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.

Huanxi Jiang | SCAD student & Illustrator

Looking back now, I notice that I have been into drawing since I was young. growing up in a small town, I had great time growing up around by nature, I love to draw, to discover the nature. But I never got professional trainings in art, and I never thought about pursue an artistic career. As I grow up and entering college, Read more>>

Sarah Catherine Conklin | Florist & Small Business Owner

Being an artist is unlike any other career path. There’s no instruction manual, no guidance, no set way of doing things. It’s challenging! And I love it. Creative thinking is a hard to master, and it changes so much day to day. In order to succeed, I have to find the balance of what I think is interesting and unique, and what other people find interesting and unique as well. Read more>>

Sammy Tarantino | Owner and Jack of many TRADES

I pursued an artistic career because of my god given talents and love for art as a whole. From film, tv, music and video games I grew up in the nostalgic era so everything was artistic and creative, hands on! Read more>>

Jae Coutrier | Actress & Creative

I chose to pursue an artistic or creative career because I DID NOT want to live my life with regrets. I also did not want to look back on my life and wonder: what if? I have been acting and singing since I was 9 years old. All the schools I have attended (elementary, middle, high school and college) have been for performing arts. Read more>>

Yilin Li | Illustrator & Artist

Art is a very interesting field. For me, art can have any possibility, it can be abstract or figurative. It can be happy, sad, explosive or quiet. Art can express what the artist wants to express through images or body language or even melodies, and it is an interesting bridge between the artist and the audience. Therefore, for me, art is a way to explore the world. Read more>>

Storm Green | Hip Hop artist.

I chose to pursue hip hop music because it’s my passion. If you do what you love every day and can actually get paid from it there’s no better feeling. I’m not at the point where I’m getting paid what I would like but I know it’s coming. Read more>>

Erin McCarroll | Rapper

I definitely used music as an outlet for my emotions. It is my therapy. Anytime I’m feeling any emotion – if I write a song about it, I feel better. Read more>>

Frankspassion | Music Lover

My thought process towards my artistic career is based on the idea to follow what you’re truly passionate about. I feel you should make time to do the things that you love that brings you at peace. Keep your inner child alive Read more>>