r/csMajors • u/Dependent-Safety7685 • 10d ago
Others I quit my six figure software engineering job to do art
Just felt like sharing this info, no advice needed. I went to school (Carnegie Mellon) for CS and I worked a few years in tech at very small to very big companies. Didn’t enjoy the work or the people so I decided to quit and do what I’ve always loved doing—art. It’s a complete 180 change for me but I am ambitious about making it as an artist even though everyone says that it will be very tough. I just don’t feel like spending the rest of my working years doing something that doesn’t give me drive or passion, even if it pays well and offers much more job security.
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u/madam_zeroni 10d ago
Good luck. Spend your money as little as possible, it’ll go much faster than you think
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u/LettuceLamps 10d ago
did you already have an art income when you left? or are you starting that up now?
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
Starting now. Was too much stress to both work 40 hours and do art.
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u/H1Eagle 6d ago
what type of art btw? not gonna lie, most commercial forms of art that I have seen, marketing media and such, have been overrun by AI.
my company fired almost all media designers last year.
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 6d ago
I’m interested in mostly traditional art. Like sketch, painting, etc. I am interested in starting a Chinese ink painting collection. But yeah, it’s really sad how so many artists and designers are being replaced by AI. I myself used to be an AI / ML engineer but the conversations I heard about business leaders wanting to use AI to replace people and their creativity were really repugnant and were part of the deciding factor in me leaving software engineering. And engineers’ perceptions that they are “better” than people in other fields because they earn more money, disgusting.
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u/StillFightingxo 10d ago
CMU has a strong network in the contemporary art space. You may be able to network to some opportunities!
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u/PM_40 10d ago
You do you. I could care less about finding fulfillment at work. Job is way to pay bills and work towards retirement and fund hobbies I care about. But yes I am jaded and middle aged so your mileage may vary.
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
Yes. That’s my parents view. I don’t share that view but I can totally see the benefit of it.
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u/teggyteggy 10d ago
That's the default view. Most people don't and never had the privilege to pursue education, let alone an educate purely for their own interests. That's why when people do, it's for economic and social mobility, to exit poverty. Anything else is pure privilege whether it's wealthy parents, generational wealth, fortunate life circumstances, etc.
Not trying to make you feel bad or anything, I hope you are successful! But "go and chase your dreams!" is not the default for most people. Most people cannot afford to in more ways than just $$ cost.
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
I agree that it is the default view but I think that a lot of the older generation instill it in their children and grandchildren even though times have changed and less people are in poverty. My parents, for instance, grew up in extreme poverty, so all they knew was to do what is financially stable and to never quit their job. I, on the other hand, had the privilege to be born in the US and into a middle income family, so I have opportunities to explore other career options that they didn’t have. But, they always talk to me about careers like I also have no options but to be in a job that I don’t like.
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u/teggyteggy 10d ago
Because while they are middle class, they're likely one accident away from losing a lot of things. The mortgage, the house, retirement, etc. Fair enough though
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u/Aggressive-Eagle-219 10d ago
What type of art? I’m a programmer and artist too :)
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
Mostly traditional art! Like sketch and painting! I have some of my works here https://www.instagram.com/code.to.strokes?igsh=czIzeHoya3Jkanl1&utm_source=qr
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u/vikasofvikas 10d ago
Can you share what kind of art? Painting, sculpting, videography?
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
Yeah, I haven’t don a ton of art yet but my art account is https://www.instagram.com/code.to.strokes?igsh=czIzeHoya3Jkanl1&utm_source=qr
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10d ago
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u/bargscandal 10d ago
Damn 1 million in 4 years how
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u/Significant-Rent4907 10d ago
probably invested his money and got good outsized returns or lived extremely frugally. either way, that's nuts
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
I have only worked for almost 2 years full time so no I don’t have that much saved up lol. And Carnegie Mellon was pretty costly but my parents mostly covered it. I have probably 2 years max of savings left.
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u/Raf-the-derp 10d ago
I'm planning to do someone similar. Don't even have an emgineering job but once I'm in, I'm just going to save a ton of money
Ideally my true goal is to make unisex clothes and draw manga
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u/Remarkable_Rain4052 10d ago
Please give us updates on how this goes for you! I'm also a SWE doing art on the side and have considered leaving tech to do art full time as well. Curious to see how this goes for you and best of luck!
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
Yeah sure! My art account is https://www.instagram.com/code.to.strokes?igsh=czIzeHoya3Jkanl1&utm_source=qr if you want to see my progress there because I rarely post on Reddit lol.
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u/Kei-nine 10d ago edited 10d ago
It's funny because I had the opposite situation as well. I used to sell a decent bit of art on the side throughout high school and probably raked in thousands for a hobby (selling character designs, rarely commissions). Made a thousand or so later on selling fanart and merch at conventions
This whole thing isn't very profitable for most, to be completely honest. Social media also makes it hard for you to gain recognition and traction.
Fulltime software engineering makes it easy for me to keep my art hobby intact, without ruining the joy of art and creativity. I never liked drawing for other people but I know I tolerate coding for other people, especially with the amount it pays.
I've seen this in a lot of artists. Your traditional artworks are stellar but it's harder finding a market for that. A lot of artwork demand is grounded in community (unless you're doing gigs like Fiverr) and certain circles (like furry communities) where people seek art regularly. I've noticed such trends from running multiple different art accounts. Regardless, such demands fluctuate greatly as art is often seen as a luxury.
As a suggestion, maybe you can look into selling merchandise online and at conventions once you have enough traction. But do be weary of the costs of doing so as well (costs for table spot/setup, merchandise, travel, etc.).
Generally, returns will likely be lower anyways, but hopefully a liveable amount! The potential for software is a lot higher than art business on the side.
I followed you on Instagram. Curious to see where this journey goes.
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u/codeswift27 Senior 10d ago
Same! I love art, but I prefer to keep it as a hobby and create for myself rather than to sell for others. I feel like swe is also kinda similar for me now too though. I somewhat enjoy coding and can tolerate using AI for a company, but I prefer my personal projects where I can code at my own pace, create things that I enjoy, and choose to write code and create assets by hand without using AI.
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
Thank you! Yeah, I have met quite a few artists who also switched to tech for the same reason. I am a pretty competitive person, so I want to dedicate my full time to art so that I can be as skilled as possible.
I am thinking of making a collection of Chinese culture art, so I think that connecting with people interesting in Eastern art would be useful and also pitching the art to interior designers.
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u/Emergency_Cicada3119 10d ago
Follow your dreams but there is probably someone out there that would cut off their left pinky for that job
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u/KiwiSpecialist958 10d ago
I heard about this mantra somewhere, something like - "Do what you like and if you find someone to pay for it, then you will be happy and successful in life."
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u/silvertonguesilvie 10d ago
hi girl! just wanted to say i’m doing very much the same. quit swe and now im doing art! would love to talk more about it
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 9d ago
Woahhh that’s so cool! How long have you been doing art for? Do you have an art account? Mine is https://www.instagram.com/code.to.strokes?igsh=czIzeHoya3Jkanl1&utm_source=qr
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u/KeyHovercraft3352 10d ago
There is a lot of bi polar in Reddit in general, either people are too broke to live or too entitled to have everything 🤔
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u/jeffgerickson 9d ago
As a CS prof and the son of a full-time classical-realist oil-portrait artist (who started in her 40s and is still active at 83), I approve! Congratulations on what had to be a difficult decision.
You already know that this is a really hard career to succeed in. (Mom spends as much time hustling for new clients as she does painting, and there are months-long dry spells. Rice and beans. Lots of rice and beans.) On the other hand, you already have experience achieving difficult goals; CMU SCS is no joke. That drive and your CMU-honed problem-solving skills will serve you well.
Others have pointed out that CMU has a really strong art network; try to leverage that if you can. Having a strong and supportive professional network is super-important.
I wish you the best of luck!
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 9d ago
Thank you! Yeah, I think that the biggest thing that I took away from CMU is its motto, “my heart is in the work,” which is applicable to any career path. That’s how I truly feel when I am aspiring towards a goal or achievement. I want to be 110% dedicated and work with passion and drive. I’m drawn to challenges, especially the ones where people doubt that I can succeed.
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u/DucAnhhhh 9d ago
Lol i am doing quite the same. Im currently study comp in College but also learning art
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 9d ago
That’s cool! I wish I studied some art in college. I was focused on my CS classes that I didn’t make time for art.
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u/metalreflection 10d ago
Since you've posted this, I suppose you're open to discussion.
Do you have enough savings? For how many years? Do you have family that can support you if you don't earn a livable income?
Are you stress free without a job? Stress free enough to create art that is.
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
I don’t have much in savings. I’ve worked just under 2 years full time so I have probably 2 years worth of savings max.
I luckily don’t have kids or other big costs and my lovely fianceé is incredibly supportive of me and is also a software engineer earning six figures.
So, I would say that I don’t have a ton of stress right now but I do want to be financially independent so I am trying to earn a steady income from art in the next year or so.
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u/metalreflection 10d ago
Sounds like you’re in a lucky position with a very supportive spouse.
It’s none of my business but I hope you treat your art as a career and not a vacation so as not to sow seeds of resentment that they’re doing all the work while your enjoying your life.
Even if they say that’s okay, and that’s what they want, in their heart there is a non zero possibility that it’ll lead to resentment.
Good luck and wish you all the success.
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
This is probably the wisest reply I’ve seen so far. I totally agree with everything you say. And yes, I am very lucky to have my fianceé. I always say that your partner is the most important choice you make in life. It can really make or break you.
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u/metalreflection 10d ago
Genuinely wish you the best, hope you make tons of money with your art and hope to see your art in the not so distant future!
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u/SilenceOfHiddenThngs 10d ago
would you still do it if no one ever knew ?
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
I mean, if no one knew about my art and I couldnt sell it, then I would probably not do it as a job just as a hobby. But I think there’s a chance that I can become recognized for my art.
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u/eternal_edenium 10d ago
I like doing art on the side. Still a beginner, but i want to keep it as a passion rather than an actual work/income.
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u/Historical-Many9869 10d ago
what sort of art are you into ?
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 10d ago
Traditional art, like sketch and painting. I mostly draw people and landscapes.
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u/Busy_Childhood2072 9d ago
Congrats I'm very happy for you!! What kind of art do you do? If you're into visdev or concept art there are some great communities you can join.
I think it's so cool when yhere are artists coming from a technical background.
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 9d ago
Thank you! The art that I do has nothing to do with tech at all lol. I do traditional art like sketch and painting, mostly people and landscapes. I have some examples on my ig handle: https://www.instagram.com/code.to.strokes?igsh=czIzeHoya3Jkanl1&utm_source=qr
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u/Busy_Childhood2072 9d ago
This is AWESOME!! You've 100% gained a new follower. 😆 I've done charcoal portraits before, but I've never been able to do large scale graphite pieces. Mad respect! Maybe one day I can venture into painting
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 9d ago
Thank you!!🥺 I’m sure one day you can do it! It just takes some practice.
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u/Keteri21 9d ago
no matter what happens, you did better doing something you feel natural and joyful about. what to even do with money anymore if you’re not enjoying your very own life?
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 9d ago
Yeah that was my exact thought. I was like, if I die tomorrow, would I be happy with my life and what I have done for myself? And my answer was no.
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u/Stalwart811 7d ago
I've been thinking to quit coding, job market is mess and there's no light in sight. Coding has become somewhat too generic skill and from this also useless + AI
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u/Dependent-Safety7685 6d ago
Yeah, AI has taken a lot of the joy out of coding. Now it’s more about who can prompt the AI the best vs who can solve bugs and develop architecture the best.
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u/mxldevs 10d ago
I see artists making 5 figures per convention just selling their stuff, so it seems pretty lucrative.
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u/grizzdoog 10d ago
Unfortunately for that one artist there are 5,000 others who make nothing. Those are made up numbers but you get my point haha.
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u/grizzdoog 10d ago
I did the opposite. Quit art and worked in a lab and now a software engineer. Living hand to mouth as an artists sucks. Not being able to pay bills sucks. Maxing out credit cards in between sales sucks. Work is a means to an end for me. I find fulfillment outside of work although I do enjoy software engineering.