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.

Brianna Nelson | Artist, Songwriter, Producer

I wrote my first song in middle school. It was not a particularly good song but it did plant a seed that would fuel my music career. I started diving deeper into songwriting and would write all the time. It felt so cathartic. I fell in love with the process of it, combining lyrics, chords, and melodies to express stories and emotions.. to then have that combination connect with someone and resonate… I was hooked and knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. So, with that feeling, when high school graduation came, it felt like a seamless, given decision I was going to pursue music as my career. I couldn’t, and still can’t, imagine doing anything else. Read more>>

Maren Hartman | Professional artist and calligrapher

I have been active in art my entire life. From designing my teacher’s bulletin boards in middle school to being the editor of my high school’s and college yearbooks, artistic design has been something I have been doing my whole life. Because of the image of the “starving artist” it’s not something I thought I could actually make a living at so I pursued my traditional career routes. So I started painting on the side and, little by little, I realized that creating art was something I could actually make a living at as well as be successful at the same time. They say that when you do what you love you never work a day in your life – that’s where I am now and it’s pretty amazing! Read more>>

Niyh Love | Hairstylist ,Mua, & Nail Artist

I decided to pursue a creative career because I feel being creative gives you a sense of freedom in an artistic way. I get to express my creativity through my work providing clients with hair services, coloring services, makeup services, and nail services. Having a creative career doesn’t feel like a boring job, there is always new ideas , designs, looks, and colors I look forward to recreating and imitating. It has always been a dream of mines since the age of 14 years old to own my own luxury hair and nail salon. Creativity inspires other stylists, makeup artists, nail techs, and brands to collaborate with one another. With the ability to think outside the box my clientele constantly increases, I learn something new daily , and it improves my ability to attract and retain new customers. Read more>>

Ayana Aura | Singer & Songwriter

I pursued a career creating music because I realized how much I loved writing. Music has become therapeutic for me since I first started writing at the age of 7. Most of my songs started with the word “ baby” in it when I was young lol then I started writing again at 16 and 17 and just realized how good I Was getting at it. Then came the studio seasions which I was clueless about but when I first started to record, the studio became my happy place. Read more>>

Tatiana Smith | Plus Size Model, Influencer, and Content Creator

I decided to pursue an artistic career as a Plus Size Model because its something that I’m very passionate about. I always thought that Plus Size people do not get the attention that they deserve. I always had faith that I would be working with big brands to get my face around the world. Most of the time I get to be in control of my own creative process when it is time to shoot pictures or videos. I get to pick out my own clothes, accessories & hair styles when I shoot. Although I am fairly new to modeling (2 years in) I want this to be my forever career, I have worked with a couple of big brands like Fashion Nova, Shein, Halara and Curvy Sense. I also won an ACHI Award for Model of the Year and Hairstylist of 2023. Being in front of a camera has always been my dream. Having an artistic & creative career is fun. You are always thinking of something new to do. You will always meet bigger influencers that enjoy to spread the live with you and give you a little more knowledge. Read more>>

Samer Alkaabi | Digital Artist

drawing has always been my escape for as long as I can remember, I always felt the need to express my emotions and thoughts on that random blank piece of paper. as I got older, I started drawing more of the things that interest me, like video games, anime, movies and portraits of people close to me, even if none of it was good at that time. Read more>>

Uniquica Askew | Actress & Model

My inclination toward an artistic vocation was not a deliberate choice but a manifestation of innate proclivities. From a young age, I discerned a distinctive calling by God. While my contemporaries harbored aspirations of legal or medical professions, I found myself captivated by a creative essence that set me apart. The realms of modeling, glamour, and theater beckoned since the tender age of three, imprinting upon me a resolute desire to contribute to the tapestry of the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Marc Vikton | Photographer, Creative Director & Model

I feel as though the career found me as opposed to me pursuing the career itself. It all originated from a hobby that eventually became something that could eventually become profitable. It was a creative space that brought peace to the forefront of my mental health that thankfully transpired into a business. Read more>>