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.

Dréa Lewis | Actor, Director, Producer, Writer

Although I have a degree from Georgia Tech, having once studied Computer Engineering, my soul cried for a space to manifest my artistic ideas in. In the 17 years being dedicated to the arts, I’ve had a great number of experiences in the arts. Examples include working at Paramount Studios, creating a film/theatre production company, receiving a Special Achievement Award in Directing from the Kennedy Center, writing an actor’s training workbook (recognized for academic excellence by John Hopkins University), working as a union member of Actor’s Equity, teaching artists of all ages across the United States, hosting a podcast for artists sharing their paths towards working in entertainment, among other accolades, even preparing taxes for creatives! It’s been a joyful ride, and I’m still climbing new heights! Read more>>

Shan Bailey | Media Personality, Writer, Producer & Content Creator

As a multi-hyphenate creative, what really fuels my fire is telling creative stories that resonate with others.⁠⁠ Writing and storytelling have always been a passion of mine. Regardless of the medium, I believe in the power of storytelling as a means to inspire, motivate, and connect. Don’t you feel a little less alone in the world when you can relate to someone else’s story? Read more>>

La Tesce | Artist

I’ve always been deeply moved by music. The moment I decided to start writing music was the day I realized our radio stations were missing something. It’s missing the variety of sounds we had in the early 2000’s. The current sound of hip-hop is dope and definitely influenced the sound of my most recent singles, but I have so much more to offer to help switch up the soundwaves and I’m looking forward to doing that. Music is limitless as well as the creator of it. Read more>>

Cristal J | Content Creator

I chose the pursuit of a creative career because I wanted an outlet to express myself. Growing up, I was only allowed to watch television during the weekends, and whenever I had the chance, I would spend all of my free time watching Youtube videos. I would watch get ready with mes, makeup tutorials, fashion videos, and etc., and I always wanted to make my own. Read more>>

Jazm’yn Ragin | Creative Director & Entrepreneur

I choose to pursue a creative career due to the lack of representation of African American women of my complexion in the creativity community. While growing up in Manning, SC, I never had any prime examples of women of color choosing the creative path for a career and being successful in it. It also was never showcased to me as a career option in school. Read more>>

Cassi Kombat | Visual Arts / Mode

I choose to pursue an artistic / creative career because growing up I was a student athlete who never really embraced my femininity. I was such a tom boy growing up and always so slim I never understood the power that came with being a black woman who saw beauty within herself and embraced it until I started modeling independently. Read more>>

YannaMaria | Singer/ Songwriter

Ever since I was a little girl , I would always dress up in the mirror out on heels and perform in front of my family . As I got older it got worse , I was in every talent show, play, anything that had to do with music basically ! I LOVEEEDDDDDD to sing, and that’s one thing that’s never changed. It’s what makes me who I am, so I feel there’s nothing better I could be doing that pursuing what I love to do. Read more>>

Earl Dempsy Thomason Jr. | Writer & Producer

I pursued an artistic and creative career because it has always been my true passion and calling. Throughout my creative journey, I discovered that my ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought through words, whether in poetry or other artistic expressions, allowed me to connect with others on a deep level. Read more>>

Meagan Murphy | Deliberate Healing Productions LLC

I always marveled at the beauty of the natural world. The beach looked like the clouds, looked like the brain, looked like a walnut. I would gaze, awestruck, fingers reaching…wondering how I might capture such exaltant wonders through my budding photography and ‘inner spiritual poetry.’ Read more>>

Travis Theus | Illustrator & Graphic Designer

Honestly, I’ve been serious since 9th grade and I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by the right people who nurtured and pushed me in my life. Why I chose this path? I just stayed disciplined and imagined the possibilities of where an artistic career can take me. Read more>>

Ace May | Singer, songwriter & musician

Naturally I’ve always been an artistic soul since a child, and a lot of my sources of happiness have to do with my creativity. So, falling in love with music at a young afr only led me straight into a career of being a musician. It was so organic Read more>>

Nicole Mondestin | Photographer

I grew up when my beauty wasn’t considered the traditional standard of beauty. As a result, I was surrounded by so many people who felt they weren’t beautiful because of their features. What they saw as flaws, I saw as beauty marks. I used my camera to show them what I saw. I wanted to celebrate those features and redefine beauty to include all shades, colors, hues, and hair types. Read more>>

Anthony Erby Ingram | Makeup Artist & Chef

I honestly believe that my artistic career life CHOSE ME. At Wiley College, which is located in Marshall, Tx, I majored in Early Childhood Education with a minor in music before actually interviewing for MAC Cosmetics and branching off into makeup artistry full time. Once I actually put my heart into artistry my life changed; if I wasn’t a makeup artist I do not believe I would be as free and liberated as I am today. Read more>>