Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Stephen Shelton | Singer-Songwriter

Creativity has been in my DNA, I would love to believe since conception. I’ve always been that kid that got lost in imagination, in my own time and the wrong times. Music for me has always been therapeutic. This creative career path gives me a opportunity to not just express my artistic peculiarities but connect and implement my musical talent with music lovers globally. Read more>>

Mynecia Steele | Digital Artist (Illustrator & Graphic Designer)

Art has been a love of mine and my main outlet, since childhood. With that being said, I honestly never imagined that I could make a career out of my passion. Though I always liked the way it sounded. Of course, the idea of never working a day in your life, because you’re doing what you love would be appealing to anyone. Unfortunately, I doubted my abilities for way too long. So, in college I majored in journalism and minored in graphic design. I assumed I’d get a serious ‘big girl’ job in journalism, and maybe my art would be there as a potential side-hustle, if that. It wasn’t until post college that my path became more clear. I was dealing with what a lot of graduates face. I wasn’t getting many job offers, and struggling to figure out what my next step was. To alleviate some of my stress I turned to art. I drew nearly everyday and became more active on my art social media accounts than ever. Read more>>

Tosinger | Singer, Songwriter, Storyteller

Like a plant bending towards the sunlight, I found myself going towards an artistic career path by virtue of my environment and innate talents. Pursuing an artistic and creative was a no-brainer for me. As a child, I was surrounded by creativity and as I grew older I realized, it’s what makes me happy the most. Read more>>

Angela Thomas-Garrett | Certified Event Designer & Entrepreneur

I’ve always been a dreamer, and I love to think outside of the box. Naturally, I’m a creative thinker, and my imagination has no limits. As a event designer, I’m happy to be able to share my dreams with the World as a career! Read more>>

Bobby Nash | Author, Artist, and Actor

I pursued a creative career because I love telling stories. There was also the selfish part of me that looked forward to seeing my name on a book cover. Until my brother came along when I was 9, I tended to be on my own for entertainment and playtime. Imagination was key when it came time to play outside or in my room. I developed characters and storylines, shaped narratives, and basically wrote dialogue. Not that I knew it at the time, of course. I was simply playing. Years later, I was able to take those skills I developed and refine them, added structure, and went deeper into character development as I started writing comic books, then later novels, short stories, and scripts. Creating stories, characters, and universes are a passion for me and when I learned that people could do this as a career, I love telling these stories. Read more>>

Joy Brown | Event Curator + Visionary

For me, having a creative space is everything. Being able to fully express myself through my work has always been so important to me….. Read more>>

Belen Alejandra | Artist & Chandler

I chose a creative career because I am the type of person that is easily bored in jobs. Once I feel I have acquired a skill set to my level of wanting to know, I’m ready to move on to the next thing and learn something else. Art allows that. Art allows freedom, movement, a constant state of evolvement, consistent challenge, & expression. Freedom is important to me. I never want to feel held back or like I can’t do something because of something else. I knew since I was a kid that whatever I did in life it would be artistic and would change a life. Read more>>

Jeanne Dennis | Baker, Entrepreneur, Founder of St. Rita’s Cakes

Sometimes, your life’s work chooses you – in a sense. I grew up with incredible role models in cooking, hospitality and serving others. My grandmothers and mother all were wonderful cooks and I come from a Lebanese family so the kitchen is the place to gather – everything happens at the table! These role models were so strong in my life so it is a very natural desire for me to feed others. I love to cook and bake and I always took my cakes to work for others to enjoy and gifting my cakes was also very natural. So this gift of family was put to the test in 2009 when I lost my job. I knew baking was to be my life’s work. In addition to the posture of my grandmothers and family, my faith is also a gift they passed down to all our family. I named my company after one of my favorite saints, St. Rita! Read more>>