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.

Ernesto Cardenas | DJ, Musician/Producer & Creative Director

The decision to dedicate myself to music and art came to me in 2 aspects, the internal and external. First, internally my exploration of music and sound from a young age, grew into a passion that has led me down a path of self discovery and expression that is still on going. The study of music has allowed me to learn, appreciate and more deeply understand the mathematical, geometrical, and philosophical beauty of the world, which is a great source of inspiration for me. Read more>>

Kaloni Cush | Artist & Business Owner

I have been a creative person since I was a kid. I was always creating something but fast forward to where I am now, I always wanted to be a business owner and as I got older I wanted to own a business that could allow me to do two things 1. give me the freedom to create on my own terms, and 2. connect with my community. So opening an art store was perfect for me because it’s so many avenues I can tap into to that will still be true to me and also aid me in making a differance and connecting with people. Read more>>

DopeByNature | Songwriter/Singer

Well I pursued a creative career because I honestly felt that the talent I have always had was too great to not use it. I could always sing & write & like Many other great singers I started in the church at the early age of 7-8 singing in front of thousands of people. I started off writing poetry when I was in elementary honestly & that Just grew into writing songs as I got older. I wrote my first ever full song at the age of 17 and then found a producer who created a beat around the lyrics I wrote & from There I started writing a lot of hooks for my friends who rapped then I moved on to write more full songs to other beats that were provided either from producers or the internet & it Just grew from there. I am a pretty good singer but my true passion is writing because I can explain a story better through lyrics. Read more>>

Regina Vera Castellanos | 3D Animator & Production Manager

I have always been drawn to artistic things. Dancing, Reading, Drawing, you name it. I distinctly remember I loved watching animated shows and movies -as most kids do- and I suppose I just never outgrew that part of me. When I discovered that you could major in and have a career in animation it was game over for me. I was doing every bit of research and planning I could to make sure going to art school as an animation major happened. I’m really thankful that attending the SCAD Atlanta campus solidified that this is where my passions lie and I picked the right career path. Read more>>

Melissa Fleming | CEO of The Fab friend

I pursued a creative career out of necessity. If someone would have told me that I would own a business that makes skin care products, I would not have believed them. I wanted to be a vet, LOL. But I had children that were born with Eczema and they needed my brain to be focused on their skin instead. Read more>>

Jabari Haakim | Entertainer

I started singing in church leading the children’s choir at age 9. From there I fell in love with acting and writing. Read more>>

Tripp Azure | International RnR Rockstar

Honestly, It’s as if it was predestined for me. Ever since I can remember music has played a MAJOR role in my life. Through Victories, Relationships, Lessons, it’s always like a soundtrack to my ongoing docuseries. I eventually wanted to create my own soundtrack, so I began to create the “Tripp Azure” sound. Through endless talent shows, showcases, and small performances i begin to see that THIS IS IT! THIS IS MY PURPOSE! Read more>>

Aidan Henri | Model & Actor

I pursued an artistic and creative career because it is the only thing that I have ever known. I come from a family of artists, creators, My mother is a graphic designer, my father is a collector and a photographer. My Nonna loved to sing, cook, and garden more than anything in the world, so the calling was always there. Through all of them I was able to see that the world is so much wider than a 9-5 position. Read more>>

Ayanna Campbell | Independent Fashion Designer

I grew tired of working for others. It was exhausting and almost kind of depressing. Even with being a top performer I was underappreciated, overlooked, and underpaid. I knew I wanted to go into business for myself, but I never knew what to do. Since as long as I can remember from the age of 7, I wanted to be a businesswoman. Although I had no idea at the time what that meant, I was mostly fascinated by the attire, suits, and briefcases. It seemed like a serious and powerful job to have, and I was captivated by it. One summer I used to sneak out of the house after sunrise and take this vintage suitcase to my pretend job. Read more>>