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.

CHRIS CHATMON | Actor, Producer, Editor,Writer & All Around Creative

The answer to that is simple I love the arts 100%, Growing up music was the catalyst that eventually directed the career path I chose . I could remember riding in the car with my grandpa who I miss dearly on the weekends I would turn up the radio and sing my little heart out i had such a passion for music. Read more>>

Katie Burkholder | Editor and Writer at Georgia Voice

My original plan when I left high school was to be a therapist. A creative career wasn’t anywhere in my mind as something I wanted to pursue or even thought I was capable of. I started college with a psychology major and quickly realized it wasn’t for me — but I had no idea what I wanted to do instead. Read more>>

Shanqing(Lucca) Jiang | Art Driector & 3D Generalist Artist

The decision to pursue an artistic or creative career stems from my deep love for animation and games since childhood. This passion led me from the field of computer science to the expressive and imaginative world of animation. Deep within me, there is a strong desire to create visual works that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful. Read more>>

Ken Misaki | Production Designer | Art Director

Since high school, creativity has been an integral part of my life. I started off as a musical actor in highschool, then switched my interest to the film industry in the start of college, and transitioned into the art department. Now I am working as an art department for films, music videos, and commercials. Read more>>

Briana Edmonds | Media Personality + Award Winning Celebrity Journalist Of Ebony Lifestyle Magazine.

My authenticity and enthusiasm for lifestyle, travel, and journalism led me to become a creator. When I was just 7 years old, I discovered my love for creative writing and began to cultivate it. I actively pursued opportunities to express myself through poetry and other writing projects, and my passion only grew stronger with time. Read more>>

Jasmine Gardner | Photographer & UX Designer

My first introduction to digital arts & media was sometime in high school. I went on to pursue a plethora of skill based opportunities and a career in social work. By the time I picked up a camera again, relationships, family, and work life balance were a hassle & freedom of expression or photography became my “project peace”. Read more>>

Bellogod | Artist & Songwriter

The fact that it’s a principled and crazy world and also at the same time a free world , art expresses how flexible life can be to its peak without having to worry about nothing because it also don’t remind you how crazy the world is at least , so you swim in a crocodile pond like it was the safest place because you don’t need to think about the crocodiles if you enjoy watching different colors of fish in the same pond. Read more>>

Corey Burkes | Writer, Producer & Director

I’ve always been drawn to the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people, inspire emotions, and shed light on important issues. As a creator, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment when I can craft narratives that resonate with others and make a positive impact on their lives. Read more>>

Joshua Harris | Gospel Artist & Singer

This artistic “career” was less of something I chose, but it was assigned to me. It has been in my family for generations and God has gifted us all with musical talents. God has anointed us to be able to translate His word in a way that will reach people’s heart through sound. Read more>>

Maria “Nak” Mejica | Graphic Designer, Illustrator & Animator

Even from a young age, I never imagined myself doing anything else. There is something about creating something where there once was nothing that really lights me up inside. I also really enjoy collaborating with individuals that would like to communicate artistically but just need a bit of help. Read more>>