a spouse to provide that) so I have had those jobs. I used to dread them and see it as the kiss of death, but you need to see them as a way that they give you money SO that you can make your creative dreams. They allow you the ability to make art. If you see it any other way, you will hate it. Read more>>

Jessica Schimpf

I was once asked this a few years ago at a public event for KNPR Reno, affiliated with The University of Reno (UNR). I think the public was quite shocked at my answer. I didn’t realize that so many people were so hopeful to hear that art was everything for the artist. I didn’t realize that so many people wanted to be professional artist’s themselves because it seemed admirable, and inspiring. I also didn’t realize that artist’s do a great job of pretend that this job is ONLY wonderful – I think we are a bit scared to tell the truth about what it takes to bring your art to life. Read more>>

Paige Corwin

I find immense fulfillment and happiness in pursuing my passion as a recording artist. While it’s true that being an artist comes with its challenges, including the financial strain of living in an expensive city like New York, I believe in the value of chasing my dreams. Bartending serves as a temporary means to support myself while I navigate the unpredictable journey of the music industry. Read more>>

Pook Hustle

Yes and no. I love writing and creating new work but due to gentrification along with the changing of social media algorithms, there’s not many safe public spaces to congregate in Brooklyn. It’s tough but the bright side is that I’ve prioritized building connections with my peers. Miraculous things are already happening because of that initiative. Read more>>

Gena B. Jones

I’m certain about it because I’ve had my fair share of “regular” jobs including working at tech companies, and I’m definitely happier now than I was before. To be clear, I still have a “day job” to support myself, but I’m lucky enough that my day job is in a super casual and fun environment at a comedy club! No cringey corporate lingo there. Read more>>

Kenna Paige

I’m happy to express myself and pursue things that I love and have dreamed about, but I don’t enjoy navigating the industry. I’ve been lucky to meet positive individuals in the industry, and I’ve had the unfortunate experience of meeting snakes in the industry. You’ll make connections that are only looking to gain from you, and that can be hard to navigate. Of course I’ve thought “would it be easier to just have a normal job?” but I don’t think it would. I think it would have its own challenges, and this industry is something I’m passionate about. I want to make a difference in the industry. I want to create a network of genuine individuals, and that’s what I’m starting to work towards. Read more>>

Elisabeth Wykert

I regularly asked God, the universe, myself…. fill in the blank… why did my purpose have to be an artist? Why couldn’t I have just gotten a regular job after earning my 4-year degree? (Which thank goodness I got that degree in the late 2000s when it only cost me $14,000 for a 4 year degree.) Why did my path have to be this risky, uncertain one? All I (thought I) wanted was that 9-5 corporate life. So have I wondered what it would be like to have a “regular” job? I tried it. I failed at it. Being an artist is my back up choice. I got nothing else. Read more>>

Jenni Horne

I exude a profound sense of happiness in my role as an artist, a career that seemingly chose me as much as I chose it. Embracing this artistic journey as a calling, I recognize the innate gifts bestowed upon me and take joy in sharing them with others. The true essence of fulfillment lies in my role as a professor, where not only do I openly share my creative wisdom but also revel in nurturing the artistic spirits of students of all ages. Just ask my students, I can’t talk about teaching without an abundance of tears. The genuine love for teaching emanates from my heart, creating a dynamic and inspiring space where creativity flourishes. In this commitment to guiding the next generation of artists, I find deep and lasting happiness, a testament to the effortless relationship between my passion for making art and the joy derived from fostering the artistic growth of others. Read more>>

Robert Sudhoff

I wonder about having a “regular job” everyday. I’ve never felt a calling to another profession other than acting. But, the idea of a “regular job” stays in the back of my mind; sometimes as fear driven response to a perceived failure. At other times just as curious thought about the millions of different roads I could have taken with my life. I think all creatives do this. By our very nature we’re curious, we’re explorers. We try to understand ourselves. A natural part of that is wondering about ourselves, choices, and world around us. Last year was the closest I ever came to throwing in the towel on my acting. I felt like I keep hitting walls, like I was falling behind in some imaginary race I’d created for myself. Worse, I left like I was disconnected from my acting, as if I was stuck in some bubble that kept me distant from it, I could see it but couldn’t connect with it. It often felt like I’d wasted my life, put all this time and energy into something only to lose touch with it. I kept going, refusing to give up on it. “The only way out is through” a mentor of mine told me. You live with the feelings, explore the sensation of separation, let go of this self imposed finish line, and most importantly trust yourself. Eventually I came out of that bubble. I came out more creative, more in touch with myself and far happier with my art than I’ve ever been. Read more>>

Riley Scott

About once a quarter, I have an absolute spiral where I think I should move on from my creative pursuits. I feel overwhelmed by the suddenly quiet schedule, a lack of a routine, a sense of stagnation. I see my friends who are dentists, publicists, educators, and I think how nice it must be to feel grounded. Needed. Safe. Read more>>

Noah Way

Yes, incredibly happy. I would be miserable if I was doing anything else with my life. The only times I’ve been truly unhappy is when I was trying to be “regular”, follow the grain, or listen to philistines who had no right to give me advice on my future, under the guise of “guidance”. Yet, of course, being an artist is still extremely challenging, especially in the current landscape of the industry. It’s filled with a lot of rejection, waiting, and a need for determination that’s not for the weak of mind and heart. A teacher teaches every day, a doctor sees patients on the daily, but a filmmaker doesn’t spend every single day on a set making movies, even though that’s their life’s work. Which is partly why I believe an artist is not just a vocation, but a lifestyle. That ideology contributes to my happiness when times get tough. Read more>>

Shaunti Lally

Living as an artist has allowed me to set my own course and explore an authentic way. It is a navigation into the mystery of each moment, which for some people can be scary, but for me it is an opportunity for discovery of creative solutions to unique and unexpected challenges. Though predictability is helpful, i dont feel i can grow as well in the routine.l of a “regular job”. Read more>>

Jessica Miyuki

Absolutely, I love being an artist and creative. The fulfillment and joy I get from my work far surpass any experience I had in a regular job. I’ve ventured into the conventional job world before, and while it taught me valuable lessons, it wasn’t where I felt truly alive and inspired. Read more>>

Kerry Vosler

Being a creative has been very rewarding. I learned early that I loved singing and art. My personality craves constant challenges so being a visual artist provides daily problem solving. You never stop learning as an artist so this keeps everything interesting. Every painting has a beginning, a middle and an end. So its like working on a limited project. Every painting has different challenges so it is never boring. I prefer working for myself and holding myself accountable. Read more>>

Brenda Hillegas

I’m very happy with my flexible, work-from-home schedule. I’ve had a regular job before, for many years. I had a great group of coworkers at my last “regular” job, and while none of us are at that particular job anymore we still all talk almost every day in a group chat and get together a few times a year. So I’m grateful for them and the experience. It helped me realize that a 9-5 just wasn’t for me, at least not now anyway. Now, I have the ability to work at my own pace. I have deadlines with the magazine I work for, but no need to do them at any given time of the day. As long as I get them done! This schedule allows me to run off to NYC for a show or two (an impulse I act on a couple times a month), take my five year old on day trips or adventures, and even be able to be there for him when he gets home from school. Read more>>

Sheridan Cahoon

Now that I am 10 years into being a solo-creative this question comes to my mind more often than not. Right now I am more excited than ever to be the creative individual that I am, 6 months ago not so much, two years before that full on, and before that….my point is these feelings and thoughts about lifestyle ebbs and flows, not just with happiness in what I am pursuing as a creative but the desire to have a “normal life”. I am so envious of those that get a stable paycheck, the knowing that each week your work brings immediate earnings. That you can do your work and put it away once you leave and the work day is done. Being a creative my mind is constantly thinking about a million what if’s and things way too far in the future, and with today’s word at how fast content is consumed and desired it is like I am always needing to play catchup or that there is more I could be doing. Read more>>

Stella Lee

Yes, I am happy as an artist and creative. Although there are times when I face countless challenges or am not feeling motivated, overall being creative and expressing myself artistically is my happy zone. What’s funny is that I have a regular job along with pushing my creative work on the side. I respect those that take the risk to drop their regular job and pursue their dreams wholeheartedly however, I want to make sure I’m stable as I’m able to accomplish my dreams one by one. Read more>>

Tanner Hake

I certainly feel it is part of the life of a creative to question and wonder what it would be like to have a regular job. I’d be lying if there was not times that I thought of having a different life, but those are passing thoughts that quickly go by. I do have friends and colleagues that have gone that avenue and I do not blame them at all, and most of them are very happy but for me every time I think of having a regular job or trade It usually ends with me saying something like “Oh I could play a great lawyer or doctor” but never actually wanting to do it besides acting as one. Read more>>

Paige Jung

Starting my creative career has been one of the most fulfilling chapters I’ve ventured into. At the peak of the pandemic in 2020 I was working in Communications at a 9-5 office job, and while I was thankful to have something sustain me, I wasn’t happy creatively. That’s when I started to take on illustration commissions on the side, which eventually led to a full time career switch into illustration and murals. While I don’t think a freelance-structured or creative career is for everyone, I found that it fit my lifestyle better, and I was able to find a better work-life balance, while doing something I am passionate in. As an independent creative, you often have to do a lot of decision-making on your own, stay disciplined and be confident in your work. Those three aspects have challenged me in positive ways, and have helped me grow to where I am. Read more>>

Emily Pyscher

The question of “are you happy” is kinda funny to me. You see, writing songs and making music is the one thing that has always brought me indescribable joy and sense of worth. Now, am I always the happiest person ever… absolutely not. But the gift of having my outlet to turn broken hearts, self-doubt, or pain into happiness is something that I will never let go of. Although I have always wrote and sang, I have also had many jobs. I’ve waited tables, bartended, and many little in between jobs before I was able to make my writing and performing my only income. I value that time looking back on it, but, in those moments I spent every minute dreaming and thinking of ways I can make my dream my reality. Basically, I am the happiest I have ever been, even when not so happy things come up in my life. I get to live my dreams and write about every little part of it. The bad can never really be that bad when I wake up to my beautiful life I have created. Read more>>

Hung-Ju Kan

For me, the act of creating itself is neither a happy nor a sad experience. It is more like a diary, a vessel that allows me to authentically record or reflect various emotions and feelings within myself. Read more>>

Sen Yoshimura

Yes, I am genuinely happy being an artist, specifically as a musician. I sometimes imagine what would be like to have a regular job. It is true that there are indeed a lot of enticing jobs that have even inspired me. However, I always come back to the realization that being a musician is the most fitting occupation for me. Read more>>

Sheldon Smith

I am immensely happy as a creative. Right now, I could complain about not having a ton of money and taking performance/recording work more free more often than not, but music (and the Lord) is the only thing that fulfills and restores my soul. Plus, it won’t always be like this, because I know I’m destined to make it. I don’t believe that God places gifts inside of us by mistake. He wouldn’t bless us with such amazing gifts if we weren’t destined to utilize them in impacting the world around us, and if he provided me with the gift, why wouldn’t he provide me with opportunities to maximize myself with the gift? Music is embedded in every single part of my life — I’m always humming some melody or tapping a random rhythm… singing or having a song stuck in my head, so why not do it for a living when you know you can’t live without it? Sometimes I do think about what it’d be like to teach or do something stimulating like math or the social sciences, but I’d tire of it pretty quickly. Music is so personally life-giving for me in the same way that saving lives is for a doctor or scientist, and I’m simply cannot imagine myself doing anything else. Read more>>

Richard Monteiro

Being an artist poses its challenges. Despite possessing abundant talent, financial stability isn’t guaranteed unless you find the right opportunities. Many artists have to juggle a side hustle to make ends meet while waiting for their art to generate income. Moreover, not everyone receives compensation for their artistic endeavors, and accepting that reality is crucial. The uncertainty of recognition and feedback adds another layer of complexity. Having experienced traditional employment, I realized it wasn’t for me. The rigid structure, dress codes, and prescribed movements felt stifling. I prefer the freedom of hustling on the side for income over conforming to a 9-5 job, like a bird confined to a cage. Read more>>

Glenn Schudel

I’ve lived a lot of different lives, and in all of them–self-producing theatre artist, graduate student in Shakespeare, manager of a touring acting troupe, ghostwriter, romance novelist, children’s book author–I’ve been a creative. Read more>>

 Austin Wilson

I would like to say that we are happy as artists. We haven’t necessarily taken this project to the level that we would like to see it. By any means, it does not pay the bills. We have families, and mortgages. It’s very important to find the balance between the day job, and doing what we do. Read more>>

 Karen Chan

I feel incredibly blessed to immerse myself in creative work, driven by my passion for art and the appreciation of both visible and unseen beauty. My creativity allows me to connect with numerous people through various channels- my oil paintings, art classes and workshops and also the creation of art kits. Read more>>

Amanda Lomax

Yes. I think about this all the time because I did have a regular job for two decades; I reflect on what it was like then and how my life compares now. With my 9-5, my work day was straightforward. Tasks were assigned, and I knew how to complete them. If I didn’t know, I knew how to get help. When I was finished – either completing a task or because the clock said my day had ended – I received feedback and a paycheck. There was so much satisfaction built in to this kind of work day both with task completion, collaboration with co-workers, structured time, and even having a desk with all the supplies I needed provided for me. In every way, it was optimized for me to complete the work easily and smoothly. Structure, stability, predictability, security…all these words come to mind. But there was always a gnawing question inside me, “what is the point of it all”? On the surface, the work felt satisfying the same way checking a box feels satisfying. But, the feeling is short lived and doesn’t go to a deeper level. I was often on auto-pilot and I saw the next 40 years of my life on repeat and to what end? For me, work could never be something I endured as a means to an end. Work in and of itself, must be the end. Ironically, working as an artist now, I spend lots of time trying to create the built-in structure and stability I had with a regular job. I try to keep office hours and a regular schedule. This is an ongoing struggle. Read more>>

Bevin

The Artists struggle. The path is not for the faint of heart. I think what is one of the least understood things about artists is that most of us have been relentlessly pursuing our passions, while also working full time at our “day jobs”. This takes a toll on ones’ mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Like moms, we are expected to give 110% at everything we do and when our time is divided it’s simply not physically possible to do this. Even when we book amazing well paying projects, they are temporary. We are eternal visitors in the realm of the creative and for this we carry many burdens. Read more>>

Umaimah D

As an artist and a creative, I find immense joy in my work. While I’ve thought of the idea of corporate employment, my college experiences in that realm didn’t make me despise the prospect. However, I’ve come to realize that my true calling lies in being an artist. Read more>>

Hayden Akins

Being a creative is such a wonderful thing! It allows me to explore my imagination and bring ideas to life. But it’s completely normal to wonder about what having a regular job might be like. I sometimes daydream about how a regular job can provide stability, a predictable routine, and a steady income. I often have to take a step back when I realize I’m putting too much pressure on myself to constantly come up with new ideas. However, I remember that being a creative is a unique and fulfilling path because it allows me to express my true self, follow my passions, and make a meaningful impact in the world. I like to pretend like I could be anything else but a creative and that’s completely untrue. This is the path I was meant for. So, while it’s natural to wonder about the alternative, I do my best to embrace the joy and excitement that being a creative brings to my life! Read more>>

Eager Zhang

I am pretty much enjoying my life as a creative now. Actually, I do have a “regular job” — I teach at art school as an assistant professor. But working for high-ed enables me to still keep my own practice, and I love to bring my personal design process and opinions to my classes. Read more>>

Diana Dorempz

As an actress and producer, I find immense joy in being an artist. The ability to express myself through my body and imagination is a blessing. I owe a lot to my parents for encouraging me to embrace my artistic side and unlock my full potential. Read more>>

Divija Mohan Natarajan

I had a regular job, but it didn’t keep me happy. I have written for most of my career and tried my hand at many things before I found screenwriting. Any creative knows that with this career, you have your peaks and valleys. I am not always happy at my job, whether it’s a creative or a regular one. However, with a regular job, my moods could rarely be meaningfully expressed at a desk or a conference; it would have to wait till I got home. Being a writer allows me to channel my emotions into the writing, whether it is happiness, sadness, or anger. I get to embrace all the complexities of being human as a screenwriter and create films and TV shows that help me connect with people profoundly and uniquely. I do not take that lightly, and it’s really a stroke of luck that I get to keep writing scripts. When I look back at my work, I rarely take stock of the good or bad days it took to get me there. Read more>>

Amanda Black From Kissflame

This is a great question, and it’s not a yes or a no. Being an artist feels a bit like being on a rollercoaster. Like anything else, there are highs and lows, you could get stuck hanging upside down, and all the blood is rushing to your head, and you think omg I might actually fall out of this thing. Other times it feels like that first big drop. It’s scary, exciting, and unexpected. And yet you still line up to get on the ride every single day. Read more>>

Muling Shi

Being a creative can be quite challenging, driving me a bit crazy in both personal and commercial projects. There’s this constant self-doubt that tags along because, let’s face it, there’s never a perfectly flawless art or design piece. Many nights are spent questioning and pushing ourselves. Read more>>

Kim Koehler

I have been running my own creative business for over 15 years now. In working for others, I found the rigid schedule and one to two weeks of vacation a year, too limiting. No matter how slow work was, you still had to show up. You were not allowed extra time off – even without pay. When I had my daughter, she had a serious health condition – I knew I needed a change. It was a rough start. No one realizes how much work a baby is until you have one. Not ideal to start your own business. But I did it. It took a few years to earn what I had before, but then I more than doubled it. I would recommend having a solid plan and good savings account. But honestly, nothing can beat the freedom you have working for yourself. My husband is also a creative and once we traveled across country for 6 weeks in a travel van. We had a travel modem and did all our work on the road. It was a dream of mine for 20 years and I would have never been able to take those 6 weeks if I had a job with a company. Think of all the time we spend working in our adult lives – make sure you don’t go to work every day pinning for another life. Map out what is most important and how you are going to get there. Little steps each day are progress. Read more>>

Emily Stegamos

I’ve always been happier when I was creating than when I was doing anything else. I have held many jobs over the years, at different management levels. They’ve all taught me something valuable, and all had their pros and cons. I had tried several times to make a career from my art in the past, but didn’t have the business savvy or the proper drive to make it work, and each time I ended up falling back into other jobs. I always knew I wasn’t meant for those jobs, however. Finally, in 2019, after working several years as a retail manager of a t-shirt shop, something in my heart started thrumming and I knew that it was time to take the leap one more time. I had garnered a lot of experience managing a business, had learned various print processes, and gathered a huge number of resources for making my own merchandise and marketing myself. I was also miserable. As a retail manager, I took a brunt of the ire from angry customers. Most of the time it wasn’t anyone’s fault that something bad happened, but I always had to take the blame, and I wasn’t really allowed to say no or turn away a customer. I didn’t have time to create anything outside of business hours because I was so tired and had to use that time to do chores or run errands. I wasn’t eating well because my breakfasts were hastily made and unbalanced, my lunches were always interrupted by a needy customer or a question from an employee, and my dinners were usually takeout or frozen dishes since I was too tired after work to make anything for myself. My mental health took the biggest hit because of all these factors, and I felt like I was going nowhere in my life. I felt like I had failed myself and the friends and family that had all supported my art in the past. I couldn’t enjoy any hobbies because I had limited time to myself. I was exhausted and drained. So I finally decided that enough was enough and put in my two weeks’ notice. Read more>>