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.

Jensen Russell | Illustrator & Claymation Creator

I feel that my life purpose is to be a mentor, whether to children or perhaps those less spiritually mature. I find that art naturally lends itself to be an endless medium where I can infuse intentions and guidance. I have discovered that it is a way to preserve and protect emotions that I or others may be processing and growing through Read more>>

VI$ION. | Artist, Fashion designer, Mental health advocate

Being artistic is who I am it’s in my blood. It started with my grandfather who’s an art dealer in Chicago and being exposed to that culture opened my eyes and gave me the creative freedom and vision to express myself. Even though I chose fashion and music as my creative path it all intertwines together. Fashion is driven off emotion, it’s a mood depending on how you’re feeling on that particular day, same with music. I’m painting mental pictures with my lyrics and I’m creating a masterpiece on a blank canvas (the beat), and I LOVE it! Read more>>

Malaysia Lee | Professional Tristate Photographer

I started taking pictures in 2010 when my late grandma Boot (rest her soul) purchased a Sony snap shot camera for me when I went to visit her down south. I am from Brooklyn, New York and around that time I was still in high school. When I got back to my neighbor, I went around taking pictures of all of my friends. I would provide them the pictures via email and they would post on Myspace or Facebook. Read more>> 

Yujie Huang | Illustrator & Motion Designer

Ever since I can remember, I have been captivated by the world of art and creativity. Growing up, I found great joy in expressing my thoughts, emotions, and ideas through drawing and painting. This passion for visual storytelling only grew stronger as I explored different artistic techniques and mediums. It was only natural for me to pursue a career in the creative field, where I could continue to hone my skills and share my love for art with others. Read more>>

Charann Daniels | Private Corporate Chef, Creative Director: for 31 Magazine, Purpose Over Perfection Podcast, VM Digitial Design & Marketing Company, Brand Photographer, Virgin Magnolia Bermuda Owner

For me, a creative career was the only way to go, as well as building creative businesses. I have never really thrived in the traditional job arena. In a cubical, I would get bored, unmotivated and ponder on everything I would do if I wasn’t at work! Being able to experience creativity & art in every aspect of my career & business gives me energy and joy that I can never trade! Read more>>

Maggie Gilroy | Actor

Very simply it is the thing that brings me the most joy. I have always felt most at home on a stage ever since I was little. I watched Cathy Rigby in Peter Pan and decided then that this is what I wanted to do and how I wanted to live my life. Since then I have learned a lot about this career and have become fascinated with every aspect. Read more>>

Ashly Hendrick | Influencer & Entrepreneur

I decided to pursue a creative career because I actually learned how to be true to myself. Although I am a problem solver and hold capacity to be logical, in my heart and bare essence, I am a creative. For as long as I can remember, anytime I’ve ever felt unfulfilled,depressed, bored or uninspired it was because I had stopped creating. Read more>>

Jordan Walker | FX Artist / TD

Funny enough, I didn’t always want to. Even as a kid I considered myself to be much more technical than artistic, and wanted to pursue a career in software development. That all changed when I watched the Transformers movie from 2007, starring Shia LaBeouf, for the first time though. Read more>>

Jessie Simmons | Afro-Caribbean Artist | Singer, Songwriter, Vocal Producer, Mentor & Host

For as long as I can remember, I have had a strong passion for music that has been with me since I was young, and has always been a significant part of my life. I started singing when I was three years old, joining a few gospel groups in Ottawa and continued singing throughout high school. And from there, I just kept going. I did not see music as a hobby anymore. It became my reason. Read more>>

James Naser | Graphic Designer

I did not initially believe that I could pursue an artistic profession. In grade school I viewed art almost exclusively as a hobby, just arts and crafts that I could do in my free time. I didn’t put much consideration into the idea that art and design are key influential factors in culture and life in general. Read more>>

Mz. Coxx | Artist/Entertainer

I love creating and developing new ideas, its fun to me. I’ve always loved music as a child. The other aspects of being in and around the entertainment industry just came with territory as an added bonus of other ways to express myself also , through writing and acting. Read more>>