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.

Madeleine Goforth | Actor & Writer

For me, it was never an option to NOT pursue a creative career (that’s a double-negative). I was quite shy and anxious as a child, but once I discovered acting, it was like a lightbulb went off in my tiny cerebellum. Read more>>

Cameron Surratt | Art Director

I’ve always just felt like I had to. I had to make. I had to draw. I had to create. I had always been drawn to making things look good,. Art for art’s sake. Part of that, for sure, was my mother. I was exposed to a world of creativity that was built up around someone I already admired. Read more>>

Chanice Kyei | Aspiring Loctician & Cosmetologist

I decided to pursue a creative career because even as a child I’ve always thought outside of the box when it came to solving different situations that would arise in my life. I’ve always been a person that made a way when something seemed impossible, my critical thinking skills have allowed me to do so. Read more>>

JD Gutermuth | Architect

I started school in engineering but switched to architecture to have more creativity in the process. I love the balance of creativity and technical knowledge. that architecture requires. It is art but has a technical function wholly outside of its artistic function. Read more>>

Jee Chon | nurse injector & PICU RN

As confusing as it sounds, I see myself as an artist as a nurse injector in aesthetics. Whether it’s enhancing beautiful lips through filler or smoothing out lines and wrinkles with botox or microneedling, I am able to create changes in my clients’ faces to improve their overall beauty in the way they’ve always wanted. Read more>>

Looch Bodega | Artist/composer

I don’t think I chose this I think it chose ME and this is why, Born in Jane and Finch, Toronto, Can. From Dominican parents, than being sent back home (Dominican rep.) from age of 3 until 14, Read more>>

Eryn Dennin | Bartender & Writer

From a very young age I think I always knew I was going to end up in a creative field of some sort. A lot of that had to do with my upbringing. Neither one of my parents ever tried to talk me out of embracing my more creative desires and aspirations, so growing up I tried my hand at a little bit of everything, from various dance classes to attempting to learn multiple different instruments over the years, but none of that really stuck with me in the long run. Read more>>

Rosland Martin | Voiceover Artist

Since childhood, I’ve always considered myself to be passionately creative. I tended to march to the beat of my own drum, constantly looking for vehicles of expressionism. I was told by my teachers, family members, and various community members I’d encountered that “you have a great speaking voice” and that I needed to “use it in some way” ummm…..whatever that meant. Read more>>

Molly Williams | Decorative artist

I’ve always had a passion for art and creating since I was a kid. My grandmother was an artist and an inspiration in my life. Read more>>

Meg Link | Oil Painter

Ever since I was a little kid, I loved art. I remember drawing elaborate landscapes of Ocean City, Maryland on a chalkboard when I was five years old. In high school, I have happy memories of listening to music and painting in my parents’ basement while my friends were at parties. Read more>>

Robert Wiggins | Father, Photographer, Podcaster, Writer, Behavioral Therapist & Educator

When I entered adulthood, I began realizing that I had a gift and an eye for creativity. I was a pretty good writer, but I realized I had a developing love for photography. Photography has opened many opportunities for me to travel, make new experiences and also for me to meet new people along the way. Read more>>

Jordan Victoria | Interior Architect Designer

Design and creativity are part of my DNA and my imagination was even more impressive. My parents were both entrepreneurs in real estate and construction the exposure I experienced in both industries was a big influence in me pursuing my creative interest in music and design. Read more>>

Daquan Chavers | Film Student/Independent Filmmaker

I pursued an artistic and creative career because I’ve always felt a strong connection to storytelling and the power it holds to influence, inspire, and entertain. My passion was truly ignited during my time in Mrs. Ivory’s Creative Writing class, where I learned to express myself and articulate my thoughts through the written word. This experience opened my eyes to the broader spectrum of creative arts. Read more>>

Ellen Sperling | Artist & Former English as a Second Language Teacher

I am not sure if people pursue artistic/ creative careers or if artistic/ creative careers pursue them. I have always had the impulse, the desire to make things from a very young age. I always loved using colors, working with my hands. As Picasso said: “Every child is an artist. Read more>> 

Adriana Reyes | Tatto Artist and Graphic Designer

Pursuing an artistic career is a big challenge from where I come from, since it is a really competitive field and full of market, and it is not always recognized as it should be. Making a decision about what you want to study even knowing how difficult and tedious it can be is a challenge. Read more>>

Desteni Dominick | Corrective Skincare Specialist

I chose to be in the beauty industry because I enjoy how creative you can get and how many hats you can wear. Beauty isn’t one size fits all; you have to choose what fits you. When I started out in the beauty industry I was a lash tech in 2019 and I learned quickly that I needed to be a Licensed Esthetician in my state to be a lash tech. Read more>>

Chelsey Bligen | Self taught Artist & content creator

I decided to pursue a creative career because I was heavily influenced by my older cousin. When I was younger, every time I saw her she had a different hairstyle and her makeup made it seem like she was a completely different person. Read more>>

Rose Cadeau | Actor

” The reason why I decided to pursue an artistic and creative career was because since the age of six, when I first performed in the lion King on stage, I knew that was my calling. Read more>>

Jared Oates | Singer-Songwriter + Multidisciplined Creator

I pursued an artistic career because it allows me to express myself in a unique way. Creating music allows me to share my perspective, and experiences. It also gives me the opportunity to hopefully inspire others, which is incredibly fulfilling. Read more>>

Kennedy Imon | Music Artist and Writer

I pursued a creative career because I really valued being able to show up as myself and not a shell of what capitalism expects of me. My voice, my art, my talents are too powerful and needed to not chase after my dreams and make them a reality. We’re all creative, I just believe there are doers and watchers. I wanted to be a doer. I am a doer. Read more>>

Kudakwashe Rice | Writer, Poet & Storyteller

The ability to be creative has always come naturally to me. I’ve always been quite drawn to artistic expression and discovering new avenues for creation. This took many different shapes for me when I was younger. In high school, I started out as a dancer and took painting classes. Read more>>

Kiss My Mike

Growing up in the Philippines, I was always drawn to creative activities. I loved watching iconic American TV shows like “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Baywatch,” and “Melrose Place,” and I was captivated by the Miss Universe pageant, which felt as significant as the Super Bowl in my culture. Read more>>

Anthony Rivers | Author and Peer to Peer Mental Health Coach

Throughout my life I have endured different forms of abuse, most notably sexual abuse throughout my childhood. In addition, I have also struggled with my mental health, but not until 2021 was I officially diagnosed with severe anxiety, depression, and bi-polar disorder. Read more>>

Jeffrey Houston | Recording artist known as LeVII/ Therapeutic Art Coach

The reason I decided to pursue a Creative Career was because it’s the only thing that made sense to me. My mind is full with colors and music that the world haven’t been exposed to. Everything in the world has its purpose and for a long time I’ve always marched to my own drum and created things out of nothing and being a vessel of creative energy is my purpose. Read more>>