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.

Mitchell Johnson | Musical Instructor/Educator

The reason I chose to pursue an artistic or creative career was because I want to make an impact on the future generation that is coming behind me. Also, I would love for my music to be known and branded as a household or common name. Read more>>

Maya Manuela | Singer-songwriter

I’ve been writing songs since I was in elementary school and always knew that I wanted to really pursue it and really try to make it into a career. When I was in high school, I was told by an advisor and some friends that it was unrealistic and a horrible idea and that I should go to the best college I could to get a degree in something that could offer me security. Read more>>

Mook Dawg | Recording Artist & Graphic Designer/Social Media Coordinator

I never questioned why I began my journey in the artistic and creative field. Creativity has always been a defining aspect of who I am, standing out from my younger years. Whether it was showcasing a Michael Jackson performance at my 5th grade talent show or having a memorable style from grade school through high school, I have always strived to express myself uniquely. Read more>>

Chris Rucker | Host of Boot 2 The Face. A pro wrestling podcast

I really love pro wrestling and getting to talk to the wrestlers and other fans about it. Read more>>

Angeline Tjia | Illustrator & Visual Designer

Art has always come as somewhat of a second nature to me. Looking back, it’s something that I’ve consistently loved throughout my life. At the age of five, my first dream was to become a painter, which I was promptly told “painters don’t make money until they die”. It definitely isn’t the most uplifting view towards arts for a five year old to hear, but my love for art never died. Read more>>

Randy King | Guitar Builder @ King Electric Guitars

At the age of 10 I bought my first car ! A 1955 Oldsmobile. Working on it, doing carpentry and woodworking with my dad showed me value of using my hands & mind to create. For most of my adult life my creative / artistic outlet was songwriting and live performance. Read more>>

Kwame Thomas | 3D Artist

When I was younger, I wanted to be an architect. I was good at math and loved to draw, so my idea of combining those skill sets was architecture. Three people influenced me to choose an alternate career path. The first was an art instructor from a summer program called ArtsCool.  Read more>>

Naima Cooper | Filmmaker and Writer

I pursued a creative career because I realized how important it was for me to express myself authentically. I noticed with a lot of jobs, there’s not much space to experiment or try out new ideas. You are often following orders, and you have to leave you

Shorti J | Creative

As a child, I had always had an interest in art. My mom was also a very creative individual and always had me and my sister assist her in any of the crafts that she was currently working on. So naturally, developing an interest toward the creative field was destined for me as that’s something I’ve always been around. Read more>>

Hannah Pendergrass | Make-up Artist & Actor

I think I always knew right off the bat that I wanted to do something creative when I grew up. A lot of my core memories from childhood involved family movie nights with my parents and older sister and the love for the craft just kind of blossomed throughout my teen and young(er) adult years. Read more>>

Ruoxi Hua | Painter & Printmaker

Since I started to have memories, drawing has been my hobbies. As a kid, I drew on any surface I can find, paper, newspapers, boxes, walls, furniture… In high school, I got to know a friend who was interested in the arts, and I was exposed to literature, music, and visual art. By that time, I created artworks of my own. Read more>>

ELISE JAY | Recording Artist/Songwriter/Model

I chose a creative career because being artistic comes the most natural to me. I’ve always been very imaginative and creative since I was a child. Growing up, there would be times where I’d have to be creative to figure out ways to entertain myself and my younger sibling. My dad was always very musically and artistically talented as well. Read more>>

RapperPakMan Kash With a K | Indie Artist

I pursued an artistic or creative career because music has always been an integral part of my life, serving as both an outlet for self-expression and a means to connect with others on a deeper level. Despite my professional success as a Finance Manager, the fulfillment and joy I derive from creating music are unparalleled. Read more>>

Ansley Hernandez | AH Artisan Boards

Since I was a little girl, I have always had a creative eye. With a degree in fashion design from Georgia Southern University, I have found my way to express my creativity in numerous ways. From creating clothes to now creating charcuterie boards through out Atlanta , it feels amazing to be able to do what I love with no rulebook or specific way, I am truly able to express my talent and I am very thankful. Read more>>

Cherie Heringer | Arts Enthusiast, painter, writer

I’ve never known life without creativity. Starting in the church Cherub Choir, I learned music as a second language and thought everyone understood music. But rather than being a musical or artistic child prodigy, I’ve learned a little about a lot. Or put another way, I have imposter syndrome in a major way. Read more>>

Tenette Smith | Indiepreneur/Recording Artist

I pursued a artistic creative career because it was a natural living energy within my spirit. I could not contain it, so I decided to act on it and doing that open so many doors where I started to create value with my talent and also making a living off of it Became easy. I didn’t have to work that hard for any opportunities., Read more>>

Sunshine Jackson-Charles | Artist & Content Creator

I pursued an artistic career simply because I had to. Creating art is such a part of who I am, my being and God-given purpose. It’s impossible to ignore. I’ve actually spent the last 6 years working in my engineering career and though I’ve enjoyed it – that entire time, I’ve been using every spare moment to devote to painting, making art prints, making apparel, editing YouTube videos and creating content, and doing whatever I could do to build my art business.  Read more>>