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.

Sierra Howard | Jewelry Designer

I pursued my creative career because I knew I wanted to be my own boss. I wanted to be able to work for myself as well as bring in enough money to help my family. With my online jewelry business, I’ve been able to pay for school and help family who needed more support. Jewelry is my passion and I want to expand my brand to those who are into gold filled, spiritual inspired pieces. My jewelry tells a story and connects you towards your spiritual alignment. Read more>>

Haley Loehfelm | Designer

It is simply the way my brain works. I see design in everything, from the way bricks are laid and decayed over time to the way a personality translates through handwriting. I believe that everyone is hardwired to think and act a certain way, which is why we have great doctors, engineers, actors, influencers, business owners, educators, etc. My purpose is to use the beauty of design to make this world a better place. Read more>>

Melissa Bret | Professional Musician

Pursuing a career as a professional musician gives me the joy of making my livelihood by doing what I love and never tire of. The power of music can make people feel good and I love having the opportunity to be the driving force behind that emotion and experience. An added bonus is that I get to be my own boss, make my own schedule, travel where I like for gigs, and am in total control of my work life. The stress is very minimal as well, which makes it all that more enjoyable. Read more>>

Madelyn Sher | Illustrator & Surface Designer

Art is such a crucial part of my identity, I don’t know who I could possibly be without it. I’ve had my moments of wondering if I should be doing something else with my life, but no matter how hard I’ve second guessed my career path, I always find that I am my most authentic and successful self when I am creating. It’s really hard to take the leap and actually commit to pursuing a creative career because we’re told by so many people that we’ll become starving artists, but the deeper I immersed myself into the creative world, the more I realized there are way more possibilities than I could have imagined. Read more>>

Kira Cummings | Visual Artist & Videographer

I pursued an artistic/creative career because it’s the one thing that I’m good at. Creating doesn’t feel like work- it’s an enjoyable process. The only time that stress plays a factor is when it comes to deadlines. Read more>>

Joonho Bang | CG Artist

My journey into the world of visual effects and animation was initially sparked by a childhood dream of working at Pixar. Although I find myself in the advertising industry today, I’m passionately committed to this creative career path because it offers me the freedom to express myself artistically. What I find truly captivating about this field is that it’s not just about corporate work; it often feels like an ongoing art project shared with friends. Read more>>

Karen Cassady | Content Creator/ Actor/ Improviser

I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I tried different things after I graduated college and had a corporate job for several years but I would basically work another full-time job in the arts after my day job. Nothing has ever been as fulfilling to me as entertaining and making people smile/laugh. So, I told myself one day that I much rather be freelance in the arts and live paycheck to paycheck than work a full-time 9-5 that I wasn’t passionate about. Read more>>

Ree Lambert | Artist

For me it was never really a question that I wanted to pursue a creative career. Ever since I was little I always had a pencil in my hand and I have always been humming or singing to myself. I love art and music, and surprisingly, I have done well in both the art and music fields growing up. From being the little girl getting applause from a group of people in a waiting room for belting my heart out in the bathroom with my mother who probably didn’t know if she should be proud or mortified, to singing in front of a stadium with my school choir in front of one of our presidents. Read more>>

Najah Owens | PWBA Regional Bowling Champion, Director, photographer and videographer

I chose to embark on a career in film and photography because I find so much joy in the act of being behind the camera. The process of planning, executing, and finally sharing a complete visual narrative or beautiful pictures is exhilarating. It’s the perfect blend of busyness and creativity that makes every moment enjoyable, and that’s what makes this artistic journey so much fun for me. Read more>>

The Soci@l Heist | A Creative Agency | Megan Alexandria + Courtnee Camile | Founders + Chief Creative Officers

We both knew so many individuals and small businesses that needed creative direction. Being creative in different ways comes naturally for the both of us and it is even more powerful when we come together as a team which inspired us to create our Creative Agency, ‘The Soci@l Heist.’ Read more>>