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.

LESLIE MCGRIFF | Self-Taught Jewelry Artist

I pursued an Artistic and Creative career because I’ve always found Joy in making Beautiful things. I have a Degree in Interior Design so creating an amazing and completely balanced space from a blank canvas is a feeling of total fulfillment. Moving forward to pursue a career in the Beauty industry as a Master Cosmetologist and Cosmetology Instructor, I was further able to express my freedom in creating Precision cuts, Beautiful Custom Hair colors and Eye-catching Styles…the priceless expressions on the faces of my wonderful clients meant the world to me! Read more>>

Mariah Rountree | Model, Singer, and Actress

I think my artistic side really just stemmed from my childhood and the positive feelings and memories attached to it stuck with me. Growing up pretty much as an only child, I had to find ways to entertain myself. The main things I enjoyed was playing with my dolls-by coming up with very imaginative, detailed scenarios, watching television reruns, and rushing to do my homework so afterwards I could be on the karaoke machine for the rest of the evening. Read more>>

Lexi Waldman | Photographer

I have been creative since a young age and was drawn to different artistic expressions. I began my photography journey during high school and found it to be an ideal way for me to express my creativity. Photography interested me because it freezes a moment in time and provokes an emotion from an image. I recently graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Photography. My style has shifted a lot over the past years. Read more>>

Alex Buhlig | Band leader and songwriter of the Atlanta based Progressive metal band Sight of Theia.

When I was younger I was so deeply and positively affected by music I wanted to bring that same joy to others. Read more>>

J.R. Traas | Author of The Aelfraver Trilogy” & Tutor”

At 11 years old, I decided to become a writer. As it’s been over two decades since then, my exact starting motivations are fairly hazy, but I recall craving the same thing many little kids do — ascension to godhood. Fantasy provided a natural-feeling playground for my deific desires. I already loved books like “A Wizard of Earthsea” and “The Golden Compass,” and my irrepressible impulse, “I want to do that too!”, quickly had me inserting cardboard versions of friends and family into one-dimensional one-act narratives. Read more>>

Nida Haque | JustChocol8 by Nida

There were so many great questions to choose from but I chose this one in particular. The reason being, I am a doctor by education and get asked this often that what made me choose this. While I loved being a doctor, I always had a creative side and tried adding personal touches to little things here and there. I always made decorations and desserts for my children’s birthday and school parties. Read more>>

Jacori McDaniel | Actress & Professional Dancer

Choosing the career as an Actress and Professional Dancer has always been the vision for me. I have always felt my calling is to perform. Ever since I was born, I feel in my spirit that entertaining others is my duty to fulfill while I am here on Earth during this lifetime. Being in front of large crowds excites me from within. Knowing that my talents speak volumes in a way that the reaction is a standing ovation from the crowd is confirmation of what God gifted me to become. Read more>>

Britni Ariel | Music & Cake Artist, M.S. in Marketing

One thing that has always been common in whatever position I’ve held, is creativity. I’m naturally a very creative person who creates within multiple mediums. Whether it’s music, food, event curation, marketing and more, I have to be creative in my career roles. As a creative, it’s often hard to find the right fit as people tend to put you in a box, but I’ve found that as long as I’m able to create and inspire in my work, I receive joy and fulfillment. Read more>>

Mario Herrera | Fashion Designer , Tattoo Artist , Visual Artist , Model

I pursued a creative career because I genuinely love art and it’s many forms. I want to be able to connect with people on a deeper level than verbally. I want the energy I put into my craft to gravitate towards people as well as other people’s work gravitate to me. Read more>>

Kelly Little | Licensed Esthetician and Pro Bridal Make up Specialist

I always enjoyed art as a kid. When it comes to make up artistry, knowing your primary colors is key. This plays a big role in foundation matching and then know what colors balance well per skin tone. I love to creative different looks and see the reaction of my clients when they see the final result. Once I tapped into the Bridal world, I knew this was my specialty because I pay close attention to detail and ensure it’ll look timeless on camera. Read more>>

Christie Jean | Model & Aspiring Actress

I chose this modeling path because it was something I wanted to pursue since I was a little girl and prove to myself that you can start modeling at any age. I also wanted to pursue this path to show other women that you can succeed in the industry without compromising yourself. With discipline and the right people behind you, it’s achievable. Read more>>