We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Jessica Swank | Artist & Instructor

Creating art is all I have ever wanted to do. I tried a different career path and it didn’t work for me, because it wasn’t making art. So I decided to put all of my energy into what I did want, and learn to make it feasible. My amazing community and support system have made this possible. Read more>>

Harvey Roman | Photographer and Video Creative

I always knew there was something special in me. Something I had to show the world. I’ve always had a creative mind and soul. I had to find a way to showcase it and that’s when I fell in love with photography and videography. Another big passion of mine is creative directing. It’s fascinating coming up with concepts, building the sets, scenes and creating an alternative universe within this one. Blows my mind every time. I believe you can express your art in many ways and not just one. Read more>>

Alex Trotter | Videographer, Photographer, Entrepreneur

All my life I have loved creating things. It started when I was younger and would draw for hours a day. As I got older, I realized the realm of creating was much bigger than I realized. I got into camera work and immediately fell in love with it. I realized I couldn’t sit at a desk job my whole life and wanted to do something I loved so that’s when I decided to pursue a career in creative media. My faith is also a huge part of my life. I believe that God is the ultimate creator and that we are created in His image. By creating things myself, I am reflecting The Creator and giving Him glory. This is truly what I desire to do throughout my creative career. Read more>>

Michael Williams | Drone Pilot / Photographer

I decided to pursue a creative career because it felt like the most natural way of connecting my hobby of drone flying, with the opportunity to share the world around us through an aerial POV. Read more>>

Jennifer Wagley | Creative Director

I think I have sort of fallen into an artistic career by viewing each professional role I’ve had through a creative lens. Whether ‘art’ was – or should have been – traditionally be found in some of my earlier jobs out of college, I tried to find it anyway. Now, as a Creative Director, my work is much more aligned to my passions, but I run into challenges and ways new ways to learn artistically. Read more>>

Kelly Stuckey | Children’s Book Author and Interior Designer

Creativity comes out in everything I do. It energizes me and makes me happy, I enjoy sharing that happiness with other people. Read more>>

Nakhema Spicer | Fashion Designer

I am a ready to wear fashion designer. I believe my tenacious ways are what sets me apart from the rest. The dedication and love I have for my business is unmatched. I am most proud of my journey to get where I am today! It was has been many hardships to get to where I am and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I am currently working on some new items for a 2023 summer spring collection that has me really excited! This collection is nothing like what I’ve done in the past. Read more>>

Maria Howell | Singer/Actor/Voiceover

I chose an artistic career, because I always knew what I wanted to do, since the age of 6. Read more>>

Andrea Rose Washington | Indie Author

I decided to pursue this career because I love to read, but I wanted more stories that featured a main character who looked like me. I pursued this career because, growing up when I would read one of my favorite books to escape. I could never honestly imagine myself as the main character. I want to give that possibility to the new generation growing up. Read more>>

Cristian Puig | Flamenco guitarrist and singer

I come from a family of flamenco artists, my mother is a singer and my father was a guitarist, I followed in the footsteps of my parents.when I was a teenager I wanted to be a soccer player, it was my dream, for different reasons I had to leave it, and I worked on different things, until on my birthday my mother gave me a Paco de lucia tape… and I blew it head…and I immediately wanted to be able to learn to play what I was listening to. And so I was learning and enjoying flamenco art. Read more>>

Brian Hebert | Executive Director, Chief Curator & Artist

I feel that my career path chose me. Reason being is that I have been a creative my whole life, even when it was not cool to be. I knew I was an artist at a young age and believed that I would get deeper into the arts as I matured. Upon entering college, I found myself looking at potential majors, but the only major that made sense was art. Once i decided to pursue a career as an artist, it was no turning back, therefore I went full throttle, learned all I needed to learn and got out of there to pursue my career and my steps have been ordered since. Read more>>

Shemika Stanley | Curvy Pole Instructor

Pole Dancing helped to shape the person I am today. It gave me the ability love myself in ways I never imagined, and being able to assist other people in their journey of self love and acceptance is an honor. Becoming a Pole Instructor and entrepreneur was not my intended path in life, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Read more>>

Howard Skip” Nedrick Jr | Comedian/Host”

I came into comedy in the middle of 2017 during a lot of personal matters that had me in the dumps. It became an outlet and helped to channel self expression in a healthy way. I think comedy was a derivative of me hosting events a few years earlier and I realized comedy is storytelling. It is something I am passionate about and finding ways to make people laugh is the best feeling in the world. That one skill has been impactful in a lot of others in my life (professional/creative/personal). Read more>>

Kelichia | Writer, Director, & Producer

The art of creativity has always been a big passion of mine. I can remember writing little songs when I wasn’t even in my teenage years. I come from a pretty talented family. Music was and has been of great influence on many of my passionate pursuits. I had a phase, in life, where I wrote poetry to keep my feelings in check. It was my soothing method. I eventually turned many of my poems into songs. I incorporated several of them in my stage play, which receive many accolades. I continue to pursue a creative career, because I enjoy bringing what I imagine to life. It aligns my soul and rejuvenates my visions. Read more>>

Angel Yang | Artist & Entrepreneur

When I was 12, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. The condition was a significant blow to my body image and self-esteem. The social enforcement of beauty standards put pressure on me that as a female I have to have a perfect body. I had to go through many doctor’s appointments and every appointment was colored with pain, embarrassment, and a distinct disconnect from my ideal self. Read more>>

Brandy Flint | Creative Artist Agency Owner

I have loved fashion and beautiful things since I was little. I specifically remembering in 8th grade, one day I just picked up a pencil and started sketching outfits. I immediately knew what field I wanted major in in when I went to college. Read more>>

Nafeezah Hendrix | Jane The Entrepreneur

I don’t think I chose this life. The creative lifestyle chose me, I’ve always been good at creating things with my hands. So I thought what can I make a business out of, that I would enjoy and that the people would enjoy, while building a Legacy for my children. Read more>>

Mookie G | Standup Comic

In December of 2017 my mother and I had a long conversation about me changing careers. Some how we got to talking about me becoming a standup comic. At the end of the conversation she was signing me up for the Jeff Justice Comedy Workshop and here I am now. Shoutout to Tommie Gauthia. Hey ma! Read more>>

Malan The Artist | Singer Songwriter

Music and rhythm is in my blood. It comes naturally to me. Wherever there is a great melody, I will sing and dance to it. It is how I express myself and is as natural to me as breathing. Read more>>

Carefreeblkboy | Creative director/Stylist/Handbag Designer

Growing up my only dreams was making it to the league or running track for team USA. Senior year of highschool changed my life drastically. I did research on some fashion houses, styling & watched tons of fashion shows from Gucci to ThomBrowne. Once I got to college I embraced the creative world and switched up my look. Started dyeing my hair, wearing different fabrics and patterns. After receiving tons of positive feedback on my looks, I knew this world was for me. Read more>>

Leslie Kimbell | Playwright

Because I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Being artistic and creative makes me happy. From the time I could stand I was putting on a show…and I never stopped. Theatre is my passion and theatre is MAGIC. Read more>>