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.

Trevor Hancock

It’s pretty much all I’ve ever wanted to do. I come from a small hometown in Tennessee, where most people work blue-collar jobs, so creative work was limited and difficult to break through. I grew up watching cartoons and movies in my living room, dreaming one day I could be a part of that process. Originally I wanted to be an animator and work on Pixar movies, but eventually, I picked up a camera, and from then on I knew I wanted to do something in film. I had a lot of twists and turns, doubts, and concerns, you name it. Read more>>

Mengyan Luo | learner and communicator

For me, art is something that makes me feel reassured and calm. I often feel uneasy about sudden changes in the outside world. The feeling of being overwhelmed and helpless when something uncontrollable happens or original plans are disrupted. And the urgency to seize the moment and re-plan was exhausting. And artistic creation is something I can control, and everything about it comes from my ideas. I can boldly express my inner thoughts through art. Even if it’s absurd, boring, ridiculous, incomprehensible. Read more>>

Hoi Ching Ng | Concept Artist and Background Painter

My parents sent me to a bunch of interest classes since kindergarten. Drawing is one of the few that I still enjoy a lot after all these years. I simply liked it when I was a kid because I could draw my favorite cartoon characters and get compliments from my parents. Then, as I grow up, drawing has been a means to visually present my imaginary world and communication. Aside from gaining satisfaction from it and the pure enjoyment, as I grew up watching animation, I wanted to be a part of creating it too, specifically animated feature films. Read more>>

Alexa Liacko | News Anchor & Correspondent

When I was little, my sister and I used to grab the old family video camera and record our own newscasts. I wore my dad’s blazers and was the main news anchor, and my sister did our weather and sports report. We found it so fun to tell stories that we made up in our heads back then, but little did I know, moments like those would be the seed for a lifelong passion for storytelling and journalism. All those years later when it came time to decide on a college major, I chose journalism and fell in love from day one. Read more>>

HsiMing (Peter) Wang | Brand | Motion Designer

Since I was little, I’ve always felt a strong desire to create. The ability to draw or design things that come from my imagination has consistently brought me joy and a sense of empowerment. Over the past few years, I have also found that it’s not just about making my own life more joyful; I’ve found that my creations can bring happiness to others as well. Read more>>

Monica Bazemore | Video Creator

You should do more of what you love, and for me that means pursuing any avenue that allows me to create. I grew up surrounded by family who appreciate the arts- music and dance especially, and I feel that is what began the journey towards a creative path. As an adolescent I played competitive soccer, which is one of the most creative sports out there. I learned that I love being a leader who could create opportunities for my teammates, and I also learned that I enjoyed seeing our hard work and hours spent training turn into wins! Read more>>

Ryan Jensen | Photographer & Artist

I’ve never not considered a creative career. I’m a chef by training. I graduated from Culinary School in 2007 and spent over 30 years working in various kitchens across Salt lake City, Utah and the Atlanta Metro. Secretly i actually wanted to be some sort of artist, in the past few years, that want has been directed towards photography, though i do paint a little and i have been working as a Stage Manager for the Cherokee Theatre Company in Canton, Ga. Read more>>

Reesie Woods | Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur

I always felt as tho creativity had chosen me. When I look back hindsight, the soul music I was raised around it infused it way in my soul. Giving me this deep old soul that I feel as tho I posses. Being able to express that has always made feel like I was doing something right, but for myself, and not for any other persons’ benefit. There is no other feeling being able to validate yourself, and it just so happen that people really gravitate to your craft. Read more>>

Allen Chan | Professional Voice Actor

Both my parents were Chinese-Vietnamese immigrants that worked full time. In my childhood, I spent a lot of time by myself and needed a creative outlet to keep me busy. I occupied my time with so many video games, cartoons, movies, and anime that I knew I wanted to be involved in that space one way or another. In college, I had my first acting class and fell in love with the craft. It wasn’t until the pandemic/lockdown in 2020 that I had more spare time to chase the creative process. Being isolated with the rest of the world, my creative itch would not let me sit idly by. Read more>>

ChylMusic

Man, the world throws noise at you all day. Fake smiles, empty promises, same old beats. Had to carve out my own space, you know? This music, it lets me speak my truth, my way. Find a harmony in the chaos, a different kinda wave. Plus, ain’t nothin’ wrong with makin’ a livin’ doin’ what you love. Read more>>