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.

Christina Thomas | Artist

I chose an artistic career because it makes me happy to create with my hands. Read more>>

Papi Grasa | Artist & content creator

Self expression Read more>>

Jesse Inglima | Guitarist for Everyday Dogs

All four of us in Everyday Dogs (Jesse Inglima, Julian Inglima, Tyler Griffith, Jack Gregg) are incredibly passionate about music. We have all spent years honing our craft as musicians, and that manifests itself in the desire to write, record, and perform songs. It’s something where we all feel the need that this is something we have to do, and we couldn’t imagine our lives without it. Read more>>

Siphosihle Mahlangu | Musician & Student

I pursued a creative career because I always saw myself as an artist other than just a rapper. My music is different from what every artist is doing and I can paint a unique image in people’s minds. I tried to be creative with my sound and I’ve been making the effort of getting people like my type of music. Read more>>

Nigel Morris | Actor

I Pursued an artistic career I believe because I’ve always wanted to do it every since I remember as a kid. My mom had me audition for one of her friends who was doing some kind of movie and after the audition my brother and I actually got the parts it was a great feeling to see everyone smiling and laughing while we were doing our thing, but unfortunately that particular production never seen the light of day but I always held on to that feeling of wanting to act and perform. Read more>>

Corey O’Kelley | Photographer

For me personally, pursing an artistic career was a cumulation of several things. Even as a child I was always drawn towards creating. My grandfather was a woodworker – we were always building something from nothing together. As I got older my interest music grew. Once I realized how important the visuals behind marketing in that industry were, I decided to delve a bit deeper. Read more>>

Tamarick Williams | Actor/Entertainer

Honestly I’ve always been pretty creative. At a young age i was told i had a vivid imagination so it was only right that i pursued a creative career. Role play has always been something i loved, i always come up with ideas that people don’t think of or ways to do things that a regular person wouldn’t even think about. I always would repeat actors lines after they said them in movies, or i would create different lines of the same characters. When me and acting finally met i felt like i actually found something i wanted to give my all too. Read more>>

Artasia Olivia | Screenwriter & Filmmaker

I became a Screenwriter ultimately to tell dope stories and I became a Filmmaker to share dope experiences. Entertaining people with not only words, but also with visuals has to be the most beautiful form of art. Giving my people something they can relate to and something they can see themselves in, is the cherry on top. Read more>>

Jameal Pullins-MDRD | Artist & Business Consultant

I would like to believe I chose a career in artistry but in truth it was the one thing that resonated the most with me . As a child in elementary school, I would isolate myself and draw in my sketch book. I found peace often times alone. Read more>>

KeepitSwain | Recording Artist, Entrepreneur

Bringing a creative approach to situations was kind of how my mind was shaped coming up as a kid so I guess it was an innate career choice. I was one of those kids dreaming about the full 64 color Crayola set with the sharpener on the side, hustling a couple bucks for the Scholastic Fair and building acres of Legos whenever I could. Read more>>

Will Eskridge | Professional Artist

It chose me. It’s in my blood. Ever since I was introduced to finger-painting when I was 4, I haven’t looked back. The smell, the texture, and the color of those paints on my fingers – makes me feel so alive. Mark-making is so visceral. So primal. It is instinctual for me. Read more>>

Julian Coleman | Artist

I’m not sure if I can say with confidence that I’ve actively pursued an artistic career because it’s something that sorta manifested itself. Crafting things, drawing and painting all began as an intimate practice for me growing up to better understand myself and the world around me. Read more>>

WillieMack | Singer Song Writer

Honestly, I really had no choice. I know it sounds cliché but it chose me. Music is in my blood it runs through every fiber of my being . I remember being a kid and seeing Usher’s “My Way video for the first time , seeing him flawlessly executing the chorography full out all while belting “She likes it my way” changed my life forever. I thought to myself “If that’s what I have to do to get a fly trench coat like that I’m in ! Read more>>

Ebony McQueen | Hairstylist/Colorist

Well when I noticed the impact a simple hairstyle/ haircut had on people. I love that they walk bit bit taller, smiled a bit bigger, and over all felt Better about themselves. Read more>>

Ashley Smith | Beauty / Makeup Artist

When I was little I loved taking pictures and being in my grannies makeup lol. So I’ve been into beauty since I was about 3 years old. Ofcourse every little girl had a doll and wanted to do their hair. So aside from makeup I always had a love to enhance or transition myself or others. I loved feeling like I was someone else for the moment. As I got older I wanted to be behind the scenes and do makeup. I love expressing myself and mastering working with different features on clients. Read more>>

Slim Davis | Recording & Mixing Engineer

I’ve always been a creative. Being an introvert allowed me to put on the blinders so to speak and just focus on expressing myself in whatever medium suited me best at the time. When I was younger it was music and art. As a teenager it was being a church musician and learning how to really create music. Read more>>

Jonae Bond | Brand Designer, Brand Strategist, & Photographer

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been creative. I loved creative writing, reading, drawing, and designing clothes. But, when I picked up my first DSLR camera in my 10th grade media arts class, that’s when I knew I had to pursue a career in the creative industry. At the time, I thought I wanted to just be a photographer/videographer. However, my junior year of university is when I knew I was destined to do so much more in the areas of branding, marketing, and photography. Read more>>

Michelle Rouche | Speaker, Champion for Women, Transformation Coach

Creativity comes naturally to me. I’ve always been the girl who can see beyond what others see. It’s no wonder why I proudly wear the title, Creative. It’s impossible to overlook or omit “The” Creator who makes it all possible. An integral part of creativity is the usage of imagination. Read more>>

Bay Lupe | Artist & Entrepreneur

Great Question. I decided to pursue an artistic path because I had so much to say but I was always being silenced. This gave me a space and platform to get my voice heard by me and others like me❤️👑 Read more>>

Carl Veney | Traveling Fashion Model

Ever since I was a child I always saw myself standing out or being an outcast. I chose to pick modeling as a career because I get to express all of the different characteristics that make me stand out.’ Read more>>

Melissa Poloncarz | Freelance Photographer

As cliche, as it sounds a creative career, brings new adventures every day. Like many creatives, before pursuing a creative career full time, I had a 9 to 5 office job. While the creative portions of the job were fun, sitting behind a desk and attending meetings all day didn’t bring me the passion I desired. Read more>>

Jacqueline Smith | Podcast Coach and Grief Advocate

I actually pursued a business career with a specialty in Human Resources. The logistical, analytical side of me never considered myself to be artistic or creative until after writing my first book. That experience led to hosting a radio show which then led to hosting not one but two podcasts then producing podcasts for others as well as teaching and coaching on podcasting. I now thrive in the creative process of podcasting and quite enjoy teaching and coaching others on this medium. Read more>>

Jordan Pitts | Fashion Designer & Author

Art has always been a passion of mine. Whether it was painting, drawing, writing, photography or fashion; it’s always been an essential part of me. For me, I’ve known that the only way I would be happy with my career is if it was in the arts. Read more>>

De’jah Monai | Abstract Executive

I decided to pursue an artistic & creative career because I wanted to be able to be my authentic self and be taken care of for it. Being in spaces where I am able to make art, innovate & create new things—try new ideas, allows me to get closer to my highest self and gain clarity on my purpose. Read more>>