I finally chose the stable job over my art dream

Back in 2018 I had to pick between taking a full-time graphic design gig at a local print shop in Denver or moving to Portland to try selling my paintings at weekend markets. I went with the stable paycheck because my rent was due and I had $200 in savings. The job paid $15 an hour and I stayed for 4 years, learned some useful prepress stuff but never touched my brushes. Now I'm 31 and my cousin who went to Portland is living off her art full time. Anyone else make the safe call and wonder if it was worth it?

3 comments

3 Comments

avery21921d ago

Relating to that "never touched my brushes" part - I bought a set of nice watercolors back in 2015 and I think they're officially part of the dust now. Really thought my future broke artist vibes would kick in but rent had other plans.

marywilson21d ago

Read somewhere that most art supplies never actually get used past the first week lol.

karenh5620d ago

You gotta do what keeps a roof over your head, it's just how it goes. Finding a middle ground helped me, marywilson - keeping a small art practice on the side while I worked a regular job. That stable paycheck didn't have to kill your art forever, just put it on hold for a bit.