To pivot or to persevere? Or more bluntly – to give up or to not to give up? This is a haunting question, a question that has ramifications far after an answer has been chosen and it’s also a question that almost everyone in our community has had to face at one time or another. How do you know when to give up and when to keep trying?

Xinyue ‘Sherry’ Pan | Animation Director & Storyboard Artist

Recently, I’ve been thinking about this issue often. As an artist who loves animation, just when I was about to step into the animation industry, I was told by countless voices within the industry that ‘it’s falling apart, the employment environment is like hell.’ Numerous talented artists are facing unemployment and are forced to seek other paths. Read more>>

Blake Kathryn | 3D Artist

There’s a few ways to interpret that. On the most initial translation, I’d say I find joy in what I do and that keeps me going even when inevitable roadblocks occur – for example, currently social media is not kind to indie creators/artists. Read more>>

Alexandra Forgues | Actress

I don’t think “giving up” is ever the solution, if you truly feel it in your guts that you’re on the right path. I believe that if something is not working out at the moment, maybe just take a step back, reassess and then try again, perhaps from a different angle. Read more>>

Alicia Gakima | Filmmaker, Actor, Writer

If you can imagine yourself still living a fulfilling life without the dreams you want to manifest, then it’s okay to give it up. There’s still plenty of things you can do that would bring you fulfillment. Read more>>

Stanislaw Kowalski | Actor & Model

As an actor, it’s all about passion and joy. If performing still lights you up, it’s worth pushing through the tough times. But remember, it’s okay to take a step back and reassess if you need to. Trust your instincts and your love for the craft! Read more>>

Heather Cox | Photographer

I don’t really believe giving up is really an option after being a photographer for 10+ years. Yes there are days where I feel discouraged or that I’m on a merry-go-round and I don’t seem to be moving forward but instead of taking it so negatively, I tell myself it’s not me falling behind, rather its me taking a breath and reevaluating where I want to take my next steps in my career. Read more>>

bryant vu | Photographer

When I reflect on risk, my thoughts gravitate toward my parents—brave souls who risked everything to immigrate to the United States during the Vietnam War, driven by the hope of a brighter future for my elder brother and me. Our Vietnamese heritage is a cornerstone within my social circle. Read more>>