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.

DeDaProblem | Recording Artist / Entrepreneur/ Actor

I was born an artist. It’s something that’s always been inside of me creating , seeing things different. So when the time came for me to make money for myself the traditional methods just wasn’t a option for me I literally felt like it was This (Music Career) or nothing at all. Read more>>

Mauricio Herrera Manzur | Filmmaker & Screenwriter

Ever since I was a young child, I was naturally inclined towards the creative arts. I owe this to my parents who always encouraged me to explore my creativity by buying me LEGO sets and enrolling me in music and painting classes. Despite being doctors themselves, they fully supported my artistic pursuits. But it wasn’t until I watched Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth” that I realized my true calling – making films. There was something about that movie that captivated me and inspired me to become a world builder, telling stories that blend realism with fantasy. I initially thought that pursuing Industrial Design would allow me to create and build new worlds. However, after seeking guidance from my mentors, I realized that my true passion lay in the field of filmmaking. Read more>>

John Balak | LED Video Tech/Producer /entertainer

I think it happened naturally. I was that kid always trying to entertain or make people laugh. I just loved movies, tv and music. I always wondered how do you get into it? My parents had me in acting classes early etc. I think reading linear notes helped push me into a start in music early on. My life has had many ups and downs from being in bands to pursuing a career as a recording engineer and producer. Then becoming A LED video tech were I now work in Movies, TV and Music. I think it’s come full circle for me. I still pursue music on the side with producer Andy Slagle we are known as The production duo Omega Empire. I also have my fun with my character Superstar Ricky Dothan. Which is on instagram. Just try to make some friends laugh time to time, Read more>>

James Joffrion | Actor/Podcast Host/Writer/Director

I always had fun with imitating someone and getting a kick out of making someone laugh. Now add that with my creative writing and there you have it! It feels good to make people smile or hear their reactions to characters I portray or create. Read more>>

Janelle Odom | Performer/Admission Director

I pursued and am pursuing a creative career because it’s always been my destiny. From the day I was born, art spewed out of my life. It was in my dreams, my goals, and in my blood. I performed in my first show when I was 5 years old and since then, I can’t remember my life without it. I get to wake up each day and choose to be happy. I do it because I don’t have to do it, I GET to. Read more>>

Naimah Perkins | Fashion Stylist

I realized that I have always loved dressing nice and piecing clothes together nicely. It wasn’t until a little later that I realized that it was a career Field for people who don’t want to design 24/7 but want to create. I started embracing my styling side and have been putting my foot in the door ever since 2020. Read more>>

Rambo So Weird | Recording Artist

I pursued an artistic career because it’s the joy of starting off with clean slate and just coming up with sounds and words and just creating; coming with melodies and cadences musically and lyrically. Putting something together that rhymes while giving real life experiences with straight up raw lyrics stemming from smiles and metaphors and sometimes things just happen or going on with it’s in your life or going on in the room just painting pictures with words. Hey man just the American dream for musically inclined misfits. Read more>>

Ke’Andra | The Earthy Songbird

Because that’s what I’m most passionate about. Making music and writing songs have been my favorite way of expressing my feelings and giving the world a glimpse of who I am. Read more>>