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.

$WVNK GAWDESS | Recording Artist/Model/Muse

I don’t believe anyone outright chooses to be an artist.. I think it more so chooses you. If anything, those who are chosen must decide whether or not to accept their destiny. All creatives are born with a spark that can either be fed or smothered depending on circumstances, environment and other stimuli. If fed, the spark becomes a flame. As children, we all naturally possessed a carefree and curious spirit that encouraged us to explore and create and simply be as we pleased. I feel like the older we get, we allow other peoples projections or opinions on what/who we should do, want or be override our innate sense of self- ultimately dousing that flame. I decide to fuel my fire with my art because it is quite literally what keeps me warm. Read more>>

Fawn Ortega | Journeyman Make-Up Artist – IATSE 798

After my parents divorced, I spent a lot of time with my Aunt who went to beauty school as a hairstylist. I was her test subject as a kid because I had beautiful long, thick hair. I swept the floors, read all the books at the shop, and went to her salon after school instead of going home. Over time I helped her mix colors, and assisted her in any way that I could. She was my idol, and definitely inspired my career. She had always wanted to be a freelancer, but her full-time salon work didn’t allow that. Plus while she was great with hair, she was really bad at make-up. The salon got in a huge skin care display by Trucco. No one was really using it, so I started playing around with it. Read more>>

Hensleys | Indie punk band in Atlanta

Our drummer doesn’t even own a drum kit, so we have no idea. He just learned on Rock Band a decade ago and now i guess practices in his head or not at all. He’s pretty good, though. The rest of us do own instruments and love playing them. When you put us all together, we really have no choice but to play music. Read more>>

Xodae | Singer, Songwriter, Student of Music, Artist

When I think back, I recognize now that I had chosen this path well before I ever realized it. Music played a pivotal role in every important stage of my life in some form or fashion. As a young child I suffered heavily from repeated nightmares and the only thing that would seem to keep these at bay was a small radio that my mom placed in my room. Wether it was Jazz, Soul, R&B, or many others, I continuously found myself drawn toward art. I made the decision to join the military, but soon after it finally hit me that music was what I not only wanted, but needed. I began to build a studio and record music. Read more>>

Xueting Li | Animation/Game Artist

From a very young age, my fascination with animation and video game art exposed me to the beauty worldwide. As I delved into the artwork of others, I discovered the profound ability of art to express and transcend personal sentiments. Consequently, during my teenage years, I embarked on the journey of learning to sketch, as it provided a means to authentically depict my inner thoughts. It is my unwavering passion for this art form that keeps me engaged in the creative industry. Read more>>

Kevin Pedroza | Artist, Poet, and Photographer

I think most kids as they grow up lose the ability or focus on other aspects of life and put their artistic nature behind them. For me creativity and imagination was second nature. While other kids in my academic career were out-going, participating in class regularly, and nurturing their connections with my peers, I kept to myself. I doodled, made up stories with intricate plots, and lived in my own world. Getting into High School, like everyone else, I tried desperately to fit in with everyone. I did not feel comfortable there until in 10th grade I signed up for a photography class. That decision changed everything. Read more>>