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.

Sincurr

Growing up to a single mom from the Caribbean I am first generation American in my family. I watched my mom work hard for me on her own and she still pursue what she wanted on her terms. I always had a love for poetry where is where I started. Then one day put it to music and rest was history. Also, I never wanted to be trapped into one box for me I am not just an artist. I’m much more. To inspire change was always my goal and this was only way for me. Read More>>

Bc Tray

It’s something that makes me happy – it allows me away to paint my feelings in lyrics for the world to resonate too. Read More>> 

Da Real Queen

Because I ain’t never had a choice. Music been in me since day one—it’s how I survived, how I healed, and how I made sense of the world around me. I grew up seeing struggle, hearing pain, feeling overlooked… but when I started writing and rapping, I found my voice. I ain’t trying to fit in or follow trends—I’m telling my story, my way. Like I said in my track: “I think they timidated of me, I can see it in they eyez…” And that’s real. This is bigger than music for me. It’s legacy. It’s truth. It’s power. Read More>>

Photogra Ford

Photograford is drawn to the quiet magic in everyday life, the way light falls across a face, the hush of a familiar place, the weight of a memory. There’s an undeniable pull toward capturing scenes that feel like they’ve been plucked from a half-remembered dream. Stories unfold in the shadows, in the grain, in the spaces between what’s said and what’s felt. Photograford is drawn to the quiet magic in everyday life, the way light falls across a face, the hush of a familiar place, the weight of a memory. There’s an undeniable pull toward capturing scenes that feel like they’ve been plucked from a half-remembered dream. Stories unfold in the shadows, in the grain, in the spaces between what’s said and what’s felt. Read More>>

Kenya Hendricks

For me being creative is like breathing air. Writing feeds my spirit and allows me to connect with people. There is music and color and this indescribable peace that I feel when I’m able to write. From poetry as a child to writing and singing as a teenager, it’s always been something creative. Now as an adult I get to combine all the things I’ve loved in life into my filmmaking. Read More>>

Ryan Sizemore

There’s a bit of selfishness in why I write, I will admit. It’s the thrill of telling a story. The way my hands shake as my fingers dance around the keyboard and the excitement I feel when a scene I have written feels life like and enthralling. It’s fun. The entire process is captivating. It’s something difficult and challenging. That’s a reason why I love writing so much. Read More>>

Dr. David Thomas

In my earliest years of recollection, I clearly remember being a toddler and performing full concerts looking in the full body mirror in the Powder Room in my home. I would spend hours on end singing and dancing whatever came to mind with all of my might. It was at that tender age that I understood that whatever I could think of or conceptualize in my mind, I could manifest.  Read More>>

Devi Singh

Growing up, I just always enjoyed drawing over most other things! It’s interesting to me since I’m the only one in my family to have ever really gotten into art at all, and I knew at a young age that creating art was what I wanted to do as a career. It was difficult at times to believe I would even have a chance at success as an artist. There would be those people who tried to dissuade me from pursuing what I love to do, but it only made me want to prove them wrong! And I’m really glad I stuck to that, too. I really couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else! The overall goal I want for my career is to just create whatever I want! And I’d like to inspire other artists who might be afraid to do so, as well. Read More>>

Derek Bolden

I’ve always been drawn to great art. Whether it be music, films or engineering, there has always been a fascination with creation. As a young child, my grandpa used to tell me to act sick so I could skip school and watch westerns with him: these are some of my favorite memories from my childhood. Additionally, I loved watching 80’s television and Chaplin films with my dad. As I got older, my friend, Luke, and I became fascinated by audio and film history.  Read More>>

Atia Badd

I chose an artistic and creative path because it’s where I feel most alive and free. Expressing myself through beauty, visuals, and storytelling allows me to connect with others on a deeper level. Creativity has always been my way of healing, communicating, and making sense of the world around me. It’s not just what I do — it’s who I am. Whether it’s nails, photos, music, or film, I create to inspire, empower, and leave a lasting impact. Art gave me purpose, and now I use it to help others feel seen and celebrated. Read More>>

Jamal Evans

Ever since elementary school, I’ve been creating stories writing them in my journal and even presenting them to the class. My mom always encouraged me, telling me I had a talent and buying me books to help expand my imagination. When senior year of high school came around, while most of my classmate’s pursued business, I chose a path where I could fully explore my creativity and deepen my understanding of film. That’s why I decided to major in Film and Television.  Read More>>