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.

Skai Chow | Gameplay Animator

As an animator, I’ve got the ability to excite and empower my audiences with the animations that I create, and to contribute to something larger than myself whether it’s in gameplay, cinematic, feature or TV animation. Read more>>

Photo By Ayala | Photographer & Retoucher

Art is a fundamental part of who I am, a never-ending exploration, and is what has brought me the most joy and and inspiration in my life. I pursued my artistic career in photography because it allowed me to tap into a fulfilling method of creating and sharing art I was passionate about with no limits. Read more>>

Austin Jansma | Director of Photography

As an individual diagnosed with ADHD, I have always been apprehensive about working in a conventional nine-to-five work setting, which involves enduring traffic and being confined to a cubicle for long hours.  Read more>>

Taylor Kuykendall | Editorial Photographer

Back when I was just a little girl I remember so vividly watching my mom paint, write, take photos, and create art through sculpture. She was always scratching her creative itch. I remember wishing at such a young age that I could do what she did, to be as good as she was. Read more>>

Andressa Da Silva | Actor and Screenwriter

I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was very young; I remember being 5 and doing what all little kids do, put on plays for family and friends. I started off with musical theater and eventually started shooting student films in high school and during my time at college.

Tom Cheshire | Tom Cheshire Band, poet, writer, artist, painter, musician, performer

I have had art and music in my life for as long as I could remember. I was drawing and writing songs at ten years old. It just made sense. Creating brings me so much joy. One day I decided to take it to the next level. It has been an amazing journey. Read more>>

Tina McCoy Mitchell | Actor, Director, Co-Founder of Brayvhouse Production Company, Editor

I’ve always been an artist. It’s what comes naturally to me. I grew up writing, singing in with my church choir, and painting in my spare time. I had friends, but I spent a lot of time alone just creating with whatever I could get my hands on. Then I joined band and played clarinet, and started doing theatre. Read more>>

Brakanah 44 | Rapper and record producer

Natural love for Arts since i was young, to a point i knew that my future career would be based of Arts. Read more>>

Zarita Zevallos | Architect & Photographer

I don’t think I necessarily chose this specific path; I think our environment (the state of the world) creates a space for people to want to express themselves. The way through which they do so can either be influenced, or innate. Read more>>

Chelsey S. (Vibelikeyagirl) | Creative / Podcast Host / Entreprenuer

I honestly feel like I didn’t have a choice! I went a few different routes, and it was always with the idea of “this will make me the most money”, “this will fund my lifestyle”. Read more>>

Qinye Xiang | Digital Compositor & CG Generalist

When I was a child, I tried a lot of hobby classes, and among the various disciplines, I found that I liked drawing and painting the most. So, I continued to learn from elementary school until now. Read more>> 

Dr. Henry Panion, III | Award-Winning Conductor, Arranger, Producer, and Educator

I’ve been in music all my life. I’ve always loved the arts. And at every stage of “success,” I’ve come to love and enjoy it even more. I’d like to say that I really believe…..No….I know that I am following my passion and walking in my God-given purpose. Read more>>

Davionne Coubarous | Actress

My love for the arts especially film and theatre, started back to my childhood. I always was the kid that imitated everyone. Family functions grocery stores I would put on a show. In the beginning it was just an outlet for me. As time went on I realized how much I needed it. Read more>>

Frederic Thomas | Film Director | Cinematographer

From the outset, creativity has been an integral part of my life. I habitually push the boundaries of conventional thinking, exploring an unknown realm where my creativity thrives. Since my childhood, people have always recognized my unique “artistic eye”. Read more>>

Joshua Uttech | Independent Musician and Singer/Songwriter

It’s what I truly love doing, and I can’t really imagine doing something else. I am inspired by the stories you hear of people on their deathbeds, and their greatest regret is always that they didn’t live the life that they knew they should have. Read more>>

Jeremy ‘BEAN’ Clemons | Drummer/Engineer/Composer/Arranger

Music found me in a way that felt destined. It wasn’t a conscious decision on my part; rather, the irresistible energy it exuded drew me in. Coming from a lineage deeply rooted in the tradition of Drum and Bugle, music was woven into the fabric of my family from the very beginning. Read more>>

rzzrd | artist

I pursed a artistic career because i feel i have a gift to be able to express anything im going through with these creative outlets and just maybe theres a few out there who it relates to or touches in someway. Read more>>

Legend Franklin | Entrepreneur & Artist

Art & creativity has always been my strongest power. I was always creative and artistic, but I didn’t know how to showcase myself. The only way I was able to express my art was through dance, but I knew I had to figure out other ways because I’m super multitalented. I’ve always been able to do any and everything I put my mind to. Read more>>

Tyler Toney | Actor & Personal Trainer

Simply put. I want to make movies and help create stories while having fun and making money. It’s exciting to have the ability to escape reality and create something amazing with other brilliant minds. To work WITH people instead of FOR them while still being in a competitive environment. To witness other people enjoy and invest in your work. Read more>> 

John Williams | Freelance writer and MFA mentor

In a way, I didn’t choose it but it chose me. From a very early age I enjoyed writing stories and comic narrative poems and drawing pictures. Back in school days it was all about relieving boredom and making my buddy a couple of desks over laugh. Read more>>

Kiarra Williams | Artist & Art Therapist

I have always been very passionate about art and expressing myself creatively. When I started to grow my skills within ceramics and drawing, I knew that I could take it to the next level and share my art with the world. Read more>>

Kate Haley | Film Director and Writer

I grew up in a rural town in Co. Donegal, Ireland. As kids, we were encouraged by our parents to read, draw, and create from an early age. We lived in a beautiful place – rolling green hills that meet the Atlantic Ocean, green and gold. Read more>>

Akshay Tiwari | Designer and experimental artist

Art found me at a young age and it’s been a passion ever since. Alongside my artistic endeavors, I also developed a knack for math during my school days. You could often find me sitting at the front of the class, sketching away on the last pages of my books. Read more>>

Jay Kloepfer | Co-owner & General Manager at Marti’s at Midday

Work life balance…. this is defintely an area I’m trying to be more intentional about. When i moved back to take over my sister’s small business in August of 2020, I knew nothing about the restaurant industry and would put in 60, 70, 80 hr weeks trying to learn everything I possibly could to keep the business going and help carry on her legacy. Read more>>