College Degree or Follow your dreams?

Most people would tell you to earn a college degree first for back up but do you think one should follow their dream of becoming an artist, actor, singer, Youtuber etc. and just stick to their dream because they feel in their heart that they will succeed? Do you think telling someone to have back up means telling them that they might not make it and discourage them? 

I would prefer having a back up because no matter how strong my will and dreams are, I may not succeed and that's how life is sometimes.