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.

Benjamin Sims

My pursuit of an artistic and creative career stems from a deep need for expression, joy, community, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Growing up in a southern, religious household, I often struggled to reconcile my internal identity with the expectations placed upon me. Read More>>

Jiahui Yu

I have always been fascinated by observing the world, analyzing the logic behind things, and expressing ideas through creation. For me, design is more than just a profession—it’s a way to connect people with the world. I believe that great design enhances experiences, making complex things intuitive and seamless while subtly guiding user behavior. Read More>>

Isaac Belton

I have always loved to create things and ideas that would make people feel good, smile or have a great time since I was a child. I was always felt fulfilled and greatly appreciated when I was able coin concepts and pen them down or join a brainstorm session to generate creative ideas for my school’s projects, events and academic works as well as my home community, family and friends. Anything apart from creative work felt boring and drained me a lot. That was when I realised the industry I was going to work for in the future. Read More>>

Khushi Patel

I come from a really big, Indian family where all my cousins and siblings are pursing business and medicine. From a young age I knew my brain wasn’t meant for that. It’s not that I didn’t ace academically, but my mind just didn’t work like that. I have had a camera in my hand pretty much since I can remember. My family didn’t want me to pursue an artistic career, they always pushed academic extracurriculars.  Read More>>

Melana Singletary

For as long I can remember I ALWAYS loved games! I loved the thought processes they involved and the sense of accomplishment that I felt when I completed levels, or figured out a puzzle. However I grew up believing that games were not a path to financial freedom, they are just frivolous modes of fun and nothing more. Read More>>

Malon Mahotiere

Greetings! Thank you for asking. I decided to pursue a creative path because I believed it was my calling. Being creative is a gift. Ever since I was a child, I always had this desire to express myself. Whether it was writing, singing, dancing or talking to people; I enjoyed self expression. Pursuing my creativity and appreciating it were two different aspects because once you pursue it as a career path or business venture then it becomes an extensive part of who you are. Art is the creative outlet for expression. However most people use art to release emotions or express it. Read More>>

Jacqueline Evadne

Full disclosure: I am lucky enough to be able to pursue a creative career that funds my art. I write for a living, which I love, but my true passion has always been working with my hands—painting, sketching, throwing, sculpting, carving. I spend hours in the studio each week, bringing my visions to life. Read More>>

Nia Dinero

I’ve always been a creative thinker—honestly, I’m even left-handed, so that probably says something! I’ve never been one to follow the traditional path; I love finding new ways to solve problems and thinking outside the box. People often think creativity is just about making art, but it’s so much more—it’s the way we naturally process things and see the world. My love for the arts gave me a space to explore that creativity and pushed me to take risks, be original, and not shy away from doing things my own way. That sense of freedom and possibility is what wakes me up every morning, excited for what’s next! Read More>>

Destiny Tinajherrio

I come from a big, close nit family full of talented men and women. Almost all of the women & men in my family either have some type of talent working with their hands or they can sing. I even have a few cousins and even a few siblings that has released some dope rap records as well. Read More>>

Olandus “odus” Smith

I’ve always indulged in the arts. once i moved to alabama, i met a lot of people and friends who were deeply involved in photography and fashion! So like most people with a creative side, seeing others create brought out more of me wanting to make something of my own. Read More>>