Can I Really Make a Living as a Creative?

We've all read about the great resignation by now. Reports show that roughly 47 million people left their jobs in 2021, citing burnout, new opportunities and starting a business as just a few reasons. But how many are leaving the workforce to pursue creative endeavors? And should they? I talk with Jessica Abel, author artist, cartoonist and coach for creatives who works with people to stop grinding and carve out the deep focus needed to finish and launch the game-changing work they want to be known for. In this episode: Jessica shares how to prioritize creativity in our lives. What success might look like in a creative industry How to make a real living through creative endeavors. (Psst it's probably not what you think. ) Plus Jessica helps us all navigate the pitfalls so many creatives stumble into. About: Cartoonist and coach for creatives Jessica Abel is the founder of Autonomous Creative. She works with ambitious mid-career creatives to stop grinding and carve out the deep focus needed to finish—and launch—the game-changing work they want to be known for. Jessica is the author of a dozen books, including Growing Gills: How to Find Creative Focus When You're Drowning in Your Daily Life, the graphic novel La Perdida, and two textbooks about making comics, Drawing Words & Writing Pictures and Mastering Comics. Her book Out on the Wire is about how the best radio and podcast producers in the world use story to keep us listening. Jessica’s latest work of fiction is the Eisner-nominated Trish Trash: Rollergirl of Mars. She is chair of the illustration program at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Support the Show. Let's Connect! The Grown-Ass Woman's Guide is on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, consider buying me a coffee!