Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Meryah Fisher | Meryahcology (Singer/Songwriter/Performer)

I think doing art and being an artist are vastly different from pursuing an artistic or creative career. I definitely feel like I was doing art long before making the decision to pursue art as my income and generational wealth building block. The turning point for me in making this leap was really taking an honest look at my life to that point and being willing to admit that all the steps I was told to do – go to college, apply to jobs, work for someone else, etc. – were neither resulting in the comfort and upward mobility they promised nor making me happy. I’ve been an adjunct professor going on 9 years now – teaching beyond a full-time load, contracted as part-time, and paid $20k below LA county poverty lines to do it.  Read more>>

Linda Mariano | Managing Director of Marketing for Redwood Art Group

Some people think of a career in art as a risk, but I see it as a creative opportunity. If you work hard and love what you do, the career becomes successful! I have always loved and been inspired by art, especially that of the great masters, and I recognize the creativity and dedication it requires to become a successful artist. I have had an eclectic career, and in several of my previous jobs, I have found marketing to be exciting and creative, too. I was lucky in that these two passions merged for me when I found myself working for an art publishing company that had a robust licensing program. Suddenly, I found my passion and niche in the art industry. I was fascinated with the opportunity of art being the basis for licensed products, and with more immersion, I found I was able to use many of the skills from my marketing background; this became the perfect meld of my strengths and interests. Read more>>

Ginger N. Whiskey | Burlesque Producer, Performer, and Teacher

I picked an artistic/creative career because I want to cultivate and nurture joy in a capitalistic society. This career gives me the freedom to live authentically, be in the throes of passion and inspiration, and experience the utmost pride when visions come to fruition. It’s a way to grow community, bring awareness to social/political downfalls while amplifying important voices on how to take action. I gives me a space to guide, mentor, and lead with everyone’s best interests in mind. This career reminds me that everything is temporary, to not take myself too seriously, and provides resilience in my ability to adapt, change, and hustle. Art gives me the grace to grieve, celebrate, and evolve while using this scope of emotions to build a performance piece where I can be raw and vulnerable. Read more>>