Three months ago, I took the leap from a stable corporate career in digital marketing and eCommerce to become a full-time artist. It was a terrifying yet exhilarating decision, one that has completely transformed my life. Saying goodbye to 30 years of corporate life.
Gone are the days of toxic office politics, insecure boss, mind-numbing meetings and unrealistic targets. Instead, my days are filled with painting, creativity, and building my own brand. Ironically, I’m working harder than ever—hustling, creating, marketing, selling, and running my art as a business—but for the first time, I feel truly alive and fulfilled.
From Corporate Structure to Creative Freedom: A Journey of Growth
Looking back, my time in the corporate world wasn’t all bad. It taught me discipline, resilience, and business acumen—skills that I now use to run my own art business. While the environment wasn’t always ideal, I’m grateful for the lessons I learned:
💡 Structure & Strategy – Working in digital marketing and eCommerce gave me the ability to build systems, track analytics, and create a growth plan for my own art brand.
💡 Sales & Branding – I learned how to tell a compelling story, market products, and connect with an audience—essential skills I now apply to selling my art.
💡 Working Under Pressure – The high-pressure corporate world trained me to stay focused, meet deadlines, and deliver results—qualities that help me thrive as a self-employed artist.
Also, I had great and trusted colleagues who had fought with me on choppy waters. You know who you are.
That said, there were aspects of my previous job that were no longer serving me:
- Rigid structures that stifled creativity – My best ideas were often diluted by layers of approval and revisions.
- Toxic office politics – Success wasn’t just about talent; it was about navigating egos and alliances.
- An environment that drained my energy – Working with incompetent, insecure, narcissistic and manipulative bullies, is a trauma that I am still healing from.
Despite these challenges, I choose to see my corporate years as valuable training. But now? It’s my time to apply those skills for myself, on my own terms. Happy days ahead!
The Reality of Being a Full-Time Artist: More Work, But More Happiness
Many people think leaving a corporate job means working less. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m busier than ever, working longer hours, wearing multiple hats, and constantly hustling—but I love every second of it.
Challenges of Running My Own Art Business
🎨 Non-Stop Hustling – I’m not just an artist; I’m also my own marketer, salesperson, and business manager. Every day is a mix of painting, posting content, responding to inquiries, and strategizing for growth.
🎨 Financial Uncertainty – Unlike a salary, income fluctuates. Some weeks are amazing, while others are quiet. Managing cash flow and staying motivated through slow periods is a challenge. I am grateful that 30 years of corporate paycheck has allowed me to save and invest to alleviate my financial burdens now.
🎨 Work-Life Balance Can Blur – When your passion is also your career, it’s hard to switch off. I find myself thinking about art 24/7, sometimes at the expense of rest.
But the Rewards Make It All Worth It
✅ Creative Freedom – No more compromising my vision for someone else. I paint what excites me, without constraints.
✅ Living on My Own Terms – I decide when, where, and how I work. No rigid schedules, no unnecessary meetings, no forced small talk.
✅ Direct Impact on My Success – Every effort I put in directly benefits me, not a company. Seeing my art resonate with collectors and knowing it’s my work driving success is incredibly fulfilling.
✅ Personal Growth & Fulfillment – I’ve never felt more in control of my future. Every challenge I overcome makes me stronger, more resilient, and more confident in my abilities.
This journey isn’t easy—it’s demanding, unpredictable, and requires constant effort—but it’s mine. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
For anyone feeling stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill them, wondering if there’s something more out there—the answer is YES. It takes courage to leave stability for uncertainty, but the freedom, happiness, and self-expression that come with it? Absolutely worth it.
💡 Life is too short to spend it building someone else’s dream. If you have a passion, chase it. The risk is real, but so is the reward.
Drop me a message if you want to discuss how you too can become a full-time artist.
#ArtistLife #CreativeFreedom #EntrepreneurArtist #NoMoreCorporate #LivingMyDream
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