Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Kinnawa AfricanThunder Kaitibi | Director & Media Personality

I pursued a creative career to develop meaningful content that black and brown people could be proud of and entertained by at the same time. I feel that there is a lot of content based on making fun of our culture and people, but I wanted to create a different lane that still allows entertainment to be felt but opens the door for lessons to be learned by the viewers. Whether it be short films, interviews, or mini podcast discussions, I do my best to pass along gems of knowledge through these various entertainment platforms. Read more>>

Chrome Rager | Graphic designer

My goal has always been to have freedom in whatever job I take. The job should feel like something you are doing for fun, not something you have to suffer through just for the end result. Being a graphic designer allows me to be express my or others ideas visually. Creative freedom equals unlimited forms of expressing yourself. I hope my work can be in stores, on tv, outside, on posters, apps, etc. Read more>>

Lanny Farmer | Comedian

I chose to do comedy because it was something I always loved to watch, but it also really scared me to try. When I finished college, I was working a job and it didn’t really fulfill me. So I thought I’d give comedy a try and just do it as a hobby. I fell in love with doing it and wanted to keep getting better at it. It was always a dream of mine to do something artistic wise, and comedy just felt right for me. I’ve always loved to write and be creative, and comedy turned out to be a great outlet for me. Read more>>

Paulina Gil | Story Artist, Illustrator, and Small Business Owner

I am at my happiest when I am doing one of three things – serving others, problem solving, and creating art. Creating art is how I express my emotions and turn my imagination into something tangible. I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. Whether it was on my math homework, on the back of a Taco Bueno receipt, a random piece of copy paper, or an actual sketchbook, I would find any space I could and draw whatever came to mind. Read more>>

Tashanna Nicole | Model | Socialite | Influencer

I wanted to be happy. I think the biggest time fashion became apparent to me was when I attended boarding school, we wore uniforms. They were terrible but honestly, I think they gave us the power to show our style and be our own selves. Outside of just the burgundy and white shirts polo shirts with the tree. Read more>>