Is it natural to wonder what life would have been like had you chosen a different path? Is it common? We asked many artists and creatives from all over the country if they’ve ever wondered about whether they should have pursued a more standard career path to see what we could learn from their stories.

Kellie Delaney

I am extremely happy as an artist. It still blows my mind that I get to do this for a living. I make my own schedule, and choose what projects I want to take on. Since I had many regular jobs, I don’t really have to wonder about it. I absolutely do miss certain aspects of having a typical job. Read more>>

Justine Stock

Great question, thank you for asking that. I don’t get that question often, it’s a very real one and I appreciate that. Read more>>

Daniel Lomeli

So I’ve always felt like I was living a double life. On the one hand, I’ve been a (semi) professional musician for about 10 years and have always loved creating video content. But from the start I knew that it would be very difficult to carve out a living doing so. I’ve had to work any a 9-5 job for pretty much the entire time I was also pursuing my creative outlets. Read more>>

Liv Nicholson

I love this question because I feel like it doesn’t get asked a lot. The overall answer is yes, I’m happy, but that definitely doesn’t mean I don’t have plenty of moments of self-doubt and start to wonder what it would be like to have a “regular” job. Sometimes it’s easy to spiral into “what-if’s,” and convince myself I’d be happy doing something else, but the truth is, I wake up every day and choose this because it fuels my soul. Read more>>

Jason Adkins

Being an artist is a full time job and it has its benefits. I am happy with the path that I am on and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Don’t get me wrong, being an owner of a small business requires a lot of patience and ingenuity. You need to have an open mind and have to be on top of your game in terms of research, materials, and be more business-oriented. Read more>>

Jamesha Juniel

I would say I’m pretty happily content with being an artist or creative. I started doing I was in school and I would stay up all night finishing my painting and I was proud of myself and what I completed, God blessed me with such a wonderful talent, I am able to paint anything that comes to my mind but at times I would say maybe I’m not cut out to be an artist, Read more>>

Kadazia Allen-Perry

You know the butterfly effect? The idea that one tiny change in the past could have drastically changed your present or future. I’ve never been able to pinpoint what that moment could be for me because I was born disabled. Being disabled puts you in a box with very specific parameters according to the limitations your disability/ies present/s you with. Read more>>

Sam Sidney

For as long as I can remember, I have been an artist! As a child there was no question when someone asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” The answer was without a doubt “artist!” I will always be forever grateful that this is my path! Read more>>

ZiCheng Li

Yes, I am. There have been times when I wondered what it would be like if I had chosen a different career path, and I tried to think of what other possible jobs I could be doing. But I never could convince myself to do anything else. I’m sure there are plenty of jobs I could do if I have to, but I wouldn’t enjoy them as much as I am right now. Read more>>

Kalpana Pot

Let’s be real, I don’t think artists are happy ALL the time doing what they’re doing because the business side is so volatile. I love the craft of acting as it’s freeing and has made me a better person. And thank God for that! I was one of those who just decided that I wanted to be an actor after never having experience doing it. I grew up singing and dancing so pursuing Hollywood just seemed like a logical choice. Read more>>

Gero Koerner

Yes, I am very happy! Sometimes I wonder if there would be another job which could me happy. Then I realize that I already have the most challenging job with a lot of freedom and space for creativity and demanding a wide bandwidth of skills. Next to my handcraft skills as a pianist I can be very creative while improvising, composing or arranging my own music or music programs. Read more>>

RESORT

We are happy as artists. But to be honest, just like any other endeavour – we’ve had our fair share of hard times. If not, more hard times than good times. Some of us in the band work multiple jobs on top of doing RESORT full-time, it’s tough to juggle but it’s manageable for the time being. Read more>>

Allison Krumwiede

I love being an artist! I have worked many non-creative “regular” jobs – I have been a barista, I have been a receptionist for an egg distributor, I have folded band tees at Hot Topic, and I have even worked at the Disneyland Resort as a custodian! Read more>>

Jose Canales

Am I happy being an artist? Of course. Do I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job? Read more>>

Rika Hauserman

I did actually have quite a few non-creatively oriented jobs in the past. I have a degree in Biology and pursued veterinary medicine for a few years, as well as spending a few more as an office administrator. While I’m grateful for the stability those jobs provided, I’m now able to define my own processes, methods, and standards. And while “setting your own hours” is actually often “working at all hours”, allowing my artistic motivation to flow has helped me create in satisfying and fulfilling ways. Read more>>

Jerome Vivino

Yes, I am quite happy as an artist – and I think I will be even happier when I eventually become a full-time one. However, being an artist in Austin these days normally means you pay your rent from other means besides your art. Gone are the days of the late 60s and 70s where an artist could truly afford to pursue their craft, only needing a part time job and a few roommates to afford a house and comfortable life. Read more>>

HeartBreakNixon

I love being an Artist and will always be a student of music. Most Artists nowadays just don’t make as much money as people think. So we must get a day job or something to fund our music careers early on until we get some kind of deal. Even then, nothing is guaranteed. Read more>>

Megan Johnson

I am happy as an artist, there are certainly days I wonder about a more traditional path and what that would look like or where I would be in life. I do attribute much of my happiness to pursuing an art filled life and feel teaching grounds me while having the ability to continue to pursue my own art practice. Read more>>

Glen Ackerman

I am extremely happy in my profession. Though this did not come without some adjustment of my expectations. I learned early on that being a professional musician is a labor of love, and I would have to work a wide variety of gigs to be financially successful. Additionally, i would have to work very hard… often 7 days a week for months on end. I derive a great degree of personal satisfaction from my career, and frankly, it doesn’t feel like work. Read more>>

Qian Ling

For the most part, I’m glad I am a freelance illustrator. I have great freedom to organize my time, which is a very important condition for me to create works. When I’m in good shape, I can draw all day long. On the other hand, when I’m not that good, I can also get a proper rest or deal with other things in life. It is very flexible. Also, I am a self-partnered person, not having to spend much energy to social with others and just enjoying the joy of creating make me feel so comfortable. Read more>>

Tessa Scissorhands

This feels like such a complex question as a majority of artists and creatives are their own worst critic! But yes, I love that I get to create art every time I go to “work.” Hair is a living and breathing canvas/fiber that is complex to work with. Read more>>

Shina Choi

Every individual on this planet strives for happiness. Many people find joy in giving their best effort at work, regardless of their situation or occupation. I, too, am among those who actively pursue happiness in everything I do. I take great pleasure in being able to fully engage myself in the process of painting. Read more>>

Hugo Barrios

I am absolutely happy being a creative! This is something I’ve done since childhood. It started with crayola coloring and activity books. From that my parents noticed artist talent. Read more>>

Jarrett (Jay) Bailey

This question is so tough because I am unsure if you can really feel one without the other. It has some of the highest highs and lowest lows. If you were to ask if I’m happy with my decision to become an artist, then the answer is, absolutely! Being an artist lets me live every day with purpose. I get to be the most “me” every day and live each day becoming more aligned with my values and dreams. Read more>>

Chris Burnett

I always think about what I would be doing if I wasn’t creative. I’m definitely happy with the life and career that I’ve cultivated, but the amount of ideas I want to execute can be overwhelming. Sometimes I want to design something…sometimes I want to write a song…sometimes I want to stretch a canvas and let loose. Read more>>

Mick Torres

As an artist, creating and collaborating with other artists brings me joy. Given the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike, I am not currently creating, so I am finding other ways to spark my joy and sustain my lifestyle. Read more>>

Yağmur Soydemir

Having been a classical & jazz flutist, composer, and arranger from Turkey, I have found great joy and honor in crafting artistry! Weaving worlds and evoking feelings for audiences in the crowd has been my cherished privilege, a source of true honor. However, the music industry has reached a point where artists who have dedicated their whole lives to it often lack the respect and struggle to make a living. Read more>>

Shiva Negar

I’m definitely happy to have chosen the creative field. I believe it was my calling and I pursued my passion, determined to go all the way and give it my all. However, this path does not come without its challenges, failures, heartbreaks, disappointments and rejections. It takes a lot of strength and perseverance to keep moving forward, and yes there are times when I think of what it would’ve been like, had I chosen the easier or more straightforward path. Read more>>

Brandon Lee Richardson

The questions “What would it be like to pursue a regular career?” and “Are you happy as an artist?” have actually gone through my mind a lot throughout my journey. I’m an upcoming music producer, composer, and filmmaker who’s 100% independent, so I’ll talk about it from that perspective. From my experience, it’s been one of the most difficult things to achieve success in and the journey is filled with both the lowest of lows and highest of highs. Read more>>

Ruoyi Shi

Creating brings me great joy as I can sense flowing energy in my body, leading me to different possibilities and adventures. The unknown and the unreached stimulate my curiosity and keep calling me to reflect and explore. I often feel fortunate to be able to work creatively, both as an artist and through collaborations with other artists. Read more>>

Amanda Carney

I think about this question a lot, especially as I get older or when times are tough in the frame shop. I have never held a job that wasn’t involved in the arts in some way. I’ve done freelance work, big and small art retail, teaching and tutoring, all within the art field. I think, if I had to make a change in careers, like if my frame shop couldn’t support itself anymore, whatever I would do next would be in the arts. Read more>>

Jessica Hughes

I absolutely love the fact that I have been fortunate enough to pursue my creative passions. I actually did have a “normal job” for the last 10+ years. I was working primarily as a patient care coordinator in plastic surgery but always found myself wanting to pursue my creative side. Read more>>

Chris Murray

I would say I am very happy as a musician. I am grateful to be a part of a thriving community of musicians, artists and music lovers that inspire me and are willing to help on my journey. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a “regular” job with more stability financially and possibly mentally, but I am extremely thankful to be on the path I am with the opportunities and support I have been given this far. Read more>>

Ramona Martinez

am happy as an artist, I am the boss of me and that makes me very happy. The stress level is not as high. When I work for someone I feel like a prisoner and I’m anxious. I get offers to do random events or art projects and having a regular job gets in the way of that. Its hard working for yourself but its more rewarding and the freedom is priceless. Every day is a struggle but things work out and staying positive helps. Read more>>

Tom Wrenn

I’m very happy as an artist. It took me a while to find my way. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art in my early twenties from the College of Charleston. Ended up working lots of different jobs some art related but mostly worked as a cook in restaurants. I was often asked when or if I wanted to open my own restaurant. Read more>>

Love Keyyz

I’ve always wanted to talk about this but people don’t understand me. I’ve been a creative since I was a teen so I don’t really know what a regular life is like. I was very independent at a young age, so my priorities were always different. I’m constantly planning and strategizing on a daily basis and it has become second nature. Read more>>

Lexi Jimenez

I absolutely love my job and the fact that I am able to do art for a living. However, I sometimes wonder what it would be like having a “regular” job. One that when I clock out of work, I can also clock out mentally. As a tattoo artists and shop owner, work never seems to have an end time Read more>>

Abhi Ananda

I’m very content with my current state of life as an artist. I can honestly say that being an artist means you really have to follow your passion. But, in order to do that, you have to really love what you’re doing, in my case it’s music. For me, I feel like I’ve been doing music as my job since I decided that this is what I really love to do. Read more>>

Antonio Montilla

As a creative I am very happy with my career. Admittedly, it is very easy to get discouraged because of the overwhelming amount of talent in my field. However, I often remind myself that rather than having an ordinary desk job I am doing something extremely unique by making animated content for people to enjoy. Sometimes I ponder what it would be like to have chosen a different career, but I don’t think any other job would make me happier than being an animator. Read more>>

Farid Ghanbari

I am extremely happy about what I do. Not only I love being an artist as my profession but I also think art has helped me a lot to see the world from a wider lens and touch some details that usually other people don’t. Even when it comes to a simple hike with friends you can usually see the difference between an artist with others in the way they explore the nature, details, textures, colors and perspectives. Read more>>

Kristi Lewis

love the flexibility that working for yourself and setting your own hours allows. I struggle with inflammation issues, and can be more forgiving with my studio schedule during flare ups, prioritizing my physical well being and moving at my own pace. Being lucky enough to have a job combining my love of geology, fantasy, mythology and jewelry while learning more about metal working is a dream come true. Read more>>