We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Kimberly Outlaw | Award Winning Cake Artist & Digital Creator

Being a Cake Artist is the coolest career ever. I use cake as my canvas to exhibit my artwork. I can turn edible ingredients such as flour, sugar and fondant into a car, sneakers and a slot machine. What could be more fun than that? I have Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. So, I have no formal training in Art, Baking or Culinary Arts. Being an Artist is one of my gifts from God. When God revealed this gift to me, I had to pursue it with everything in me. I honestly can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I feel free when I create, and I strive to honor God by using my gift to serve and bless others. Read more>>

Molly Dudley | Textile Artist & Weaver

I continually pursue having a creative career because it allows me to invest my time, money and focus into honing my craft and ultimately investing in myself! My creative journey started at a very young age. One of my grandmothers designed patterns for a yarn company and my other grandmother was a quilter and taught me how to sew. I was definitely the kid that took my knitting projects to school classes and was always trying to express myself through sewing clothes. Read more>>

Alexis Thomason | Miss Melodious: Actress, Vocalist, Voice-Over Artist & Educator.

I’m pretty sure it chose me! Music has been a part of my life since before I even understood what it was. The humming of the hymns from my grandmothers, the voices of the gospel choir in church, the beating of the drums which guide our feet. I felt it everywhere and knew I was meant to be a part of that experience. Read more>>

Sean Stephansen | Songwriter/Banjo in The Broken String Band

I’ve always been fascinated by the ability to express exactly what you’re feeling in a particular moment and portray that feeling onto a canvas of any sort. Whether it be a song, a film, a painting, a novel, any authentically creative pursuit. It’s all so impressive to me. And then to have people out there who relate to that portrayal with their entire heart, people who you’ve never even spoken a word to before. There’s something so mysterious about that, expressing the inexpressible and it being understood by the world. Read more>>

Elvia Hill | Actress

Let’s be real, the journey an actor takes is a hard one. This career can take a toll on your spirit and mental health. Many would even say physically. There are many ups and downs and if I didn’t feel the fire in my soul for acting, I would have given up already. I like being creative. When I don’t act, I sing, dance or paint. I feel like this gift was given to me for a purpose and I don’t take that lightly. Simply put, I decided to pursue acting because I love it and I know I can make an impact on others. Read more>>

98flamez | Rapper, Singer. Songwriter, Producer,

Personally the reason I wanted to be a musician because of the passion an love that I got for music. the money is appealing but I didn’t become a musician just to make money from my art but just knowing that people will listen to my music because they enjoy what I do for a living is amazing. Making music is a lifestyle for me, I listen to music to cheer me up or even to get me into a certain mood that’s why I fell in love with music at a early age. Read more>>

Loren Cisneros | Artist & Freelancer

Growing up I always liked art, so naturally that creativity leaked into my career. I wanted to be able to make my own things or have part in something unique/ I could call my own! Read more>>

jun zhou | illustrator & motion media designer

I didn’t touch a computer until 18. And there was not much going on in my hometown, so I spent most of my childhood reading picture books and magazines. Pictures attracted me and showed me a bigger, better world outside my little town. It was the time when I started drawing because I wanted to create my world. Read more>>

Ashton Pellom | Award Winning Journalist & Videographer

I would say the WHY I chose my career is more so WHO I am a human being. I am a person that loves continuous learning and I love to use my natural talents and professional skills in journalism and video production to provide others with information they seek or a new perspective. I’ve always enjoyed communicating with others, as well as the artistry behind journalism and video production, so it’s been easy for me to pursue a career in this creative medium. Read more>>

Kenjulia Anderson | K.j. the Designer

I pursued a creative career because I wholeheartedly believe that it is a gift given to me by the Most High to share with the world. The ability to create anything whether it be music, artwork, or a clothing design is not something that everyone can do. I see the beauty in those of us who have the ability to bring to life whatever we see or envision mentally. There is no right or wrong way to make art or create because it is something that comes from the inside of us and that’s what makes it fascinating to me. Read more>>