Three years of living the dream — that’s what I told myself when I took the leap to become a full-time artist. Trading in the corporate grind for the freedom to paint, create, and chase my passion felt like the ultimate win. But after three years, I found myself stepping back into the world of a 9-to-5. 

This transition has given me some time to reflect on what being a full-time artist truly taught me, and how those lessons have enriched my life now that I’m back to a more structured work environment. Here are ten lessons I’ve learned from my time as a full-time artist that continue to guide me today.

When I first started as a full-time artist, I thought that limitless freedom would unleash my creativity. Ironically, I found that having a bit of structure, even self-imposed, helped me create more consistently. Setting daily goals, sticking to a routine, and creating boundaries around my work helped me find a balance between creativity and productivity. Now, as a 9-to-5er, I use that lesson to carve out creative time around my day job, ensuring that my passion for art doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

There is a romanticized view of artists as free spirits who create whenever inspiration strikes. In reality, being a full-time artist taught me the importance of self-discipline. I had to learn how to manage my time, stay motivated, and push through creative blocks without a boss or deadlines looming over me. This self-discipline has been invaluable in my 9-to-5 role, where managing time and staying focused are equally important.

As an artist, every day presented a new challenge — a different technique to master, a new medium to explore, or a fresh perspective to adopt. I realized that growth comes from being open to learning continuously. Now, back in a more structured job, I approach my work with the same curiosity and openness, always looking for ways to learn and improve.

One of the biggest surprises of my time as a full-time artist was realizing the importance of networking. I learned that building relationships, attending events, and engaging with a community are crucial, not just in corporate settings but also in the art world. This lesson now informs how I build connections in my 9-to-5 job, seeing every interaction as an opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate.

Being a full-time artist taught me to be more mindful of my finances. I had to learn how to budget, manage fluctuating income, and plan for the future without the safety net of a regular paycheck. Now that I have the stability of a 9-to-5 income, I carry forward those financial habits — saving wisely, investing in my art, and planning for future projects with intention.

Art, like any other creative field, is filled with rejection and failure. Not every piece sells, not every project is a success, and not every opportunity works out. I learned to see failure not as a setback, but as a stepping stone to growth. This mindset has been invaluable in my current job, where setbacks and failures are inevitable but always offer a lesson and an opportunity for improvement.

When art was both my passion and my livelihood, it became easy to feel burned out or disconnected from the joy that initially drew me to it. I had to learn to protect my passion — by taking breaks, experimenting with new styles, or creating just for fun. Now, as a 9-to-5er, I make sure to safeguard my creative time, allowing myself the space to reconnect with what I love about making art.

Building a career as a full-time artist is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience — patience to develop your skills, build your audience, and establish your name. I learned that good things take time and that progress is often slow but steady. This patience has served me well in my 9-to-5 life, where I understand that growth and success often require time and persistence.

Being an artist taught me that creativity extends far beyond the canvas. It’s in how you solve problems, communicate, build relationships, and even how you navigate your daily routine. Now, in a more traditional job, I continue to find creative ways to approach challenges, bring fresh ideas to the table, and keep things interesting.

As a full-time artist, I learned quickly how easy it was to let work consume my life. The lines between work and personal time are blurred, often leading to burnout. I realized the importance of setting boundaries, taking time for self-care, and prioritizing a healthy balance. Now, balancing a 9-to-5 with my passion for art, I’ve learned to set clear boundaries and prioritize rest and rejuvenation to ensure I’m giving my best to both worlds.

The last three years as a full-time artist were filled with lessons that have shaped who I am today. Now, back in a 9-to-5 role, I’m grateful for those experiences and the wisdom they brought. I’ve learned that it’s possible to merge the creativity, freedom, and lessons from the art world with the structure, stability, and growth of a traditional job. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you and cherishing the lessons learned along the way.

Being a full-time artist taught me to value my creative spirit and drive, while my 9-to-5 life reminds me to bring that same passion and intention to everything I do. Together, they create a unique and fulfilling path — one that allows me to do what I love, in whatever capacity I can, and continue to grow as both an artist and a professional.