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.

V’shonne Allen | Graphic Designer & Photographer

I always had this strong urge to contribute something to culture, and that’s where graphic design and photography came into play. While music held a special place in my heart, it wasn’t just the music that captivated me; it was also the very first impression – the album cover. I would spend hours drawing and analyzing album art, appreciating how it added depth to the artist’s narrative. Read more>>

Lil Daver | Rap Artist

I chose to pursue my Music wholeheartedly because this is the only thing that would make me happy and make me feel complete. It’s easy to accept the average job you’re given but it takes heart to chase your dream, and it takes drive and dedication to achieve it. Read more>>

Kenya Vaughn | Wig Stylist

I decided to pursue an artistic career because it allows me to be me, when I’m working on the wigs I create it’s like an open canvas. Wig styling let’s me color and style based on how I’m feeling or what I feel will catch the eye of others. There are endless ways to bring a wig to life; multiple colors, different types of curls, and so much more. Read more>>

Claire Lin | Motion Media Designer

My name is Claire Lin, I am a 2D motion designer. I mostly create 2D illustrative motion and 2D graphics motion. I majored in English Literature in my undergrad studies, so I am also very into conceptual storytelling when it comes to the idea of portraying how I feel about certain topics visually, and having the audience look at my perspective without directly telling them what the meanings are behind. Read more>>

Derrico Alston | Director/Cinematographer & CEO of alstonMEDIA

I chose an artistic career for many reasons. Some of these reasons include creating something out of nothing which is very satisfying, knowing that others can benefit from what I’ve created is in itself a reward. Being creative was a huge part of my childhood. For some, it’s the only way they know how to express their feelings and emotions. Read more>>

Peiyao Lyu | Film/Video Editor, Producer

I’m a Film/Video Editor, Producer. When I was growing up, my life was filled with movies. When I was a kid, every weekend my parents would take me to buy movie CDs. Later, when I was in junior high, my father would take me to see a movie every Sunday night. It was my favorite family activity. I loved to talk about what happened in the movie. Gradually, I realized that film could change people’s perceptions. Read more>>

Beth Inglish | Keynote Speaker, Artist, Founder of the Nashville Creative Group

When you feel the pull to live a certain kind of life, you just go for it—there’s really no other option. I identify as an artist and a creative, so what I create is basically an extension of who I am. Back in my early 20s, I was all into philosophy, trying to figure out what I should do with my life. Read more>>

Jaytilya Watkins | Author, Producer, & Artist

Because I’ve always been an artist. Every since I was a child in the 2nd grade I could always illustrate pictures. My dad and my late grandma were both gifted with the same talent. I inherited this creative size of me from them. It’s who I was meant to be. Read more>>

Joe Dentice | Owner and publisher of Eastside Vibes

Ever since I was young. I have always had a love for writing. Growing up, I would write short stories and poems for fun, and sometimes get them published in literally magazines that highlighted student writers. I have also always had a passion for music; I am constantly trying to find new, exciting artists and songs to listen to. After high school, I decided to not go to college. Read more>>

Jessica Willis | Marketing Manager & Graphic Designer

I chose this career as a way to express myself. I hate having to mask my true self. I like to maintain my personality and still be considered professional. Creativeness is definitely an outlet for me. It gives me the mental escape that we all need. Read more>>

Komel Chaudhry | Artist

Growing up, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I was always doodling on my notes and homework in school and also took art classes almost every year I went to school. After graduating High School, I still created art as a hobby, but over time I lost touch with it. Since 2020, I started pursuing my artistic path as a career after realizing that was where my passion truly lived. Read more>>

Chris Bargeron | Sound Healer & Creative Coach

Ever since I was 4 years old music has been a healing place of empowerment and safety. With a pair of headphones and cassette from the band Yes, I would escape to a magical place of creative wonder. A place where I imagined myself playing this music with the band. Now as an adult Sound Healer, I see how healing this music was for my young emotional state. Read more>>

Jada Reid | Producer/Strategic Producer

To give you the short version, I have always had a passion for writing and acting. Ever since I was a young girl, I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue. I attended both a performing arts middle school and as well as a performing arts high school where I majored in theatre. During that time, I wrote, directed, and produced my first short films. Read more>>

Kierra Gray | Singer-Songwriter

Growing up in a musical family, I quickly realized that music wasn’t just a career path. It was literally a part of my life, and it came in every avenue. From school to afterschool, to church, to home, music was interconnected with my life. And I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved exploring various instruments, joining the school orchestra and choir, and playing in summer bands. Read more>>

Laykon | Visual Artist & Producer

Despite always being an artist at heart, I tried a few different avenues before being inspired by a Banksy piece in 2021. I realized that I could only be an artist, it wasn’t a choice. Art is a way to touch so many different souls. I’d like to communicate a lot of different positive messages to society and actually help people, there is no better way to do that than be an artist. Read more>>