Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Allia Brazzle | CEO & Creator

I decided to pursue and artistic yet creative career because I love authentic and original, I am different and I want the world see my creativity through my work. Read more>>

Logan Marber | Actress, Singer & Filmmaker

I can’t imagine doing anything else. I feel like it is where I belong and what I am meant to do. It really makes me happy doing something that lets me express my emotions. Read more>>

Emma Dietz | Artist & Owner of Art by ED

Growing up, my parents always supported my interests – art has been my primary interest for as long as I can remember. They always told me to do what I love and then you will love what you do. I’ve really lived by that my whole life. From art club in middle school to taking every art class in high school to summer programs at SCAD, and eventually choosing it as a major in college. Read more>>

Alexandra Alampi | Dancer & Dance Teacher

I pursued an artistic or creative career in Dance. Since I was a kid, I knew I was a performer. I have committed more than 20 years to dancing and I don’t quite see my life without it. Read more>>

CHEYÉNNE | Artist & Producer

Pursuing music means I get to express a part of myself that would otherwise be muffled in a non-creative career. My creativity is important to me and I couldn’t see myself being happy with a life that doesn’t utilize it every day! Read more>>

 Katie Belle | singer, songwriter, model, actres

Music has called to me from such a young age, in a way i’ve never imagined anything different. But also looking back at it and when i was a kid I was t conventional anyway. The way i dressed, how i acted for my age, even the way I imagined the world and my future. Sometimes i feel like i chose music, but i know music also chose me. Read more>>

Lj Da Joker | Song writer & Music Artist

I chose a path of creation that allowed me to best express myself freely. I’ve been blessed to be talented enough musically to share feelings, perspectives and personal experiences in a way that resonate with a lot of people. Music is my forte but I’m a entertainer. I also act and on the rare occasion I will model. Read more>>

Jeanie | Cake artist

I grew up in a very crafty household. My mother baked, sewed & etc. (she still does). I took after her baking skills. I always loved watching her bake and make birthday cakes. I started making them myself a little for family members when I was in high school. Read more>>

Olivia Rodriguez Escobar | Artist

In all honesty, staying true to myself has been the main reason thus far. Since I was incredibly young, I’m talking like 5-6, I’ve said that I wanted to be a cartoonist; I’ve wanted to draw create things that people will enjoy looking at, reading, watching, etc. Read more>>

Ralo | Dj/Producer

Straight out of high school I went to work with my child hood friend Nino at Pastor Troys studio. In high school I surrounded myself around friends that did music, producers, rappers, artists and hustlers even had an art form. Read more>>

Noah Washington | Writer & Producer

My family. Growing up my parents instilled artistic expression which they received from their parents and so on. When I would gather as a kid every Friday night my Dad would sit my siblings and I down for a family movie night. It was always a different movie every week, ranging from classic noir to Studio Ghibli. This variety informed a lot of my creative expression later in life. Read more>>

Chiana Tracy | Artist

I have always been drawn to the arts from the time I was a small child. In my youth, I spent much of my free time drawing. Art quickly became a passion of mine. By the time I was in my teens, I knew that I wanted to be an artist. Read more>>

Trey Anthony | Hair Stylist – Color & Extension Specialist

Mostly, because I am insane. When I say that I am only half kidding. Going into a creative career can be such a challenge; and most, unfortunately, fail to stick with it. It takes an enormous amount of dedication to learn, network, work long hours, have little to no time off, etc. Knowing this, I still decided to drop everything and dive in head first….Insane, but worth it if you ask me. Read more>>

Alex Cody | Actress

That all started with a genuine childhood dream. My mom gave me a notebook that was full of her prayers for me, and also filled with memorable childhood quotes that I said when I was very young. In that notebook, she documented a specific moment when I was 3 years old. I was watching my older brother perform in a Christmas program at church. My mom wrote down a quote that was obviously the launching pad for my career. Read more>>