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.

Ja’Zaria Hall

I definitely do find the most joy when creating art in any capacity, but like any other artist, I wonder what else I’d be occupied with. Becoming a full time artist had been my decided trajectory since childhood, but i did entertain the thought of a more traditional academic career. Read more>>

Jean-Jacques Corbier Corbier

I feel like I’m really happy and really fulfilled as an artist. Working to express the creative interests and inspirations I have into art is an exhilarating process. Read more>>

Yueying Liu

When I was a primary school student, I found expression through drawing, filling the blank spaces of draft paper and textbooks with my unbridled and emotional thoughts which I communicated with the world. Read more>>

Deanna Watson

I am very happy as an Artist. I don’t wonder what life would be like with a regular job because I still have a regular 9-5 at this point in my art career and I don’t like it. Read more>>

Alanna Goldsmith

While being a creative takes a terrific amount of trust of oneself, I’ve never experienced a deeper satisfaction. Only you can create your art, that’s the beauty of it. Read more>>

Aaron Sams

I think I have a lot of ups and downs when I think about my relationship with art and whether or not pursuing art professionally is something I’m totally happy with. Like there are good days and bad days. Read more>>

James & Melanie Renfroe

As experienced professionals with twenty years in Los Angeles, we often have to remind ourselves why we love this unpredictable but exciting industry. Read more>>

Riley McAndrews

I have experienced both sides of the workload spectrum. When I was an artist in residence at Studio Kura in Itoshima, Japan, my only task was to create art. Read more>>

Jaymie Belknap

I find immense joy in being an artist; through photographey and specializing in the analog photo processes. The creative journey lets me express my vision and connect with others through non verbal communication. Read more>>

Edith Snow

Well, I did try to have a regular job. So much so, that I have a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). My family and my early art school educators were influencers of this. Read more>>

Oliver Pierce

If I could be doing anything else and be happy I would be doing that instead. I love performing, I love creating something out of nothing, I love entertaining, and I’ve tried to bring all of these loves into every normal job I’ve ever had. Read more>>

Julie Waterkotte

So happy! Really I could not imagine doing anything else and I LOVE being my own boss! In the past (my early years 20/30s) I did have a regular job working for Electronic Arts. Read more>>

Gray Vautrin

Going into any creative industry comes with it’s challenges, but as someone who currently works part-time to put myself through college, I don’t think I would be able to have a more “regular job” long term. Read more>>

Lea (Muci) Li

When I think about happiness in my career, it’s a mix of reflection, occasional wonder about the path not taken, and a deep-seated contentment with where I am. Read more>>

Aaron Serfaty

Extremely happy! I can’t see myself doing anything else. I have been a professional musician for forty five years and have been teaching music at the college level for the twenty seven years. Read more>>

Maxx DIaz

I’m in a very good place with being an artist right now. Making music feels like hanging out with a good friend. I’m still excited about new challenges, new discoveries, and new achievements. Read more>>

Andy Greene

Ha! I constantly wonder what it would be like to have a regular job, to do something else. And I want to be clear, a “regular” job could be construed as judgmental, but I admire the hell out of so many “regular” jobs and the people that do them. Read more>>

Brielle Melendez

In short, yes I am happy as a creative and I have more days where I feel proud to have chosen this path vs. a more conventional one. However, I didn’t always feel this way. Read more>>

Kristi Ann Hunter

Happiness is a fleeting dream that occasionally lights upon us like a butterfly. It can be just as easily startled into flying away. I do think, though, that prolonged contentment makes it easier for happiness to find you and contentment comes when you are doing what you were meant to do with your life. Read more>>

Ju-hyung Park

My life is truly enriched by the presence of art. The joy I experience in creating, materializing my imagination, and showcasing my work to connect with others brings profound happiness. Read more>>

Martina Monet

In 2020 I had become exhausted from working 40+ hours a week at a pretty demanding job. I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember & it’s the only thing that truly makes me feel fulfilled, I had been selling jewelry regularly to some of my coworkers & to my online followers for a few years & finally gained the confidence that I would be able to be successful in living solely on money I earned from selling my jewelry online. Read more>>

Heather Shields

I’m going to flip-flop the answers, haha. To answer the second question, I DO have a regular job! I always have and probably always will. I think my main reason for doing so is that at this time, I cannot rely on my art alone to support me. Read more>>

Diana Studenberg

I grew up in a fairly traditional home. I thought I needed, therefore, to get a university degree in a field that would grant stability and THEN go pursue my passions. So I chose mechanical engineering! Read more>>

TJ Jackson

I feel so blessed that I get to make music for a living. I truly feel we all have some artistry in us and we owe it to the healthiest versions of ourselves to let that art out. Read more>>

Alyssa Sinnen

I love being an artist and I truly believe it is my calling in life. I cannot imagine not picking up a pencil and never creating a piece of art again. It has been a constant and a comfort throughout my whole life. Read more>>

Rich Bullock

My answers to this may seem a bit odd. First, am I happy as an artist or creative? The answer to this is yes, absolutely. I have had many wonderful experiences, established a good professional reputation and made just a bit of money as a musician since late 1974. Read more>>

Sean Rider

All of my favorite artists are really sad…and I’m no different. I don’t wonder what it’s like to have a regular job because I have one but its just a means to an end, and most importantly provides me with the time and resources to pursue my art. Read more>>