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.

Rachel Owens | Mixed-Media Illustrator

As a military child, I grew up all over the world, and as such was exposed to a diverse array of experiences and people. I was always fascinated with people and storytelling and the way that books and art connected the two in a unique and expressive way. Truly I consider ordinary everyday people and life to contributing the most in my decision to pursue an artistic/creative career. Read more>>

Won You | Designer, Entrepreneur, and Mentor

I discovered my passion for design by chance. Growing up, my parents, like many immigrant Asian parents, wanted me to pursue a career in medicine, law, or engineering. I initially wanted to study history, but to appease my parents, I started college as an engineering major. Read more>>

Dee Divakaran | Hybrid Motion Designer & Generalist

Growing up I was always curious about the process of creating art. I would try to research and experiment with every technique I came across and remember being excited about the endless possibilities of what I could try next. As I grew older, my excitement transformed into passion, which led me to pursue a creative career. I had fallen in love with animation very early in my life and the ability to draw and bring inanimate characters and things to life felt like magic to me. Read more>>

Via Li | Artist

As an artist, I have pursued a creative career driven by my passion for expressing myself through art. I have been in love with art since childhood, and I have continued to paint and draw throughout my life. The feeling of playing with lines and paint on canvas, coupled with the inspiring experiences of creating, are what I truly enjoy about being an artist. Read more>>

Alison Burns | Custom Cake Artist

I’ve always kind of been a DIY-er and attempt to do all sorts of projects. When I had my twins (third and fourth children) I decided the corporate world just didn’t make sense anymore. So I thought I’d try my hand at decorating cakes and cupcakes. Read more>>

Aileen Díaz | Hairstylist

I pursued an artistic/ creative career because I’ve always loved all types of art work people did growing up. Whether it was from someone doing a big hair transformation down or just painting a piece of artwork. I absolutely loved it!! I took art classes all throughout high school, but when I was introduced to hair it brought my eyes to a whole different side of creativity and it was always exciting. Every person in my chair is like an art canvas that have a different story, different starting point and it’s my job to make sure that their end result is flawless. Read more>>

Tina Guevara | Founder and Chandler of The Zona Co.

From a very young age, I always felt like my creativity was one of the strongest parts of me. It flourished and thrived as I was growing up in Arizona and continued to grow as I moved to Georgia. I have explored many avenues to express my creativity throughout life such as writing, singing, poetry, crafts, and anything else I could get my hands on. However, one avenue that always seemed to stick was using my hands to create. Read more>>

Sheri Riley | Director/Producer

I played by the rules my parents established early in my life. I got an education, graduated from college, found some corporate job and focused on making money. I worked for The Enquirer coming out of college writing as an Assistant to the Editor of a small publication called Cin Weekly. I later worked for Humana Health Insurance as a specialist for 7 years. And then 7 more years in the sales industry after leaving Humana. Read more>>

Dee Beatz | Music Producer

I feel like this is the only way I can express myself. Read more>>

Meechie Alexander | Hip-Hop Artist & Entrepeneur

I decided to pursue an artistic as well as creative career when I was younger because I was inspired by music. Music literally saved my life and as a kid I was always infatuated with the art and the structure of how to make music. Read more>>

Lydia Leiwang | Motion Designer & Illustrator

Haha, I guess this is one of the most frequently asked questions for artists. Perhaps I can extend this question a bit, why did I choose to become a motion designer? I attribute it to my family background and my experience of living in a multicultural environment. Sometimes I jokingly refer to myself as a “nomad wandering on the borders of Chinese community”. Read more>>

Ian Cole | 2D Animator & Visual Developer

When I was in middle school, whenever I was asked what I wanted to be, I would say “I want to make cartoons”. That motivation came from watching too many cartoons whenever I could, all the time, while I was growing up. Before that point though I didn’t understand how they were made; it made sense that someone had to actually draw all of it, but I never really considered the process because I didn’t know what that was. Read more>>

Benja Petty | Actor & Writer

It’s something that has always been in me. On my mother side, specifically, my cousins, we are a family full of entertainers. I think I inherited a really good sense of humour from my mother, and that I always wanted to be the one making people laugh, or being the centre of attention, and sometimes a bratty way. Read more>>

asoul | Singer/Songwriter & Producer

I pursued becoming an artist because of my passion for music. I’ve grown up to be heavily involved with music as my family all grew up in church and all were a part of a choir. I also was in choir for both church and school. With the passion for music being strong in my family I feel strongly supported in becoming an artist. Read more>>

Monisha Michelle | Model, Blogger, Content Creator

I chose to pursue an artistic (and) creative career because there is nothing that compares to expression. Expression comes in many forms for me–whether that’s modeling, writing, acting, styling, designing, allowing concepts that flow through my mind and heart to come to life, ect. My path/career allows me to ‘become’ everything I am, out loud. Read more>>

Abby Shashoua | Baker

Even as a young girl, I craved creating through play, writing, and art. Exploring theatre, art, and language allowed me to express and challenge myself and evolve as a life-long learner without stringent boundaries or expectations. Read more>>

Alexandria Richardson | Costume Designer, Tailor & Art Teacher

Becoming a creative was inevitable for me. At an early age I had a passion for arts and crafts, sewing, creating clothing and imaginative play. Although I always displayed strong academic skills, I always felt happiest when I was able to artistically express myself. Thankfully I had a mom who poured into my creativity such as placing me in art programs and contest. Read more>>

Phyllis Zhao | Visual Storyteller & Motion Designer

When encountering obstacles in my creation, sometimes I ask myself, what career would be chosen if I didn’t do art? But all assumptions will eventually be defeated by passion and love. I am willing to dedicate my whole life to art. Creation has given me a lot of superpowers. It can help me deconstruct nature, record life, and create the world using my visual language; it also gives me the ability to visualize emotions. I firmly believe that art can convey love and positive energy to people. As a creator, it is very meaningful to help more people find their inner peace. Read more>>

Daisha Banks | Entrepreneur

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a creative. When I was in middle school I wanted to be a fashion designer & a hairstylist. Currently I’m a Makeup Artist & Photographer in ATL. To bring along my creativeness, my mom used to make me customized wig heads to explore doing hair, and her and my dad showed me how to use a sewing machine correctly. I’m also currently a full time cosmetology student! Read more>>

Aniyah Serinity | Model & Content Creator

I’ve always been moved by creativity. I learned at an early age how creativity allows people to express themselves, grow in many aspects, and build communities. I wanted to expand on my passions and not only prove to myself but others that no talent is useless. Through pursuing a creative career, I’ve met the best version of myself. It’s challenged me, taught me the importance of taking risks, and given me an outlet. Read more>>

Christian D. Maddison | Author, Wordsmith of all things complicated and provocative

I pursued this career of being an author because of my love of words, forming them into art, and being creative with how I present them all to you. I’ve ALWAYS had a vivid imagination, have many talents, and am VERY creative. Whether it’s singing, cooking, baking, or school projects, it’s always been in me to be great, so I have grown into greatness, surpassed my childhood dreams, and developed into the person I was to become. Read more>>

Curtis Jerrod | Artist

I pursued an artistic career because it wasn’t forced. It naturally flowed. It also allowed me the time to learn better patience and discipline at my own pace. Read more>>

Saige Noelle | Singer/Songwriter

I know my purpose is to sing and move people with my voice. I know that I was made to create art that helps humanity. Read more>>

Lakith Adikaram | Producer | DJ

Hey guys, stoked to be doing this interview with ya’ll. So the main reason behind that i pursed a career in music is because it’s something you love personally. It connects more people together and creates moments for everyone. Read more>>

Lonny P | Rapper

Music has been my passion since youth. It calms me down and uplifts me in times of need Read more>>

MONKPANDA | Designer & Muralist

Well, one true reason why I pursue an artistic career is because, I truly enjoyed the discovery of the unknown and imaginative creative world. I found it very captivating, how I can create something out of thin air or referred to something that someone can relate to or relive a fun memory from they’re past. That type of bond from my audience is so special to me! Read more>>