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.

brooke major | Brooke Major: Artist and Warmblood Breeder

I have always wanted to be an artist and a horse breeder from since I was very little. My father and maternal grandmother are entrepreneurs and having this background allowed me to have the courage to choose a creative career. Read more>>

Kessey Monae | Singer, Songwriter and Entrepreneur

I have been singing since I was a little girl. Music is all I’ve known so it’s been my passion ever since I could remember. My dad was a blues singer formerly known as Soul Blaque. I vividly remember his late nights working in the home studio and falling asleep listening to syncopated rhythms. Read more>>

Tee Recx | Media Pioneer & Personality

I have a passion for self-expression, a desire to make a positive impact on the world, a love for the creative process, and a need for personal fulfillment by pursuing God. Additionally, some people may feel drawn to the freedom and flexibility that comes with pursuing a career in the arts, as well as the opportunity to connect with others and inspire change through their work. Read more>>

Markayle McDaniel | Wildlife Biologist & content creator

Well, I am a wildlife biologist/animal enthusiast, an educator, and (I would say is my favorite thing) a social media content creator that educates, and inspires people to learn more about and protect the natural world. Read more>>

Rodney Jackson | Filmmaker and COO of 480 Worldwide

I was always a mega fan of films and tv shows from an early age. Being from Baltimore Md, and not the good part, I never imagined being able to be apart of a project, forget about actually being a director of one. TV and films were an escape from my everyday life. Read more>>

Ian Payton | Actor

Truthfully, I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. During my time in Community College I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life or what I was truly good at and I would never forget a conversation I had with my brother that made me refocus myself and go pursue filmmaking which lead me to becoming an Actor. Read more>>

Marie-Louise Boisneir | Actress and Singer

I loved the arts, performing and being creative ever since I was a little girl. I was an only child so I would often entertain myself by playing dress up, singing, watching old movies. I believe this led me down a creative path from the get go. I was always being encouraged by both my mum and grandma to do what I loved. Read more>>

WENQI SUN | Fashion Designer

Actually, I was sure that I wanted to pursue this when I was in high school. Because I found that I was always attracted to new things and curious. I loved voraciously learning about all kinds of crafts and making online, especially all kinds of remodeled pendants and costumes, and that started my interest in clothing. Read more>>

Anjali Joshi | Multidisciplinary Creative

From the enchanting days of my childhood, the captivating pull of creativity wrapped its gentle tendrils around my heart. A symphony of colors, shapes, and ideas danced before my young eyes, captivating my imagination. Read more>>

Jiajie (Jasper) Liu | Film Director & Screenwriter

My story with film started In middle school. I saw the film Dances with Wolves. Everything in that film is perfect. That was the first time I realized that I want to be a filmmaker. I started attending filmmaking summer camps, film workshops, and worked as a volunteer in film festivals. I attended basically every event related to film. I met Sido Lyu at the Shanghai International Film Festival. Read more>>

Isabelle K Winarto | Graphic + Motion Designer

Growing up, my family loved going to the cinema on the weekends, and naturally, I became interested in filmmaking and storytelling’s intricacies. The captivating ability of stories to simultaneously entertain, enlighten, educate, and inspire fascinated me. Not only that but unlike any other things I’ve experienced, stories could effortlessly transport me to new worlds – which I found mesmerizing, especially at the early age of ten. Read more>>

Eshe Light | Artist, Singer, Dancer, Choreographer, Creative Director, Artist Manager, & Artist Development Coach

The Arts chose me; I didn’t choose it. Read more>>

Jerry Brooks | Hip-hop Artist

I was always interested in music ever since seeing my uncle Jeffrey Brooks play the piano downstairs at my grandmother’s house. I always knew that music was going to my way to make it in life & take care of my family! Read more>>

Lily D Moore | Actor, Model, & Public Speaker

Well, I have always liked to entertain people …… singing songs, acting out poems or being in plays, so when the opportunity came for me to get into acting, professionally, I told my mom I wanted to go for it! I love playing different characters, love the wardrobe, love meeting people, and love traveling. And, I especially love showing the world that people with Down Syndrome can do whatever we want to do. We have dreams and can succeed! Read more>>

LaJune Singleton | Actress, Author, Podcaster, Speaker, Model, and Health Coach

I pursued an artistic career because it has always taken me to a place of joy and excitement. As a child, I was introduced to fitness by my mom walking, running, and working out to Richard Simmons Sweatin’ to the Oldies. The love of being active led to become an AFPA Certified Personal Trainer in 2010. Read more>>