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.

Alexandra Novik-Khamis

Ah, the intriguing dance between artistry and the allure of a regular job. As an artist who hails from the captivating lands of Russia but now resides and creates in enchanting Kingdom of Bahrain, allow me to paint you a picture of my blissful existence. Read more>>

Mya Naidoo

Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to work for myself and make a career out of doing something I love. As a painter, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from selling a piece I put so much time and effort into. Knowing that I can share a part of myself with others through my work is a feeling I’ve next experienced from a regular job. I’ve always recognized my happiness as an artist by knowing I would undoubtedly prefer a full 12-hour day in the studio rather than an 8-hour shift anywhere else. Therefore, to answer the question, yes, I’m certainly happy as an artist and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Read more>>

Rachel Rivera

I often wonder if there is happiness in being a creative. Sustainable happiness. I find the creation of something new highly satisfying, but to become successful as a creative you have to adapt your creativity to fit within a marketable box. And by successful I mean, actually make a liveable wage. I decided at 21 when my father gave me an ultimatum to go into the creative arts. He said, “Pick something, or else you are cut off.” I had been in the military, it was my way to see the world (I only saw Texas), so I came back home and enrolled in “real college” as an English Major and also Court Reporting School because I didn’t want to be a teacher – so I thought let’s see what stuck. When I was only doing mediocre at both, the dad intervention happened. Read more>>

Torrey Gleason

I can’t imagine doing anything else. I am lucky that my job as a teacher is rewarding in multiple ways – I get to work with students who are passionate about what they do and help bring their ideas to life, but having summers off allows me time to dedicate to my personal practice. Read more>>

Abigail Dowd

The words “at peace” come to mind. I’m much more at peace as a creative and am blessed to have had the comparison. I always knew that I wanted a creative life. While in college, I founded an art academy, creating a school for painters and a job for myself when I graduated. It was an incredible experience because I had a lot of autonomy. It was a gift to be able to shape my work-life early on. There was little separation. I was always working with other artists, doing research, coming up with and implementing new ideas, while managing the business side of it. Every aspect of my life felt creative. Read more>>

Marce Adame

Being a creative is amazing because it lets me be myself and explore my thoughts. Creativity is like a wild ride—it has ups and downs, but that chaos brings new and exciting things into my life. As someone who has never worked for anyone, I sometimes think about having a regular job for the security it offers, knowing money is coming. However, being a creative allows me to earn based on how hard I work and how much time I put in, which feels rewarding. Read more>>

Bianca Rios

I’m super happy to be a professional makeup artist . It is honestly something that keeps me going . I love being able to show my creativity and talent . This is the one and only job I love , and I don’t see myself having another job. Read more>>

Kirstin Schumm

Extremely. It took me a long time to get to the point of realizing that this is what I wanted to pursue. I knew that I wouldn’t be satisfied in a “normal” job. A normal job is not something that I ever wonder about or would wish for again. Read more>>

REBECCA HARVEY

One of the things I have loved has been the opportunity to combine my artistic and scholarly interests. Making and thinking and teaching and writing, the whole lovely ball of wax, has been a joy. As time progressed I added administration to the mix – I discovered I liked to pull big levers, to participate in moving the field forward. My work has very much been a “we” rather than a “me”, a rich conversation that goes on and on. These days my job is more “regular” than not, in that I have scheduled hours that I need to be available and people that I need to check in with. There are lots of moving parts, it is at once both complicated and great fun. Read more>> 

Julia Vargas

I find great satisfaction in serving my clients and fulfilling their needs. Each time I provide my services, it brings a deep sense of fulfillment to my soul. This feeling is truly unparalleled and motivates me to continue delivering exceptional service to my valued clients. Their satisfaction is my utmost priority, and I take immense pride in being able to meet their expectations. Serving my clients not only fulfills my soul but also fuels my passion for what I do. It is a privilege to be able to provide them with the assistance they require. Read more>>

Miles Jones

I couldn’t be happier. Growing up I used to always tell my mom that I would never work a 9-5 job or sit at a cubicle for five days a week because I’m too creative. Being able to express my creativity, collaborate with other creatives, and share ideas to bring to life is what being a creative is all about. It brings me an excitement that can’t be replaced by any other career. Read more>>

Rebecca Engling

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts as an professional Creative and Artist. I find immense joy and fulfillment in pursing my passion as an independent Wardrobe Fashion Stylist. The ability to express myself through art and fashion is something I cherish deeply. Read more>>

Jacobi Leckness

Oh yes, if I could eat art for breakfast I would. I want to make everything, try everything! Read more>>

Genevieve Joy

I am. I believe that life is pretty much all made up. You show up on this ball that’s revolving around another ball and there are some laws, like gravity and karma and other than that the only thing that matters is what matters to you. I love people, I love entertaining people, I am passionate about story telling and bringing humor and a sense of perspective to the downtrodden. Would my own life be simpler and more convenient if I had a steady paycheck and knew what each day was going to look like? Sure, but I’ve never been interested in simplicity or convenience. I’ve chosen to live for something bigger than myself and that’s the trade-off. Read more>>

Wenying Zhang

Yes, I am very happy and never regret being an artist. I used to have a regular job as an Internet product manager, and it’s a well-paying job. Now as an artist, I don’t really make money anymore, but making art gives me more satisfaction than money. As a product manager, the first priority of design is to meet the needs of customers and make high profits for the company. Read more>>

Darren Darnborough

Happiness is an ever-evolving goalpost I think, and it’s not binary. You can probably derive happiness from most careers and pursuits if it’s something you enjoy, or it brings you something you enjoy, but will probably always have ups and downs. For me personally, a creative career definitely has peaks and troughs, but overall I am happy with this lifestyle because I have autonomy and also in reasonable control of my progress, which I think is a true measure of happiness both personally and professionally. Read more>>

Bonnie Pipkin

For the majority of my adulthood, I have had at least three jobs at a time. It’s the only way I really know how to exist. The years I spent living in New York City ingrained this way of life. I’ve always managed to piece it all together so that a creative existence is possible. That said, I do have myself on a mailing list from Indeed.com that lets me know about the local full-time “regular jobs” that pay a certain amount of money, and every once in a while I am tempted to apply to something. The stability is tempting. The sameness. The insurance.  Read more>>

Ted Pioli

I am happy as an artist / creative. I’m fortunate enough to have carved a path in my life that lets me keep artwork personal and design for others. Sometimes I think about what job I would do if I had no creative bone or skill in my body. I think I’d be a mailman. Read more>>

Marina Raike

I’m very happy to be an artist. It hasn’t always been easy, but through perseverance and the sheer compulsion to create, I’ve managed to stay on the path that I know is right for me. I’ve had so called regular jobs, but they simply didn’t provide the life satisfaction that my art practice does. Even when I’m engaged in the most laborious aspects, I’m grateful for the chance to bring my creative vision to the world. Read more>>