We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Stephanie Gentry | Fashion Illustrator and Designer

I pursued a creative and artistic career because I believe in doing what I love for work. Growing up I was taught to choose something I enjoy doing for work because it’s what I’ll be doing every day. I have always enjoyed doing art ever since I was a child. Since then, I have had a strong desire to be a professional artist of some kind. Read more>>

Zykeria | Actress

I like to think that this career found me. I was always shy, and I fell in love with the art of acting. As a little girl I would watch several movies and television shows and knew I wanted to do something like that. I did my first stage play in elementary school, at the time I knew I wanted to keep doing it over and over again. I had so much fun, and I loved it. So, when looking back at a career I wanted to do I knew I wanted that same feeling. Read more>>

Luana Maria Seu | Photographer

Since I was really small, my parents encouraged my artistic interests so they introduced me to music and I started playing piano and flute. After that singing followed and when I turned 10 I got the courage to start dancing as well and that’s when my journey as a competitive ballroom dancer started. Art was always my way of speaking, living, breathing. Photography was my next step as a teenager because I was really shy and didn’t know how to communicate my feelings. Read more>>

Chase Conner | Musician and content creator

Because school sucks lol. No seriously, I just never had enough room to express myself growing up in school and work. Art allows me to have my voice my way. I believe that’s the most powerful thing we have in this life. Real emotions and real life Read more>>

Regina Brown-Jackson | Salon Owner/Hairstylist

I’ve always loved trying my hands at different things. Even when I was younger, I would go home after school and just draw, teach myself sign-language, calligraphy, and quilting from the encyclopedia, write poetry, and so forth. As I got older, I knew I had a creative side that I would tap into some way or another that I could use professionally. Read more>>

NaShaye Jackson | Journalist, Producer

I enjoyed conversing with people. Once I got really good and comfortable with it, I knew journalism was the path for me to take. And it’s opened so many more doors to continue on this journey. Read more>>