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.
Reemo Meerak
Whooooooooo….we are going there, HUH. Well, I’m not going to lie as I’m on this amazing run in 2022 thus far, and in Year 16 of my career…this question or emphasis of such has pondered me. Honestly, I’m blessed for what has become of the Reemo Meerak Brand from years of hard work, perseverance, lots of “NO” and the same amount of “YES” have kept me going in what I do creatively. Read more>>
Aolani Coban
I decided to devote my total energy to my creative abilities in a moment of tragedy. It was a weekend in September 2021. I was leaving an AfroSoca festival at 1 am and I’d had so much fun! On the drive home I literally thought to myself “I could do this! Work two jobs all week. Have a little fun on the weekends. Take a vacation every couple of months. I guess that’s regular. I can be regular.” In the midst of me committing to these thoughts, I accidentally drove through a red light and was T-boned by oncoming traffic. Read more>>
Edward Hernandez
What had started as a hobby eventually began to develop into something substantial that I am proud of and have become very invested in furthering its progress. However, although I have come a long way, there have been times when things got rather complicated and made me doubt myself. During these low points in my career, I have thought about pursuing a 9 to 5. Still, in doing so, I realized that not only would my life be completely different, but I would not be content with that job since I would constantly beat myself up for not pursuing my true passions. Read more>>
Karen Light
Being an artist means that I get to feed my innate desire as a human to create. For that and for all the self-awareness, insights, explorations, connections, and fun it has brought me, I know that I am happier. But sometimes, here and there, this question does arise when I have times of financial stress or want something that I simply can’t afford. Or when I feel a little fatigued in the process of bringing in new work. Read more>>
Daisha Peeks
This thought came across my mind recently, I would say three months ago when I left my job. I was a nanny for four years, but because we sold our house we moved out of the area where I did most of my babysitting. I was nervous to take on my passions full-time and was worried I would fail or just feel hopeless and lose my motivation. I had an acting career I wanted to be more involved with and a small business I wanted to nurture. I was scared and started to think I couldn’t do both. Read more>>
Theresa Vandenberg Donche
I went to school at San Diego State University to be a graphic designer. My love for fine arts was always there but I worried I would not be able to make a living on my artwork alone so I became a designer. In my late 30’s I went back to painting and what made me the most happy. I’ve never looked back. Am constantly curious and exploring, the creative process is endless and so exciting. Currently I have discovered clay and all the possibilities of what I can create from it. Read more>>
Paul Nguyen
Occasionally, I think about what my prospects would be working what you would call a 9-5. The idea of waking up at 7/8, to get ready for my job, and driving into an office to hammer out someone else’s work sounds incredibly miserable. However, the upside to that is that there is structure, benefits, and when that 5 o clock hits, I wash your hands clean and walk away from it. The rest of the day is mine! Read more>>
Arie Lombardozzi
I literally had this conversation yesterday! The overall answer is yes, I am happier as an artist. With that being said there is a but to that answer. I sometimes envy people who have a “regular” job for the security of paychecks, paid medical benefits, and being able to leave work at work. There are always exceptions to all of the previous items listed. Read more>>