We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Rosegold Shay | Rapper, Songwriter, Crystal Healer

Creating music is my way to get my thoughts out of my head. I started creating only for myself but early on I discovered these thoughts and emotions aren’t exclusive to me. Music is a way for me to tell my story but how someone else interprets it gives them peace with theirs. It creates a sense of community for just one person to connect with your art. Read more>>

Kelsey Wishik | Artist, Author, Musician

It was completely natural to me. I examined my gifts and values and have always had an inclination to be creative. I see art as a language that can bridge sociocultural, economic, experiential, and language differences. It speaks to our feelings, evokes original thought, inspires spaces, and brings meaning to our shared existence. I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to share more with the world than visions of beauty, possibility, and reflections of the dynamism and depth of the human experience. I also use my art to advocate for the natural world and its wonders–to exalt the small and ordinary by referencing small things like seeds and plants in a grand way. Read more>>

Beth Cruz | Kitchen & Bath Designer with RBC Designs

I was always interested in art. I was in AP Art in high school and was automatically put into art classes when I started college. I knew I wanted to pursue a career that was artistic and creative but it took me a while to figure out exactly what. I started dating my now husband who was already in the industry of remodeling and I was able to go to job sites with him and see how much a room could transform just by adding crown molding or painting it and I knew I wanted to be a part of making those transitions happen. Still to this day though I think about a room just like a painting, I pay attention to what detail is going to catch your eye first and how your eye will move around that room as you stare at it. Read more>>

LaMar Smoktagous77″ Johnson | Drummer

To be totally honest, looking back at it all, I didn’t pursue a creative career, it just naturally happened. I was born with a musical gift given to me by my Creator, and throughout my journey, I was placed in front of unique individuals who took me under their wings and put me on stages that opened many doors. Those doors are what made me the musician I am today. What started as that little chubby kid patiently waiting his turn to play drums in church, blossomed into an internationally known drummer with a 30-year career. Read more>>

Brittany Simmons | Nail Artist

Great question! I’ve always had an interest in all aspects of art. It’s like a gift live for me. Art was a release for me and allowed me to express myself in way that I felt comfortable. Me doing nails allows me to that but also help me make women all over feel great about themselves. Read more>>

Rickia Dawson | Creative, Licensed Master Cosmetologist & Owner of R. Ci’Mone Styles

For me, being a creative means being able to share the best parts of yourself through your art, talent, and technique. Choosing this career meant that I could showcase all those things plus more. Ever since I could remember, creativity has been apart of me and I started to realize that my creativity is one of the things that makes me who I am. It allows me to express myself in so many ways and gives me a sense of control over my own life, knowing that I can be who I want to be no matter the circumstances. Read more>>

Kortel Timmons | Digital Artist

I pursued an artistic career because it’s what I have always been passionate about. Art and creativity are what bring me joy. For a long time, I knew I wanted to have a career using my gift, but I felt more secure with a traditional 9 to 5. The pandemic helped me to understand that I needed to have more faith and take the risk. Betting on myself and choosing what truly made me happy was the best decision I could have ever made. Read more>>

SinThya The Devil | Experimental Industrial Multi-Instrumentalist & Artist

Although art is in all of us, there are a number of obstacles one goes through to unlock that side of themselves. Whether it be a string of bad luck in life, hitting rock bottom, suffering from trauma or mental illness or other things in that vain of this neverending joke we call life as a human being. Pursuing an artistic career came from a long history with abuse, abandonment, mental illness, a past of suicide attempts among other means. When I was about 10, I first got into Industrial and Noise music and for the next few years, I had been a prominent member of those communities for over a decade. Read more>>

Brian Nance | Dj/Producer Electronic Dance Music. EDM Name is WhoisBriantech

Well I currently Have to Balance My life with a full Time Job and my Creative Path as A Dance Music Dj/Producer and Digital Publishing Label Owner. I Definitely Create and Do what I do musically Because I enjoy it and love to be able to create dance music it keeps me very busy and very Optimistic and Very Constructive in a Easy Accessed Technological World we live in. And in all Honesty Because of the Convenience of Technology that we live in for example with Internet it makes it so much Easier to Reach Out to Audiences that you wouldn’t be able to if we didn’t have internet from the comfort of your Own home/studio. Read more>>

Travis “TraviRay” Motley Sr. | Music Producer & Entrepreneur

I started playing the piano at 8 years old, my great grandmother had a small keyboard at her house and I immediately started to take to it; however I was so bad and loud at the time she let me take the keyboard home. Little did she know I would sit by the radio and eventually start to learn piano by ear when my mother seen my passion she got me a bigger keyboard and nurtured my gift. I later played in church to build my keyboard chops and got into producing around high school. Now I’ve score 4 movies and produced records for many well known artist and independent ones as well. Read more>>