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.

Tiffany Chen

The short answer is yes. I never dreamed I could live off being a creative and to be in this industry is something I’ll always appreciate. Personally I’ve always specialized in illustration and 2d animation, however specializing in motion in college allowed me to push my graphic design skills and now I am actually a full time graphic designer. Read more>>

Annaroza Butakova

As an artist, I can unequivocally say that I am happier embracing my creative side. The joy of creating something from nothing, of expressing thoughts and emotions in ways that words alone cannot capture, is an unparalleled experience. Read more>>

Emmanuel Opoku

Creating art brings me immense hope and happiness. It is incredibly satisfying to produce artworks immediately recognized as art by others. Even as I grow older, I cannot imagine ever truly retiring from my artistic pursuits. Read more>>

Hanna Jaeun

Overall, I’m happy as an artist. Sure, I do think about what it would be like to have a regular job. Having security and stability would be great. But sometimes, a regular job isn’t for everyone. Read more>>

Atila Carmona

“I am very happy as an actor, but it’s true that this career path involves a lot of rejection and frustration. Auditions are highly competitive, and not landing a role is quite normal. Read more>>

Lena Pham

Being in the entertainment industry entails a lot of imposter syndrome and self doubt. Oftentimes I find myself questioning the path I am following. Read more>>

Jaylen Polk-June

I’m not happy as an artist, I’m happy proving people wrong . For everyone that laughed at me when my beats were trash, and all the people that looked down on me when I was buggin’- my success is dedicated to you. Read more>>

Zali Yurchevska

I am definitely happier as an artist rather than working a regular job. Sometimes, even though your craft might not provide everything you need, you might have to find a job on the side. Read more>>

Mehrnam Rastegari

I have had that feeling many times, and the only reason is I feel it doesn’t make sense financially to be an artist, not because I don’t enjoy my current work or I’m tired of it. Read more>>

Jay Pryor

I’ve been depending on myself to generate my own paycheck for 20 years. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had the thought that I should just “get a job”. Read more>>

Shan Xu

Imagine a world where every day you enter a virtual forest made of digital pixels and vibrant holograms. That’s my life as a new media artist. One of my favorite creations, “Bambitopia,” is a digital utopia where virtual identities frolic like mythical creatures, exploring the boundaries of what art can be. Read more>>

Sara Lee Hughes

Being an artist is intrinsic and runs to my core. I am happiest when making something whether it be a painting, a theater prop, a demo for my students. Read more>>

Rach April Bassili

In a nutshell, nothing makes me as happy or better yet, as “existent” as music and the arts revolving around it. As a hybrid singer/writer, so many elements come in the mix to create an entire identity to an artistic universe of your making. Read more>>

Jerilyn Lee

Growing up as a creative in a very STEM based community made me question my path quite a bit while also simultaneously made me feel grateful for my difference of passion. Read more>>