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.

Sierra Rosetta

I wonder all the time if I would be happy doing something other than theatre. I was traveling all over the world this summer, and two of my stops were Alaska and Scotland. In Alaska, my colleagues and I would take a water taxi to get to islands where we would go hiking. I told my colleagues that if I wasn’t doing theatre, I would drive a water taxi because it would give me a lot of time to think about theatre as I drove people around. The water and hum of the motor seemed like it would be a nice backdrop for my theatrical imagination to run wild. Later, in Scotland, I was taking a tour of the Scottish Highlands, and we passed by a flock of sheep. Again, I said that if I didn’t work in theatre I would like to be a Shepherd, so that I could have time to be outside and think about theatre, or write stories in my head. This made me realize that theatre is what I was meant to do, and doing anything else doesn’t feel quite like living. Every other job I can imagine doing sounds appealing because I could think about theatre while doing it! Read more>>

Vanshika Jain

I don’t think I’d ever have a moment where being an artist will not make me happy; growing up as a self-taught artist, I have always been surrounded by a variety of art forms which led it to becoming my little world of happiness. Through the ever-evolving phases of life, I stumbled upon visual arts – photography, specifically – and in no time fell so much in love with it that I decided to receive formal education in the field to be able to turn my passion into a full-time profession and make a living out of. Being a creative individual allows me to create things that were once only a thought in my brain, and have new perspectives to life; the way art and photography make me feel alive is something I won’t ever give up because it makes me want to challenge myself to keep growing and in those regards I’m not scared of being wherever it takes me as long as I get to do what I love with all my heart. To sum up the feeling – I’d happily choose being an artist over and over again in a heartbeat every single day for not just this lifetime but all other ones I might have despite any obstacles that could hinder my journey. Read more>>

Kirsten Smits

I find that happiness in this career choice ebbs and flows, but what I do feel often is a profound sense of joy and freedom. When I wake up and know that I get to offer my unique artistic and healing gifts to the world in my own way- I feel unstoppable. Those feelings can turn quite dark very quickly in moments of physical or financial hardship. There are many times when I wish I had a “regular” 9-5pm job. I felt this the most when I had a severe back injury that forced me to be completely still- and unemployed/unable to do my work for over 9 months. I ruptured one of my lumbar discs while teaching a dance class and I had never experienced that level of chronic pain or disability in my life. Read more>>

Dylan Chambers

I’m very happy I chose this path, yes. Being an artist certainly comes with its difficulties but so does everything. There isn’t a different path I’ve ever seen myself on. I held down a few regular jobs in my late teens/early 20s that I really didn’t like. It was during those years that I knew I needed to follow my heart and take the artist journey. Although I’m very happy with my decision, I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to be a therapist. I find their line of work fascinating and have always been intrigued by the human experience. Read more>>

Maria Castillo

Today, I am a happy artist, and creative individual. I quit the 9-5 NY life back in 2012. That alone made all the difference. I did not enjoy working for other people. I made good money, but didn’t spend it right, or have time to make my own art. I realized after 10 yrs as a graphic designer I didn’t want to live an unsustainable life. You work to consume in cities, and not truly give back in any way. I planned ahead to change, and build up the courage to take risks. I knew what was most important to me in my 30’s and wanted to switch things up. I decided I wanted to be a full time artist, and make my own dreams a reality. I eventually moved away from the hustle of a busy city life. I traded it for a more balanced approach where I can enjoy my time, make art, and work if I need to. I spend half the year in NY, and half the year in South America and it’s the best thing I ever decided to do. Read more>>

Tori Motyl

Yes, I am happy as an artist. I wake up every morning excited to get to work and my life is full of passion and beauty! There are definitely times when my brain starts to question if I should pursue a regular job. I think about how I could be making more money which I guess is something I am supposed to want. I think about how I am supposed to want to buy a house for example but whenever I start to question that, my amazing partner reminds me that we don’t need to want more. I will definitely continue to question if I should pull away from art to pursue a better paying job but I hope I have the confidence to continue to choose art. Read more>>

Sarah Peguero

Well, I actually have a job and paint as a part-time artist. I used to ask myself this question: am I happier as a creative, or is my regular job simpler, more predictable? The short answer is that it’s not so black and white, but I’ll share the last time I really sat with that thought. A few months ago, I was working late on a painting that I had a vision for, but it just wasn’t coming together. My day job had already drained most of my energy— my head was buzzing with to-do lists and deadlines. By the time I sat down to paint, I was mentally exhausted. The colors weren’t blending the way I wanted, and I could feel the frustration building. It was one of those moments where I stopped and thought, Why am I doing this? Why push myself to be creative when it feels like an uphill battle, especially when I have a job I love that pays the bills and gives me structure? Read more>>

Lai Xu

I studied traditional Chinese medicine when I was in college, if I follow that path then it will probably be a regular job now, and I did finish it, because I wasn’t very sure that I could make a living with music at that time, thinking if shit didn’t work out, I could go work at a hospital or something, but I guess I’m the kind of person that even if I did a regular job, I’d always be looking for an opportunity to be an artist completely, so when I finally had the opportunity to go abroad and make music, I was all in. Read more>>

Aidana Tuzelbayeva

This is the most sensitive question and biggest dilemma for all people in creative industries. We think about financial stability and income while doing creative job. Some people spend 100% of their time and energy only working in creative industry, but only few of them can earn enough. Some artists work in “regular”, “paying-the-rent” jobs, and spending other 50% of own time for free for the art as an hobby only. I don’t judge both ways, I believe that every creative person has to make a strategy in career, predict the financial situation, realistically observe everything and make a right decision. But also, never stop doing what he/she loves to do. Read more>>

Hanqing Ma

I’ve been an artist for most of my life, and I find it almost impossible to imagine working a regular 9-to-5 job. My work is entirely driven by moments of inspiration, which often strike at the most unexpected times. For example, there was a night not long ago when I woke up around 3 a.m. with a vivid idea for a painting. I couldn’t wait until morning, so I immediately went to my studio and began sketching. The next day, I realized if I had waited, the initial spark of creativity would have faded, and I wouldn’t have been able to capture the same vision. Read more>>

Nia Celeste

I always knew I wanted to be a creative since I was a toddler. However, my dreams would bounce from one thing to another, whether it be a dancer, actress, painter, singer, etc. I was never the type of person to actually have concrete plans so as I grew, I ventured into different areas. Eventually, Acting is stuck with me the most. The pride that I would feel and performing was unlike anything I’d ever felt, so I knew that I wanted to continue of going beyond what my younger self had dreamed for. I’ve never been one for mundane jobs. I always find that they hold me back whether it be in creativity focus or productivity. I never got the same passion in any mundane job that I’ve worked at, than when I have an acting. So, suffice to say, being a creative is my dream job! Read more>>

Sonca Nguyen

I’m extremely happy with my choice to pursue a career as an artist/creative. It wouldn’t be as fulfilling to myself to not fully invest and bet on myself and I know mentally, I couldn’t make it without music. I do think about the benefits of a regular job. I think about this monthly actually! Because of the extent of my job(s) / career, I often find myself sometimes in difficult financial situations and things can change in a month. One month can be demanding from my clients and projects, and just last month, I was stuck in the slowest period of work so of course I thought about it. Read more>>

Natasha Rossouw

My career as an artist has grown very slowly. I used to think that getting paid to create art was impossible and in those times I often wondered if life would be easier if I had a regular job. Most of my income for a while came from designing webmailers, website banners and other promotional marketing and while it kept food on the table, I did not enjoy it. It was merely a necessity. Read more>>

Yonatan Baevsky

As an actor, I’m incredibly happy because I get to do what I love and follow my dreams every day. There’s nothing like the joy of stepping into different roles and telling stories. It’s deeply fulfilling to be able to express myself through my craft and connect with others in such a meaningful way. That’s what makes me the happiest as an artist.That said, I’d be lying if I said I never think about how a regular, stable job might be easier. The unpredictability of the acting world can sometimes be overwhelming, and the stability of a conventional job does have its appeal, especially during challenging times. It’s normal to wonder about a more predictable path and the security that comes with it especially while living in LA and having to be financially stable to survive here. after graduation from acting school I had a breakdown wondering if it’s worth it, but my gut feeling told me to keep going and this is what I’m doing. Read more>>

Sarah Norris

For the most part, I’m delighted to be an artist with the flexibility to collaborate with other creative minds and travel the world. New projects and people constantly challenge me and there isn’t a better feeling building to an opening night and sharing a new story with an enthusiastic audience. The last few years, I’ve been busier than ever, so I feel guilty even admitting that I wonder about a regular job sometimes. Artistic work can be sporadic so who am I to complain about consistent opportunities? But the time away from home without my partner and dog gets lonely, and lately, I’ve been missing my “normal” life.  Read more>>

Neri Diomedi

Working “regular” jobs growing up always felt monotonous and uninspiring to me. I’ve always had a creative drive and a passion for creating stunning images and whenever I’m out shooting, even if it’s a paid gig, it never feels like work to me. The time flies by and I just get lost in the moment. As a creative it’s hard for me to not be doing something related to my craft, so working at a grocery store or a desk job feels like a prison with my mind racing a million miles an hour. Luckily for me I found my passion at an early age and it was very clear to me what I wanted to do so I’ve never really struggled with this question of am I happy. Sure there were times where I wish I had more work and struggled to find people to pay me, but through all that, it’s what made me happy so I never let that stop me. I think once you’ve found your passion and gift, you’ll have that feeling and know almost right away. And once you can live off of what you love to do, that’s even crazier of a feeling Read more>>

Jackson Toth/ Samson The Strong

You know honestly if you asked me 10 years ago what would I imagine my life like today, I wouldn’t have imagined this. I would have probably said I’m an NFL Player or a Professor or something in the political arena. Never would I have thought I would get to pursue my dream of being a great artist especially in the city I grew up in. I have lived in Pine Hills/ West Side Orlando all my life I have seen this city change and evolve people come and go over 20 years. When I was a younger man I used to be a dreamer and a poet and would always say I’m going to make music and make something that no one has ever heard of and other kids would say I’m stupid or ill never accomplish anything. And sure was I discouraged sure i believe it was me being bullied for most of my childhood that drove me towards football, powerlifting, and bodybuilding. Read more>>

Shannon O’donnell

It’s hard for me to imagine a happy life for myself where I’m not pursuing my art. It’s all I’ve known for so long, I feel as though as a creative, life looks and feels a bit different. As opposed to what I’ve heard about friends who are pursuing “normal” jobs, their career is a sector of their life there to provide income and security. There’s a deep emotional resonance in having music as my career – something that feels fulfilling for my soul. When I was a kid, I was surrounded by music. My parents had a side hustle as karaoke DJs for local bars, family events, and even weddings. My dad played Irish folk music with his brothers, and influenced the whole family to learn acoustic guitar. I began singing for crowds as young as 4 years old, singing oldies and traditional Irish music. I was also heavily influenced by my brother, who had grown up singing crooner classics like “Fly Me To The Moon” and “L-O-V-E.” At circumstance, I was exposed to a wide variety of music as a result – and continued with an eagerness to find music I connected with through middle and high school.  Read more>>

Brooke Mccarthy

This is an intriguing question to me because I have worked a couple of regular jobs in Corporate America. In fact, there are times in my life where I’ve joked about living a double life…”auditor by day, actor by night”. It all started in undergrad at Monmouth University in NJ because I couldn’t pick between a theatre or a business major. I ended up graduating with an accounting degree while confusing my classmates because of my intense involvement with the theatre department. I remember being in upper level accounting courses and other students asking me, “Aren’t you a theatre major?”. Read more>>

Mircea Modreanu

I feel extraordinary as an artist, a creator of beauty, and this experience brings me profound personal fulfillment. I have always had a burning passion for exploring various art forms, whether vibrant paintings, fascinating sculptures, or thought-provoking installations. Each artistic discipline offers me a whole universe of possibilities and a freedom of expression that enriches my soul. This artistic freedom is a framework within which I can manifest my emotions, thoughts, and vision, as well as reflect on the world around me. Read more>>