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.

Austin Burke | Photographer

Creative expression has always brought me happiness. It’s what makes me feel the most fulfilled. I love the process of creating something that can impact myself and others. Art gives me a child-like joy that never fades, and it comes in many different forms.  Read more>>

Jerome Tarpley | Graphic Designer – Illustrator – Fine Artist

I initially envisioned a career in science, but my academic journey steered me toward a different path. My fascination with the surrealism of Salvador Dali and the simplistic approach of Picasso, alongside a pull towards abstract designs and minimalism, sparked my artistic exploration during high school. Read more>> 

Jason Spector | Pro Wrestler, Stuntman, Actor, & Filmmaker

I did not start out pursuing an artistic or creative career. I started out growing up with a dream of being a basketball player in the NBA. When I tore my knee up in college, I was lost as to what I wanted out of my future. I was not a great student, but my english teacher explained that whenever I had an assignment that allowed creative freedom, my essays were far better than usual. Read more>>

Mind Splitter | Music Producer and 3D/Visual Artist

To me, creating is one of the most important and valuable things a person can do. When you make something, whether it’s a piece of art, a song, a story, or even a piece of furniture, you are bringing something into the universe that didn’t exist before. Read more>> 

Jada “The Nail Boss” Shoemaker | Nail Artist & Personal Nail Stylist

I decided to pursue an artistic/creative career because I believe that this field of work allows me to be my authentic self. I enjoy providing a space where people can come to relax. I take pride in my craft and enjoy challenging myself by pushing my boundaries of nail artistry as new trends and techniques continue to develop. Read more>>

Alexander Mills | Singer/Songwriter and Musician

Growing up in Barbados I was introduced to music at a young age. My mother sent me to piano lesson around 8 years old and I played it for quite a while. My father as well was an avid music lover and played the guitar. I guess I am kind of an amalgamation of the two of my parents in a musical sense as I also play guitar and piano. Read more>>

Brittany Richardson | Artist

Growing up, I always had a creative streak! I was the kid always drawing, painting, and creating crafts with random found items around the house. Never met a glue gun or popsicle stick that I didn’t just love! As a child, when asked “what do you want to be when you grow up? My answer was consistently “an artist and a teacher!”  Read more>>

Lia Aleman | Trans-disciplinary & Systemic Designer

I have always been curious, and I think curiosity and creativity go hand and hand. I grew up always trying different things; I did sports, I read a lot of fiction, I loved doing scientific experiments, I liked writing, watching movies, drawing, painting, talking, sharing– I think there’s creativity in every career, but a creative career is one that allows you to be curious and explorative in different directions, instead of having to choose a single one. Read more>>

Paul Duerr | Author, Historian, Presenter

My number one passion in life has always been U.S. history. Primarily the age of the Civil War, and the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln. My pursuit of a writing career (and a career in politics) has always been based in my passion for history. Read more>>

Jorge Alain Herrera | Principal Architect : Herrera Studio

My talent for visual arts and creative thinking was discovered by my third grade art teacher. She directed me to audition for a magnet art scholarship, and I had the fortune of being accepted to the program at South Miami Magnet Arts starting the following school year. Read more>>

Thub Chaikaewsakulchai | Video editor & Photographer

Growing up immersed in the television culture of the early 2000s, I was exposed to a diverse range of programming, from TV series to Japanese, Thai, and American animations. This early fascination with entertainment sparked a lifelong ambition to pursue a career in the industry. Read more>> 

Candice Chou | CG Generalist

Throughout my educational journey, I found myself continually drawn to artistic expression. The act of drawing never failed to captivate me, and the positive feedback I received from various individuals across different age groups—be it my parents, classmates, teachers, or even strangers—encouraged me to further explore my talents. Read more>>

Ian Sawan | Actor & Creative

My journey towards a creative career is deeply rooted in my lifelong dedication to activism. Since childhood, I’ve been engaged in various initiatives advocating for causes close to my heart, ranging from environmentalism, to facilitating access to education in underserved communities, and more. Read more>>

Ellie Roth | Actor and Singer

I’ve always had an affinity for music and acting. I began training in classical vocals in middle school and was a promising up-and-coming opera singer; taking home multiple accolades for my vocals. However, as I started performing in musicals, I discovered an empathetic side to myself that allowed me to connect with the characters I was playing. Read more>>

m williams | Photographer & Filmmaker

i decided to pursue an artistic career because that’s what i was born to do. i could not envision myself doing anything else but artistic work. i have always been a creative person since childhood, trying to get my hands on everything possible. i used to dance, draw, sing, write…you name it anything that gets my brain going excites me! Read more>>

Ricquan Roberts | Artist Producer Songwriter Model Streamer

Pursuing an artistic or creative career can be a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It challenges individuals to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and continuously refine their craft. I was drawn to it in a way. Expressing myself through music has always been a passion for me. Read more>>

Jerron Bacat | Professional Voice Actor & Storyteller

I grew up on video games, animations, anime, etc., so I was introduced to an artistic/creative field early on, whether I was aware of it or not. It was something I found enjoyment and comfort out of, so I had an interest from the beginning. Read more>>

Bintou Sylla | Actress, Director & Screenwriter

The reason why I pursue an artistic or creative career is because it brings me joy. I believe that the things that we want to pursue/be in life should bring us the most joy. If we do not enjoy the things that we plan to do for the rest of our lives then what is the point? Read more>>

Cleo Cartwright | Fashion, Editorial & Portrait Photographer & Creative Director

I pursued an artistic career because of my natural tendency towards creativity and imagination. From a young age, I found myself captivated by the idea of freezing moments in time through photography, the thought of cherishing memories indefinitely. Read more>>

Linxin Lu | Aspiring Creator, Visual Storyteller, Art Director

I pursued a career in design because, from a young age, I was fascinated by how packaging could communicate. As a child, I collected precisely designed packages, intrigued by how a simple visual on a small piece of paper could convey a product’s entire story to its audience.  Read more>>

Yefan Liu | Industrial Designer & Digital Artist

The reason I chose this profession is a culmination of various factors. Firstly, my childhood drawing classes ignited my interest in art, planting the seeds of artistic passion within me. School education then provided me with fundamental skills and a knowledge framework, laying the groundwork for further exploration in the realms of art and design.  Read more>>

Cas Isaac | 2D Animator

Art has always been something that came naturally to me. As a child, I couldn’t help but doodle photorealistic eyes in the margins of my school notes. As a teen, I exasperated my parents, who wanted their children to pursue realistic careers, by proudly proclaiming that I wanted to attend an art college. As a young adult now, I’m faced with the slow and painful decline of the animation industry, but can’t imagine being in any other field. Read more>>

SCHUY | Artist: Rapper/Songwriter/Creative Visionary

Whew, this is a pretty loaded question! I really think I pursued the Artist pathway because it was already pursuing me. Younger SCHUY was hardly good at any Math or Science, but definitely was a whiz at Writing and History/Social Studies. But where she effortlessly excelled was Theatre and Music. Read more>>