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.

Kimberly Langley

A devastating event sent me into a deep, dark place and forced me to confront a long-held belief: I wasn’t “good enough.” Things that came easily felt insignificant, so I never thought my art was worth anyone’s attention — or that I could call myself an artist. I’d always been moderately creative, but I didn’t pursue it because I didn’t trust my work. Read more>>

Patricia McRae

Acting is therapeutic. It has provided me opportunities to tap into the vulnerability and/or strength of the characters I portray. There is nothing more gratifying than collaborating with other creatives to facilitate a world based on truth or fantasy. Most importantly for me is the ability to impact the lives of people of all ages. Read more>>

Naimah Fair

Art allowed me to see myself in a way that I never thought about. I didn’t particularly view myself as someone that would be painted or show stopping, painting myself allowed me to feel that way about myself. Read more>>

Shell Ramirez

Avoiding who you are does not create a happy person. I enjoying creating environments for and with the kids to tell the story. Having the environment I wanted as a kid! Using the Reggio playbook to develop musical theatre differently! See the whole person and communicate is key! That is why I love directing Children’s Musical Theatre Read more>>

Rosia

I am a person who’s very in touch with how purpose drives the everyday life of a human being, and I think I came to the conclusion pretty young that my purpose in this world had to do with people and the power of healing through music. Read more>>

Katie Herrington

I chose to become a hairstylist and makeup artist, because there’s something deeply powerful about beauty rituals. They can help you hide, or they can help you shine. For a long time, I used hair, makeup, and fashion to hide from who I really was. But I’ve learned that true beauty isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about becoming more of yourself. Read more>>

Roy Hibbert

I chose to pursue an artistic career because I wanted to choose a hell I could live with. Life will undoubtedly continue to throw trials and tribulations my way, and I wanted to make sure that my career, the thing I would like to pursue for the rest of my life, wouldn’t be a major deterrent. Read more>>

Lyndon Majoni

I fell in love with music while I was still in school. I also liked literature and how creatives can use words to tell different stories and inspire change. When I started making my music that also became part of my values. Read more>>

Kiara Monae Johnson-Mathurin

I pursued a creative career because creativity became an outlet for both healing and connection. As a writer, content creator, and community leader, I’ve seen how powerful storytelling can be. Sharing my experiences, faith, and journey through motherhood has allowed me to encourage others and remind people they are not alone. Read more>>

Franiya Tiffany

I pursued a creative career because I’ve always loved storytelling and expressing myself through art. Acting, writing, and film have given me a way to connect with people and share meaningful stories. Being able to share this creativity has helped me grow, find my voice, and continue becoming the person I’m meant to be. Read more>>

Amy Layo

I started my career as a Radiologic Technologist in 1995. In 2025 I had hit 30 years with my career in the healthcare industry. I spent the last 22 years working as a vendor representative which required weekly travel doing clinical implementation of equipment. My mind needed to balance the technical aspect of my life with something creative. Read more>>

Cody Ann Walraven

I think that the artistic career pursued me if I’m totally honest. I spent the first part of my life trying to find a career and a path where I could “make a living”, which meant I spent a great deal of time running away from my art and artistic passions. Read more>>

Jamil Jahi

I truly have been chosen for this. I’ve been writing rap lyrics since the age of 8 or 9. I began recording them over instrumentals at 12 years old. It’s truly all I’ve ever known. Read more>>

Thinkpiece Tribe

To create pieces of work that forces audiences to question systems of oppression, the accepted normalcy of capitalism, the media we consume & to empower Black people like myself, friends, and family. Read more>>