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.

Alyssa Katalyna

Happy is an understatement. The beautiful thing about being an artist is that no day is ever the same. Some days you do get the 9-5 experience where you are in an office, sitting at a desk, and pouring over spreadsheets. Read more>>

Victoria White

I find so much joy and satisfaction as a painter and creative, but that is not to say that everything in my career is only joy. My goal in redesigning my career into a creative one was to minimize the activities in my day-to-day life that did not make me feel energized or enthusiastic. Read more>>

Jennifer Barlow

Being an artist can indeed feel like a tumultuous journey, filled with highs and lows that can make anyone question their path. My lack of a business and marketing background amplifies these uncertainties, as the art market is notoriously unpredictable and ever-changing. Read more>>

Brad Williamson

I was fortunate enough to know very early on that music is what I wanted to do with my life. I wasn’t always sure how I was going to make that happen, but I knew one way or another that I was bound to have music in my life in some way. Read more>>

Hieu Vu

On deciding to be a motion graphics artist, I knew my fulfillment would come from using my craft to solve problems and to inspire anyone who watches my work. During my previous full-time gigs, I was content but always felt like there could be more avenues where my skills would be appreciated. Read more>>

Allegra Samp

Honestly, yes. I think about it all the time. But the reality of the situation is, even if/when I had a “regular job” I would still be making my own work regardless. I don’t see a world where I do not make work. Read more>>

Edlyn Capulong

having a creative career is a balancing act – i’ve found that when your livelihood is tied to your art, it can shift into an unhealthy way of relating to your self, especially when art is tied to expression or when you are putting your whole being into it. Read more>>

Dr. Sarah K. Crocker

At the end of the day, my answer to this question is always “YES,” but the thought of what it would be like to have a “normal” job with a regular schedule is a question I have pondered more times than I can count. Read more>>

Greg Herriges

Having lived both the artistic/creative and regular workaday lives, I can say without a doubt that I am happier creating. The experiences of day jobs helped equip me for supporting myself as an artist, which is more meaningful and fulfilling in every way. Read more>>

Suzanne Haag

I have had the great fortune to be able to consider myself an artist for my entire career. I was a professional ballet dancer for 16 years and now will start my 7th season as the resident choreographer for the Eugene Ballet in Oregon. Read more>>

Joni H Duarte

Part of the dream of pursuing Art was alongside with the idea of Freedom. Freedom in terms of work schedule, artistic choice, place of work, etc. In short, freedom at the time was understood in a very vague way. Read more>>

Alex Kellerman

I am happier as a creative. And of course I’ve thought about what it would be like to just have a regular job. In fact… I’ve had a regular job. And it sucks. Read more>>

Savvy Jaye

After 5 years of working as a web video editor America’s Funniest Home Videos, as well as 10 years since college working as a freelance editor and film maker, I’ve been working as an administrative assistant, 8 AM – 5 PM office job for 7 months. Read more>>

Stephanie Alecia Rose

The last job I had, I was a debt settlement specialist. I quit my previous job because I didn’t like how management was treating some of my coworkers. Read more>>

Jethro Santiago

Being an artist, an actor in particular, can bring out the best in you and the worst at the same time. Pursuing acting is a double edged sword – it’s very expensive to start but you are most likely at your most broke ever in your life. That is the case for me. Read more>>

Shoshanna Withers

I am truly happy as an artist/creative currently but it definitely took years of struggles, different side hustles and life resets to figure it all out. Read more>>

Augusta Avallone

In a word: never. Because the hallmarks of a “regular” job is something that seems rooted in the American past– the idea of getting a job and staying there for 30 years, using the weekly paycheck to buy a house, and then retire at 65 is now a fairy tale. Read more>>

Malinda Fugate

My office job felt like a prison. I would eagerly escape the filing cabinets and tinted windows for lunch breaks in the fresh air of a nearby park. But returning to my desk after sitting under rustling tree leaves got increasingly difficult as time went on. Read more>>

Joe Cox

I am happier as an autistic content creator. Keep in mind–this is not a full-time “job,” per se, as I am still looking for a job at the present moment. I’d consider my making content for TikTok and Instagram Reels more of a side hustle or hobby, if you will. Read more>>

Stacey Wilson

I am beyond happy to live my live as a creative. I’m a multi hyphenate creative. I’m an Event Producer, Visual Artist, Muralist, Graphic + Web Designer, Youth Creative Arts Teacher and most recently, DJ. Read more>>

Asta Paredes

I think my brain is wired differently. I’d also like to say that artists have definitely had to work “regular jobs” from time to time. That said, the way I approach things will inherently have a creative tilt and be a tad emotionally fueled. Read more>>

Kendazanna Lewis

I have worn members of my family and friend circle on my back and carried them to their destinations. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown”, I never knew how much weight it truly is to bare, until I looked up and I couldn’t see my own future. Read more>>

Jill Burkes

Working as a full time gigging musician brings me more joy than any other job that I’ve had. While there are a handful of things I sometimes miss from having a “regular”job … (solid insurance…a retirement plan…) I am grateful to be living my dreams- traveling and playing music for a living. Read more>>