Quit Your Day Job with Patrick Walgamott

Making the decision to leave a steady paycheck behind is one of the hardest moves an artist can make. The fear is real, the timing never feels perfect, and the question “Am I actually ready?” tends to linger far longer than we’d like.

I’m sitting down with Patrick Walgamott, an Artist Academy student who recently quit his day job to become a full-time artist.

I’ve watched Patrick’s journey for years—from getting back into painting through pet portraits to slowly building income through murals, commissions, and paint parties, all while working a physically demanding job. Like many artists, he expected it to happen faster. Instead, it took time, consistency, and patience.

We talk about what finally pushed him to take the leap, how he worked through fear around money and stability, and why local marketing and showing up consistently made all the difference. Patrick shares real numbers, real doubts, and the mindset shift that helped him commit—without everything being perfectly lined up.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to quit your day job, this is a realistic look at what’s possible when you decide to go all in on your art. 🎨