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.

Adrienne Stoker | Interior Designer & Owner of Adrienne Stoker Interiors

As a naturally creative person, it made sense for me to gravitate towards a creative field of work. I’ve always been fascinated by interiors but it wasn’t until I was in college that I entertained the idea of studying interior architecture. I knew I wanted to go into a field where I could help others improve their quality of life but wasn’t exactly sure what that would look like for me. I was initially a nursing major when I started college but figured out pretty early on that wasn’t my calling. I looked into the interior architecture program at UTC and knew it would be the perfect fit. It became clear to me that a profession in interior design offered the perfect blend of art and science that I had been searching for—a way to help others while expressing my creativity through my work. Read more>>

Laura Monteiro | Artist & Designer

1. Passion: I have a genuine passion for art, design, music, writing, and other creative fields, driving me to pursue a career in these areas.
2. Self-expression: My creative career offer an outlet for self-expression and the ability to bring unique ideas to life.
3. Innovation: Artistic and creative fields often involve innovation and pushing boundaries.
4. Personal fulfillment: Pursuing a creative career beings me a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as individuals we are able to use our talents to make a positive impact.
5. Flexibility: Creative careers can offer flexible paths, it allows me to work as freelancer and entrepreneur. Read more>>

Tenesha L. Curtis | Author & Publishing Manager

I decided to turn literature into my full-time occupation because I love it so much. Why not get paid to do something you would do for free? I wrote books and poems, and even helped people with their own writing and publishing needs, while I was working as a psychotherapist. But turning a beloved hobby into something that can pay my bills was the best move I ever made. I loved helping people struggling with drug addictions, so switching over to helping people plan, enhance, promote, and publish their work allowed me to use the same skill set in a different industry. For someone living with ADHD, I’ve found that being a business owner has created a much less stressful working environment than I had to deal with when working with nonprofits and governments. Spending my time each day crafting new worlds, assisting others with telling their own stories, or teaching writers about how to get their authorship started is both entertaining and enlightening. Read more>>

TAE RIM KIM | Artist

Above all, I have enjoyed drawing and painting since I was young. And every time I see paintings and artistic works, they always makes me moved and gravitate to something that can’t be explainable. Art is expressed depending on their personality, cultures, and environment. The way people express character, they reflect their own values and outlook that we can’t see from the world in person. In this aspect, making art is meaningful to me in terms of transmitting impression to people. Art can inspire and motivate their life. Read more>>

David Unlayao | The Filipino Cowboy

I have an incredibly deep passion for art- and as a Filipino, my culture is extremely musical as well. My Nanay Linda (Grandma) was an amazing songstress in the Philippines before she immigrated to the US in the 80’s. My father is 1 of 11 kids and they were all involved in the family band at church. I can still hear my Nanay Jemma (my fathers mom) singing perfect harmonies to hymnals at the family parties. Read more>>

 Izma Anwar | Illustrator & Designer

The easy answer to that question would be, because I liked drawing and fortunately had a knack for it. But if we were to pick it apart then simply, I guess I always knew that nothing made me happier than creating; and perhaps selfishly, I wanted to pursue whatever sparked that joy for me. I discovered a love for visual storytelling and wanted to connect with people through my illustrations. Read more>>

Olivia Inkster

I pursued an artistic and creative career path, because, in my soul, I felt that I couldn’t authentically succeed at anything else. I’d be lying. I struggle with-albeit cliche and often overused-imposter syndrome. But, anything other than journalism, writing, styling, and creating (whether editorial looks or mixed media art) would have entailed impersonating someone who wasn’t me. And, quite possibly, someone I felt pressured to be, stemming from my insecurities about failing at the things I truly loved. I feared that failure. But, I had to let that all go. Read more>>

Leslie Murphy

I am one of those few people who knew what they wanted to be when they grew up and never waivered. Being an artist was never a question for me. I always knew that was what I was meant to be, and I honestly cannot imagine having chosen a different career path. I chose to prioritize a joyful life. That I’m able to pay my bills while in pursuit is a blessing. Read more>>