Never give up. It’s advice that is thrown around daily – but is it always right? We asked some folks we admire about their thoughts around how to know when to give up and when to keep trying

Rachel Saunders | Ceramicist & designer

For me personally, I’m big on the path that shows the least resistance. But resistance I don’t mean the inevitable challenges that every path of life presents, but more so the more nuanced energetic signs that signal to me that I’m forcing things. It’s very important for me to feel like I am creating from an authentic place and in my integrity— in the past when I have done things because others expected them of me, or I was trying to please my ego, it felt like I was pushing a boulder up hill. Learning to differentiate between the two were instrumental in knowing how to decide whether to keep pursuing of something or to pivot into a direction with more flow. Read more>>

Joyce (Jiao) Jiao | CG Environment Artist

To put it simply, deciding whether to keep going or to give up involves some deep thinking. I believe if you really want your dreams to come true, you’ve got to keep pushing forward. A good question to ask yourself is: Are you happy with what you’re doing right now? Is it worth it to keep going or not? Let me share a bit about my own story. Since the start of 2023, things have been tough in our industry. A lot of people have lost their jobs, including many fresh out of school and talented artists like me who are struggling to find work. But here’s the thing – even with all these challenges, artists haven’t stopped creating. They’re not giving up because they love what they do. For us, making art is more than just a job; it’s our life. Read more>>

Stephanie Dai | Dancer and Choreographer

I think all of my work is unfinished in a way, and I quite like that! There is something to allowing the potential for more to be felt – to curate a unifying yearning and imagining between artist, audience, and art of what could be. (For example, the sense of liveliness in an ‘unfinished’ painting is much more arresting than that of an overworked one. To me, at least!) And there is grace in the ‘giving up.’ I’m not interested in realizing a vision no matter what, to the point of burn out or encouraging an unhealthy preoccupation with control. It’s very humbling to conclude a process when I’ve deemed it’s no longer worth what it will cost. Plus, I like to think I can return. I can always revisit an idea and resume its development . . . perhaps with it being all the better off with a newfound fascination that only distance and time can offer. I also don’t think either option is inherently better than the other: in continuing a process, we’re naturally giving something else up, and in deciding to leave one, we can move on to what may be next. There is validity to both. Read more>>

Teresa Pante | Maker & Founder

As the maker of Mindful Cements, I faced moments when I felt like giving up, especially when my projects hit roadblocks or seemed doomed to fail. Once, I even had a scary mishap when cement splashed into my eye, resulting in a minor stye. Despite these challenges, I refused to give up. Instead, I tackled each problem head-on, striving to correct every mistake and keep my ideas alive. Most importantly, the main reason I wanted to keep going is to continue to create things. I believe humans are meant to create something in any shape or form, whether its music, pottery, food, or life, etc. Creativity is a drive for me to keep going and my mind runs with ideas all the time. It’s exciting to see the journey with exploration and creation. Figuring out ways to make my ideas come to reality and to serve others with what I offer is what keeps me motivated. Read more>>

 Joe Corzo | Actor/ Comic

Deciding whether to continue or to bow out from my multifaceted career in acting, stand-up comedy, art and entertainment spanning 17 years is deeply anchored in my faith. This journey isn’t merely about achieving personal milestones but fulfilling a divinely inspired calling. My faith acts as my compass, guiding me through moments of doubt and triumph alike, reminding me that each step on this path is part of a greater plan. The laughter from the audience, the connection felt on stage and the impact of my performance are not just affirmations of my talent but signals of my purpose. On days when the applause fades, my faith bolsters my resolve, encouraging me to persevere through challenges as part of my narrative’s unfolding. It’s my belief that so long as I’m aligned with this higher calling, continuing to express love for what I do and trust in the journey’s significance, the decision to keep going becomes clearer. In essence, my faith, intertwined with a passion for my crafts, is the guiding light that helps me navigate the decision to press on or pause, trusting that every experience contributes to a larger story yet to be fully revealed. Read more>>

 Harsh Garg | Actor & Musician

In the tumultuous journey of pursuing acting, the line between perseverance and surrender can often blur, leaving aspiring actors grappling with uncertainty and doubt. Yet, amidst the challenges and setbacks, it’s crucial to hold onto the spark that ignited the passion for acting within you. Reflect on the moments of sheer joy, the exhilarating rush of embodying a character, and the profound connection forged with the audience. These are the embers that fuel your inner fire, guiding you through the darkest of nights and the most arduous of auditions. Read more>>

Luis Valencia | Graphic Designer & Letterer Enthusiastic

I think is a fine line that sometimes it can get blurry. I believe if you think is worthy and you really believe it from the bottom of the hard do it then. If is still makes you excited every time you think about it then continue, cause if you are just doing it for doing it then I think you have your answer there and you should move on. Read more>>

Yimeng Sun | Motion Designer

Yes, definitely. Before college, I found myself questioning whether art could provide the financial stability, reputation, and respect I desired. Despite doubts, I chose to persist, driven by my passion for creativity and a belief in its potential. It was a decision rooted in trust, knowing opportunities would unfold by staying true to my passion. Fortunately, I found an art-related job that allowed me to sustain myself while continuing to pursue both my interests and career. Looking back, I realize that even if I hadn’t pursued art academically, it would have remained a significant part of my life, serving as a constant source of interest and inspiration. Read more>>