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.

Brittney Mullins | Fashion Photographer

I fell in love with photography at the early age of 7, when I was given a Barbie film camera. I loved dressing up my Barbie’s and shooting them, sometimes even doing fashion shows! My love for photography and fashion never stopped, and I knew that was what I wanted to do at the age of 14. I’m so grateful my family was so supportive of my dreams, especially so young. Read more>>

Rebecca Payne | Artist & Stylist

I knew from a young age that I wanted to do something creative with my life. As a kid I preferred watching Bob Ross and cooking shows to cartoons and was very fortunate to have parents and teachers who nurtured those interest in me. I find nothing more satisfying than losing myself in the creation of something, be it in the studio, kitchen, or garden. The creative process taps into a part of the brain that feels stimulating and meditative all at once. It’s hard to describe, but to be honest, I don’t think I ever had a choice. I’ve worked in many creative fields in my life, from art education to film, as well as fashion and interior design, and find them all rewarding in different ways, but the ultimate goal has always been to support myself as an independent artist which is where I have put my focus for the past few years. Read more>>

Seycon Nadia | Influencer & Performer

I chose a creative career because I honestly believed I could be successful. Everything around me was always inspiring to write, or dance, or create spaces for others using performance art. Read more>>

Remy Franklin | Healthcare Advisor & Entrepreneur

Growing up, I was averse to risk and never strayed too far from the path my parents had always encouraged me to take – the path of education. You couldn’t convince me that I wasn’t supposed to go to school for the rest of my life. That’s not to say I missed out on any fun. I took part in my fair share of sleepovers, went on field trips, acted in school plays, choreographed performances for talent shows… but being in school was never a burden. Learning was always something I craved and something that no one could take away. Read more>>

KJ Fraser | Artist

This world need’s more expression and we should learn to be expressive, so that being said this is the reason I have chosen the path of an artist. The thought of my work having the power to help someone in anyway whether it be to see, hear or feel what they are feeling only makes the journey worth it even more. Read more>>

Ryan Marcus | Writer, Actor, Singer, Model

I think I’ve always been an artistic and creative person my whole life. I starting off drawing when I was younger, to writing short stories. I believe one of my first childhood dreams was to actually be a writer. I also came from a musical family and loved to sing and be in front of the camera when I was younger. So as the years went by I continued to pursue these passions. I was in chorus in middle and high school. I would do school plays and fashion shows. Eventually I even majored in music in college with a minor in mass communications. It’s always been a passion of mine and something I love to do. So I think it was only natural that I would pursue some type of career in the creatives. Read more>>

TIffany Ellaya | Designer & Wardrobe Stylist

Being a Creative has always come natural for me for as far as I can remember. I was unquestionably a expressively creative child. I’ve always had a passion and a drive in Fashion and the Arts. It’s what drew me in and calmed my soul. It was my outlet. My favorite classes in school were always the classes concentrating in a form of art. My parents always made sure I was active in the arts through out my childhood and adolescent years. Dance school to Marching Band to Art club and Theater Works, I was signed up for it…Every year. It was fun. It was exciting and it was the one thing I knew I would never fail at. Read more>>

L. “Von” Johnson | Creative Artist and Entrepreneur

I decided to pursue an artistic career because I have always been an artist. I was influenced by them as a child. I grew up in a family of people who could sing, dance, act, draw, sew, etc. As a kid I was indulged in all types of creative activities. My father and many other people in my family sing, as do I. My aunt was a great visual artist. My grandmother was a seamstress, I used to watch her sew and she gave me paper dolls to play with as gifts. I started believing I could make a living from the creative arts when I was 14. Read more>>