The Coronavirus has given many us an opportunity to pause and think about life, our purpose, and even the right work life balance. What’s your perspective and has it changed over time?

Emily Calimlim | Freelance Illustrator

I first began my business right out of college, as soon as I had graduated as my then boyfriend and I made the decision to move states and I had not received any illustration offers when I graduated. However, I did receive a large amount of inquiries into paintings of dogs and animals – something I had not expected. Read more>>

Reese Burgan | Saxophonist & Educator

I think when most people ask about work/life balance, they’re really asking about multitasking. How can I simultaneously be a good parent/business owner/employee/have a career/etc.? The simple answer is: you can’t. For example, if I decide to practice instead of cooking dinner for my family, I am being a good musician but perhaps also a lousy husband/father. Read more>>

Melanie Connolly | Medical Illustrator, 3D Medical Animator & Marketing Director

It started out so difficult- my office was in my home, and I can be a workaholic for sure. I would work until 9 pm or later every day if I could. Now I have a toddler, and that doesn’t really fly! In an effort to be more efficient, I now use spreadsheet trackers and project management software, which have absolutely changed how I work. Read more>>

Jackson Montgomery Schwartz | Photographer & Makeup Artist

When I still had a part time job as a bartender, my photography and makeup were more of a hobby, and now that I’m a full time artist and my finances for living are fully reliant upon art, I find myself saying “yes” to more. I don’t want to miss any opportunities, and that can come at a cost to my personal life at times. Read more>>

Adorina Nguyen | Licensed Massage Therapist & Realtor

At the beginning of my career, I was focused on building my client base. I bent over backwards to provide phenomenal customer service so that I could set myself apart from other massage therapists, and justify the quality of my work and prices. After a while, all the extra work took a huge toll on my body because I was giving so much. Read more>>

Kara Beatty | Teacher & Photographer

Work life balance is very tricky. I am a special education teacher, photographer and mom of three boys. Balancing all of this can be overwhelming. Every year my business grows as well as the responsibilities as a teacher (think COVID) and my boys schedules become more hectic! In order to balance. Read more>>

Justyna Wołodkiewicz | Textile Artist

I belive all people are born with creative spirit. And at some point in life some realise that they can’t live the other way than fulfilling their “spiritual” need. I think that my way of living is with constant creating, looking for inspiration, taking breaks, creating. Read more>>