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.

Tori Ceron | Cake Baker & Decorator

My whole life I’ve been an artist through and through. I absolutely love creating in every way – drawing, painting, writing – you name it. I actually for the longest time thought I was going to be a singer songwriter. I used to write and record music. However, at the time I was battling a serious drug addiction, and in order to get sober and stay sober, I had to give up that dream. Read more>>

Vida

Én Board Charcuterie is an extension of my holiday brand, DREAM Holiday, which is ultimately a “one stop shop” for all of your holiday needs. DREAM Holiday specializes in custom holiday décor for residences and businesses. Now with Én Board Charcuterie being an added service line, an extra, special, festive touch can be added to customers’ holiday orders, as well as for any given occasion year-round. Read more>>

Hao Shen | artist

Undoubtedly, painting makes me happy because it is not only my work but also a habit and a part of my life. I think the search and establishment of goals is often related to personal experience and the influence of the surrounding environment. When I was little, unlike other kids who liked to play outside, drawing and reading storybooks were my pastimes. Read more>>

Noelle

I decided to pursue a career in the arts because this is what I truly love. Ever since I was a child, I always knew that I wanted to be a singer and I couldn’t imagine not doing music. This career is what makes me happy and fulfilled. Read more>>

Nabeelah Muhammad | Social Media Ads Manager

My first job after college didn’t quite tap into my creative side. I found myself yearning for the opportunity to bring new ideas to the table and see a vision come to life. Unsurprisingly, I wasn’t performing well and dreaded work. Read more>>

BFF

We always like to say we were born to do music and be entertainers, we grew up glued to the tv watching stars like Brandy, Aaliyah, Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson learning and studying their every move. We always felt so connected to performing, by the time we got old enough to started creating our own music. It just all came together. Read more>>

Ruihan Li | Handbag Designer

My journey into art and design can be traced back to my earliest memories of crafting clothes for my Barbies. Since then I realized the joy and freedom of creating your own designs rather than conforming to the limitations of what already existed. Read more>> 

Brianna Gardocki | Artist & Muralist

It might sound corny, but it was my destiny. Although, it did take me years to realize that art could be my career! I had no idea what I wanted to do in college and tried a few different career options, but none felt right. I started creating art at a young age, I always enjoyed it. Growing up, I took AP Art in high school and knew I had artistic talent. Read more>>

Meghan Cronin | Photographer

A creative career never felt like a decision I had to make but rather something I knew I had to pursue. I deeply appreciate the power of storytelling through visual media and feel extremely grateful that I get to immerse myself in creativity through my imagery daily. Read more>>

Nickey Boyd | Executive Pastry Chef

I pursued an artistic and creative career because i wanted to turn my passion into something that brought joy to others. I wanted to use my gifts and talents to inspire others and a way to bring comfort. The best part of my job is hearing someone say my desserts remind them of their childhood. Read more>>

Justin Brand | Content creator/ fight choreographer

I didn’t always have the idea to pursue an artistic career. One of my main goals was to find something that I could help people, whether it be from motivation, wisdom, inspiration, anything that could leave a positive impact on their lives. It didn’t hit me until I started dancing how much art and media can have a lasting impression on someone, and when I saw the impact I had on people’s outlook on art and life, it motivated me to continue down a creative career path. Read more>>

Kristina McCalla | Founder, Executive Director & Interior Designer

I pursued a creative career in interior design because of my deep passion for aesthetics and the profound impact that thoughtfully designed spaces can have on people’s lives. I believe that our environments significantly influence our well-being, emotions, and overall quality of life. Read more>>

Ice Cool | Comedian

I am passionate about making people laugh. Therefore, I am pursuing a career in comedy and the film industry. You know what they say. If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I want to show the world my god given talent and how laughter can bring everyone together in unity. I want to see where my talent can take me.  Read more>>

Tyler Goforth | Singer/Songwriter & Musician

I’ve been a music lover since I was a kid. Listening to the radio and albums with my parents growing up sparked my ambition to pick up guitar and write songs as a teenager. I love a phrase I found online: “Music is what feelings sound like.” Read more>>

Shannyn Stallworth | Actress & Singer

From a young age, I discovered the profound impact that creative outlets can have on one’s life. Immersing myself in singing and playing the piano from an early age, I found that these artistic expressions provided a sanctuary during challenging times. Read more>>

Jada Tarsha May | Brand Design Specialist

Honestly, this was never my dream job growing up. I always envisioned myself in the medical field. But looking back on my childhood, I realise I was always a creative child. From choosing art in school, to designing the leavers’ jumpers for my secondary school (high school), to being a hair colourist, and creating flyers for family and friends, creativity was always something I was drawn to. I just never thought I could make a career out of it! Read more>>

ANTONE MURRAY | Full Body Wellness Provider

As eye spent time with self alot as a child, it helped me become more aware of what eye like and dislike. From coloring to playing video games being creative within anything eye did was always present. Eye always choosecto be different and aim to be the most creative over all. Read more>>

Carter Hightower | Photographer + Artist

It’s odd actually, I never really thought about actively pursuing a creative career, aside from wanting to be an architect when I was maybe 10 years old. Then, in my second job out of college working in Marketing for a small consulting & accounting firm I began to realize that the more abstract, creative parts of my job were the only ones I enjoyed. And it wasn’t for 3 more years that I began to notice I had a little knack for it. Read more>>

Naomi Moore | Content creator & Visual storyteller

Drawing, sculpting, and photography have always been a source of joy in my life. Growing up, my family was immersed in photography and media, and my brother, Russell, was a constant creative companion. He’d often involve me in his photography projects, solidifying our bond and fostering my love for visual arts. Read more>>

Jamyiass Brown | Graphic Designer

I Pursued And Artistic Career Because It Has Always Been Around In My life Since I Was 5. I always like to draw but wasn’t a very good drawer. Growing up I would like to create My own little people with nice looking clothing. I Really Didn’t Think Back Then That Art Would Be A Career. Read more>>