Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Angie Wang | Artist & Illustrator

It’s not that I chose art, it’s that art has been guiding me forward. Everything started when I picked up a pencil unintentionally early in childhood, and it just never came to an end. It is my most faithful companion of no conditions. I switched my career from science to art in college, which is when I could finally embrace it and give back the love and joy I get from art to those I love. Read more>>

Tracey Richburg | Resin crafter and artist

I really didn’t Perdue an artistic or creative career I think it found me. Before and after military service I was employed in the medical field. I. 2018 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, a meningioma, and was having some issues with memory and problem solving. I started working with resin as a hobby and as a way to relax and explore my creative side. Read more>>

Jaclayvious Emmanuel | Artist

Its all i know. Im not smart enough to be a doc or type on a computer fast enough to work corp jobs. Im pretty good at painting so why not be an artist. Read more>>

Kira Jean | Freelance Entertainment Reporter & Comedic Content Creator

I decided to pursue a creative career because I genuinely love connecting with people and telling stories. There’s so much to uncover in a world full of experiences I think so many people want to share. I’m just serving as a voice to the voiceless. I was also voted most creative in Jr. High school so I’d say I’m putting that superlative vote to good use! Lol Read more>>

Elizabeth Underwood | Actor, Producer, and travel agent

I chose this career to be able to connect to others on a deeper level. To tell stories that inspire, help, educate, or offer hope. To be able to do that by portraying different characters is the most fulfilling thing to me. You get to explore parts of yourself and others that you normally wouldn’t. Read more>>

Flyest Comedy | Comedic influencer

Laughter is the cheapest yet one of the best medicines you can give to an individual going through and situation. Read more>>

Saidah Nairobi | Dancer, Actor, Singer, Author, Realtor, and Mother of 2 Girls

As early as I can remember I have always loved music and entertainment. I remember playing Dorothy in a local community play of the Wizard of Oz in Queens, NY when I was 5 years old. I remember taking african dance classes in the summer. I remember watching The Bodyguard with my Mom for the first time and going into the bathroom crying after she sang “I Will Always Love You.” Read more>>

Jasmine Simone | CEO of J.SimoneMedia

As a child, I was obsessed with music, film, and television. I’d spend hours in my bedroom watching the same movie or television show over and over again. I initially thought I wanted to be an actress, but I realized my talents are best served behind the camera. Read more>>

Cindy Liu | Illustrator & Sequential Artist

Drawing is a good way to help me “vomit my thoughts out”. To me, looking at the inside world of human beings has been always interesting but also causes me to overthink helplessly. I want to be a thinker who can help people. I believe illustration is a tool that can either reflect expressions and inspired hope in this world, which is why I pursue artistic career. Read more>>

Shay Newell | Press On Nail Designer & Small Business Coach

Growing up I was identified as a “talented and gifted” student. By the 2nd grade I was grading papers and tutoring my peers. My parent were told to transfer me to a neighboring magnet school to challenge me. Amazingly that school had a rich arts program as well and I fell in love with paper mache, painting, clay, and so many more mediums. Read more>>

Yanni K Babii | Singer/songwriter, model, actress

I honestly pursue an artistic career because that’s what makes my soul sing. Since the age of 5 I’ve been in the arts. Dancing, acting, modeling, playing instruments, writing songs and plays. It’s really all I know and all that makes me happy besides my wellness business I have. Read more>>

Angel Leya | USA Today Bestselling Author and Fiction Book Cover Designer

I kind of fell into things. I’ve always had a love for books and art of all kind, but it wasn’t until I told a friend about a recurring dream about meeting my OTP (one true pairing, not one-time password, lol). I told her I wanted to write a book about a tandem dream romance. Her response? “I would read that.” Read more>>

Kimlee Davis | AKA D0rkf4ce, Artist, Writer, & Musician

Art is therapeutic and comforting. I’ve been through too much in my life and the only thing that I have found to help me mentally whenever I’m not feeling my best is various forms of art. I’m definitely drawn to art for other reasons that seem to be intuitive, but the healing that takes place whenever I am creating something is extremely important to me. Read more>>

Chink Jones | Artist & Songwriter

For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with music. I was always decent at sports but I was never big enough or tall enough to go far with it. I first got the idea to actually start writing my own lyrics after me and my brother saw this Usher Twix commercial but when I first started writing of course I was terrible but the more I practiced the better I got. I think I was around 8 or 9. Read more>>

Deborah Conton | Movement-based artist/Spiritualist

For me, dancing for me and my spiritual practice goes hand in hand. I started in the clubs in Atlanta via my mother, Sister E. She would go to MJQ religiously for DEEP Saturdays (all Deep House Music) with Kai Alce, DJ Kemit Cullen Cole, and Kemeticjust. Read more>>

Ashiya Patel | Student at the Rhode Island School of Design

I grew up in an artistically limiting environment, but like many other artists, I had nothing else to do but think and draw, so I did my best with what I had. I reflected on this period of my life as I neared college applications, and what I was going to do next. I was afraid of the isolation that I might feel, and didn’t know about the opportunities I would have access too. Read more>>