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.

Marlon Cabrera Jr | Voice Actor – Writer – Cosplayer

Expression. Escape. The ability to do something that keeps me busy and can still make my own without it also looking like “work”. Read more>>

Wendy Lin | 2D/3D Motion Media Designer & Artist

Growing up in a traditional fine arts environment, I knew that I somehow had a strong connection with Art. As a kid, I loved to pretend to use any furniture or objects around me while I was playing with my Barbie dolls and imagining different themes and storylines. It was my imagination-driven play that built my creativity, and I knew what I wanted to do at an early age. Read more>>

Duncan Smith | Artist & Designer

I was always drawn to it because I enjoy it. When it stops being fun, it becomes mechanical. I wanted a career that would have an element of unpredictability and would challenge me to change and adapt over the years, rather than fall into a routine. I like to feel like I’m growing as a person, and I feel like that the most when I’m pushed to do something different every day. Read more>>

Eric Ilonwafor | Model/Creative

I pursued my creative career because I owed it to myself. I grew up loving to create things artistcly. I came to the perspective that I could be the art that I wanna show to the world. Read more>>

MJ Ji | Creative

I love learning new things. Although I have been making art since I was young, I still feel like there is so much more to discover in art. I primarily draw and doodle, and occasionally create some digital art. I tend to be an impulsive project starter, which has led to some awesome collaborations over the years. Read more>>

Paige Short | Artist, tattoo apprentice, aspiring tattoo artist

I have had a passion for creative endeavors my whole life, and started seriously pursuing my path as an artist in highschool. I derive an immense amount of joy and peace through drawing, and have always known that I would dedicate my life and career toward keeping it at the forefront of whatever I decide to do and wherever I go. Read more>>

K.D.H. GLORY The Movement | K.D.H. / Leader Of GLORY The Movement

A lot of jobs, people are basically coerced to do certain things, say certain things, act a certain way. You don’t necessarily get the space to be yourself fully…express yourself fully…do the work the way you want. Read more>>

Mystik Rayne | Model/Influencer & Hobby Artist

After years of trauma (both childhood and adult),battling both mental health issues and addiction; which led to a 2 year span of homelessness, and almost completely losing myself…. Being creative was how I coped with everything. I had been a child model/performer and back then to be honest I hated it. Read more>>

Celi Viloria | Professional Organizer

My passion for organization and my love of creativity have come together in a perfect way to create CeliOrganizer. Read more>>

Ramzy Alahmad | Artist, Graphic Designer, and Web Designer

Fulfillment and connection. I find so much fulfillment in creating. Whether that is logos or websites for clients, artwork, or collages. The process of creating in any way is always so fulfilling. I find so much joy in every element of it. Even the moments of frustration that naturally arise during the process of creating are outweighed by the fulfillment of finishing an art project, logo, or website. Read more>>

Chris McCoy | Producer, Writer, Director, Actor

just want to create something that will emotionally benefit the world in a positive way. Even though we have come so far as human beings, I believe that we still need to listen to each other and hear what the other person has to say. This is very true for having a stable community around you that keeps you going strong in the right direction. Read more>>

Shania Robinson | Herbalist, Soap Maker & Serial Entrepreneur

I’ve always had this God given inventive spirit. I’m someone who finds expression through working with my hands and creating new things. I find it beneficial to my mental and physical health, so with my business being an extension of that, it came naturally. Read more>>

Kymbra Li | Award Winning Creator, International Legal Scholar, Comedian & Recording Artist

After spending my whole life studying and acquiring 3 degrees, I realized that I had never even thought of what I could do in the art realm. I was living in China teaching law at a university and found myself with a lot of spare time, hence I thought I’d try my hand at comedy. Read more>>

Ginga Soul | Singer/Songwriter

I chose an artistic career in hopes of helping others. wether it be with their healing journeys or just their journeys in general. I’ve known since a young age that this is something I was brought to this earth to do. The more i progressed and began to build a community the more It felt meant to be. Read more>>