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.

Chantae Cann

I am VERY happy as an artist! However, during the pandemic I definitely fantasized about having a 9-5, and because I was already familiar with the fickleness of the music industry, I was forced to be way more creative and resourceful. So instead of on waiting on gigs to come to me, I had to put forth effort to make it happen for myself, and now I’m much better prepared for the shift when I need to do it again. Read more>>

Tonéa Greer

Although, I still maintain a regular 9-5, I’m currently happy with being an artist/creative, even if it’s part time. Being part time, allows me time to relax and put the camera down when I’m uninspired which for me, could last for months. It slightly eases the anxiety I may feel at the moment, since I don’t solely rely on my photography. Read more>>

Kenyan Guidry

I would have to say that I am incredibly happy and satisfied with working as an artist/photographer. Prior to my current form of employment, I worked in retail for 10 years So I don’t have to wonder about what it will be late to work your regular job because that was my life for the majority of my employment career. Read more>>

RAC

Mostly when I’m having artistic blockage of trouble finding where to show my art I question myself if I choose wisely, if having a daily 8hrs job with a paycheck at the end of the week could be better than non stop working and no weekly paycheck. But honestly, I’ve learn to appreciate my self, my time and my spaces as a creative. Owning your time and person is priceless. It is a long journey to establish yourself as a professional artist, but the process and the achievements are more and more satisfying as time goes by. Read more>>

Confidence Omenai

I do not believe I could experience happiness or joy if I weren’t an artist. Creativity is my connection to source. It is how light fills me and how I light up the dark. I am a Nigerian American artist who has been a single parent and amassed student loans educating myself. Read more>>

Christopher Marciano

This year marks my 5 year anniversary of being an artist and needless to say it has been quite a journey. As people know, I started as a songwriter over 10 years ago writing for both local and international artists. I always knew that facing this path of being an artist was not going to be easy, but I decided to take it regardless. In the beginning, I felt like I was doing everything right. I booked over 18 shows during my first two years, travelled to perform and was part of something that I knew I would never forget. To say I was experiencing happiness, was an understatement. Read more>>

Kristi Smithson

Absolutely! I have always felt the need to create, the act of painting gives me the ability to express myself without using words. Art is an amazing universal language that can transcend borders and be understood across the world. If I worked a job that did not involve art or design it would be soul-sucking. Read more>>