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.
Renee Lanz
1000% couldn’t be happier to be a hair and makeup artist! I am so thankful to be my own boss. The last 5 years of my business have been so rewarding but after finding out I was pregnant last year and now being a Mom for the last 8 months, have been life changing and I am very grateful to work on my own terms to spend as much time as I can with my daughter. Read more>>
Eva-Marie Kung
I think all artists are faced with this question on a yearly if not monthly basis: whether it be through watching those around us take traditional stepping stones (be it professional or personal) that we are so far removed from, the stress of total lack of financial security, Read more>>
Anya Shevchenko
I am very happy as an artist, a fashion/runway model to be exact. Of course, it’s not an easy path but I have no complaints. I don’t wonder how it is to have a regular job, I know so because I had one before I started modeling. Read more>>
Nathan Ray Clark
Absolutely, 100%. I get anxious if I’m not acting or working on a creative project geared toward my career. Acting is something I’ve always wanted to do, but having creative control over my own work is so much more fulfilling. Read more>>
Amanda Nicola
I am happy as a creative. Thinking about working a regular 9-5 now just doesn’t make sense to me. It’s not that I wouldn’t it’s because of my lifestyle. Choosing a creative path as a career has allowed me to be the parent I want and need to be for my children. Read more>>
Ashley Taylor
I often think about this question! I have frequently asked myself if art is really “useful”—that is, solving any problems of humankind—and then looked with longing and even envy at my friends who seem to have “simpler” careers with straightforward trajectories: Read more>>
Ceilidh Munroe
Sometimes it can be hard as a working artist to remember why you do it; why you feel compelled to make things. The constant string of application rejections, money stresses, and self-doubt can feel like an insurmountable barrier, and I know for myself the whole process can sometimes feel pointless or too daunting to continue. Read more>>
Pamela Maurer
I think it’s almost impossible to be happy as an artist, and it’s equally impossible to not be. Being a creative professional is HARD, especially in the US where government funding for the arts is much lower than in peer countries around the world. Read more>>
Yaroslava Apollonova
Being an artist has always brought me joy and served as a means of self-expression. However, in recent years, I’ve come to realization that building a successful career requires more than just artistic talent and good skills. Read more>>
Alex Rostamijam
After college, I worked a couple of “regular jobs” and didn’t connect with them. I knew I wanted to have more control of my schedule and income. Read more>>
KC Miller
I am truly thriving as an artist. If I may, let me turn this question around – I had a regular job for a long time and often wondered what it would be like to be an artist. Read more>>
Andrea Luna-Reece
As an artist or creative, the pursuit of passion often feels like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is exhilarating to bring ideas to life, to express oneself in ways that resonate with others. Read more>>
Camila Nabours
I love being able to do what makes my heart happy and call it a job. It makes me feel emotionally connected to myself and able to express my emotions. Read more>>
Chanel Tredup
I am very happy being a creative. But being a creative has its challenges. With the cost of living going up each day, it’s already hard to make a living making art. So it’s not necessarily a priority for people. Read more>>
Otto Gross
I am definitely happy as an artist and creative. I have never really wished to have a regular job. In fact, when I think about that, it makes me more grateful to be an artist and creative because there’s so much joy, fulfillment, and happiness that I get from creating as a musician, producer, songwriter, and visionary. Read more>>
Jaida James
For the most part I would say that I am happy as a creative. It gives me the chance to express myself and whenever I’m frustrated or upset it’s a good way to calm myself down, it’s almost like a therapy for me. Read more>>
Alex Turco
Art has always been a part of my upbringing, as my dad is a photographer. Being exposed to creative thinking from a very young age, I really can’t imagine doing anything else. Read more>>
Antwan Booker
Yes, I am happy as an artist and creative. I started at the age of 12 as an artist, watching New Edition, Prince, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Morris Day & The Time, which inspired me to write lyrics. Read more>>
Catalina Williams
Returning from a long day of modeling, creative directing, and working on a music video shoot. Exhausted but exhilarated, I sat down with a cup of tea, taking a moment to unwind. Read more>>
Joshua Ketchmark
I’m right where I should be. I am doing what I should be doing. Music has always been what holds my memories, my inspiration. It’s given me the drive to learn and create. Read more>>
Lisa Ziegerhofer
It all started in 2009 summer time July, I was in a studio like setting downtown.Queen street west toronto. I was going through a hot summer painting. Some new and upcoming ideas, as my wearable line came through to be. Read more>>
Peiyao Yu
Am I happier as an artist or creative? Yes, I am indeed happier. Every performance brings me immense joy, especially knowing that my music makes others happy. Read more>>
Soo Hyun Namkoong
I was quite surprised to find a question echoing my recent thoughts. I am 25 years old, and many of my friends have already embarked on their professional journeys post-college. Some have secured positions at prestigious companies, others are preparing for marriage, and some have started their own businesses. Read more>>