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.

Kristopher Everett Krava | Figurative Oil Painter

Creativity has been the thread running through every chapter of my life, from cooking to music and designing digital experiences. After spending 30 years in the marketing and advertising world, I found myself sacrificing my physical well-being and contributing to a global culture that increasingly prioritizes digital connections over authentic, human ones. This disconnect was amplified by my cancer diagnosis, which became a wake-up call, forcing me to reassess my life and priorities. Read more>>

Nilima Lakhai

I began working as a henna artist when I was 17 in my hometown of Gujarat. Inspired by my mother, a beauty therapist specializing in bridal art, I developed a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of beauty. Over the years, I expanded my expertise to include hair, makeup, and eventually semi-permanent makeup. “It was my mother’s work that sparked my interest,”. “Watching her make brides look their best on their big day instilled in me a passion for helping people feel beautiful.” Read more>>

Shannah Dean | Painter and High School Art Teacher

I think back to when I first started creating art when I was in high school. I started painting and I fell in love with it and knew it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. When I went to college, I took art classes and just kept going with it. That was where I learned about oil paint, and after that, I have never stopped painting. I was amazed by the textures and colors that were possible with oil paint, and I did my best to learn everything I could about it.
About 10 years after college, I decided that I would also like to teach art. Now in addition to painting, I also work as a high school art teacher and teach Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, and AP Art classes. My goal in the classroom is to teach art skills and hopefully have some students fall in love with art like I did at their age, and also to just give students a place to belong and hopefully make a positive impact on them. Read more>>

Skylar Cibirka | Professional Harpist

I pursued a creative career because I’ve always had a deep connection with the harp, and music in general. From a very young age, I was captivated by musicals. My mom used to laugh at me as I dramatically walked around the house with a cape, singing ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’ from Phantom of the Opera. The passion and beauty of that play left a lasting impression on me and ever since, I’ve aspired to create something equally moving with my harp. Read more>>

Rahn Evans | Director / Producer

I feel like this career choose me. As a high school failure at the time my teachers warning me that I wasn’t gonna make it out of school and forced me into a skills level class. Out of all the ones introduced to me Broadcasting matched my vibe. The teacher got a grant for $50,000 that year and bought professional video production equipment that was typically reserved for college students. I became really familiar with it even better than my teacher which positioned me to be like a teacher favorite for once in my life. This is the beginning to the path to the Emmy Award. Read more>>

Shirlyn Park | 3D Animation Rigging Artist

Ever since I was young, I loved watching animations. They made me feel excited and curious about how stories could be told in such a way that they made people feel strong emotions. It amazed me that animations could make you laugh, cry, or feel close to characters that weren’t real. That’s when I understood that art, in any form, is a strong way to tell stories. It can communicate feelings without words and connect with people on a deep level. Read more>>

Aniyah Myers | Entrepreneur / Cosmetologist / Beauty Enthusiast

I honestly did not intentionally pursue an artistic or creative career. I actually originally had a typical career plan of going to the medical field and becoming some sort of doctor . That dream eventually faded and I thought of pursing phycology but I wasn’t too sure if that’s exactly what I wanted to do either. All I really knew deep down was that I wanted to do something that involved helping people or bettering them in some sort of way. My career path actually sort of came to me. I always wanted to know how to do hair so that I could style my own hair originally. I never thought I would be where I am today . People were demanding my work and I had to release the fears that I had about doing these services on someone else. Ever since I answered that call my life has never been the same in the best way! Read more>>

Cleve Willis | Bikram yoga studio owner, Musician, & Actor (Stewart Talent)

I could only pursue a creative life, there was no choice.
The idea of going to a 9-5 job I knew from an early age, elementary school that was not going to work for me. I was jumping on my bed listening to Van Halen “jump” pretending I was on stage already. The music and tv (acting) and at that time skateboarding could fill me up , and was also my escape. I was the MTV generation, gen X. Thankfully owning a hot yoga studio (Still Hot Yoga) though maybe not as creative, it is a a non traditional schedule, I am lucky that I am as passionate about it as much as my creative endeavors. I get to see others enjoy the space much like how I other enjoy art, whatever might be. I would actually consider Yoga an art form physically and mentally with the movement and the stillness. Read more>>

Chanel Collins | Actress

I chose to pursue a career in acting because of my deep passion for storytelling. Storytelling is the art of bringing narratives to life, allowing audiences to experience diverse perspectives, emotions, and journeys beyond their own. As an actor, I am able to transform words on a page into living characters. The craft of acting allows me to challenge myself through each role, while also discovering new aspects of myself. In doing so, I am able to contribute a strong connection between the story and the audience, enriching their understanding of the world through each role I play. Overall, being able to do this brings joy to my heart. Read more>>

Kareem “reemo Meerak” Tyson | Media Personality, Actor, and Blogger

This is a very interesting, and pivotal question of a creative like myself. I’m not going to lie before this I really wanted to play basketball ball overseas. Unfortunately, injuries and my passion for it decreased. Then, one day hooping at The CAGE, one of my mentors to this day asked me, “Do I Really want to Play ball overseas for the rest of my life?”, and he presented to me to enter the entertainment industry. Prior to the talk, a lot of my friends during my high school, and early college years would suggest the same because of my witty, high energy, and charismatic personality. After our talk, like the next week I went to Central Casting to start off in the entertainment industry as a Background Actor, and then 18 years later have been involved as an Actor, Podcaster, Media Personality, Blogger, Award Winning TV Producer, Creative Director, and A&R. Read more>>

Dante’ Fambro | Actor/Entertainer

I always loved entertaining people and making people laugh. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to act professionally but I just didn’t know how haha!! Growing up in the 90’s with some of the best sitcoms and taking my first drama class in the 11th grade…the REST was history!! Read more>>

Lekeith Jones | Writer/Filmmaker

As a young Black man, I grew up introverted, often feeling trapped in my own thoughts. I faced hardships that deeply affected me—death, heartbreak, and identity struggles, as my interests and perspective on the world differed from my peers. In my community, showing vulnerability gets you shunned, which pressures Black boys to mask their struggles behind a facade of strength. As a result, we feel somewhat invisible in society because we find ourselves at the bottom of the hierarchy, marginalized and overlooked in a world that frequently prioritizes other narratives. Read more>>

Eve Desorme | Personal Trainer and Social Media Influencer

I always knew that the typical 9 to 5 wasn’t for me. Ever since my first job in college, it was really easy for me to just let a job go on a whim because I wasn’t happy there, or simply because I was complacent and unmotivated. it was in college that I realize that personal training was a passion of mine, and shortly after college, I realize that the beauty industry was something I was also interested in. Becoming an online influencer second when quarantine happened, and the rest was history from there. Read more>>

Laveeta Childs | Licensed Nail Technician

I’ve always been a very imaginative person!!! I can visualize things on a blank canvas and for me my canvas is a nail. I love seeing what I visualize in my head come to life. I’ve tried the regular 9-5 thing sitting at a desk behind a computer but that’s not me. I felt restricted because I know creatively I’m capable of so much more. I knew I was destined for more when we had to do the model cell project in middle school. I was so extra that I used clear gelatin for the cytoplasm and the teacher gave me extra points for thinking outside of the box. It was set in stone then. It just took me a moment to actually hone in on what my niche was. I later learned that it was nails. I remember I would do my own French tips on my nails and toes and use a piece of tape for my guide and that took me through middle school. For my junior prom, I did my own nails and toes and after that it was a wrap no one could convince me otherwise that I wasn’t going to be a nail tech. Read more>>

Ria Githuku-muraglia | Actor, Singer, Writer

Art is the way I breathe, it’s the only real way I’ve ever been able to express myself. I’ve been singing and acting since I was 6 years old, and have since done theater, film, recorded and produced original music, performed slam poetry, stand-up comedy, and improv, written a feature film and several shorts…and there’s a lot more to come! I know that it’s my calling to share my story through art and to inspire my audiences to do the same in their own way. This is more than a career for me, it’s my life’s mission. It’s who I am. Read more>>

Tameka Triggs | Social Media Fashion Influencer

I’ve always been fascinated by how creativity can transform abstract ideas into something tangible and impactful. From a young age, I was drawn to fashion and I found it to be a way to express myself and communicate ideas that words alone couldn’t convey. I would cut up clothing to make outfits for my baby dolls. For me, creativity in fashion isn’t just about making something beautiful- it’s about creating work that resonates with others and sparks a conversation. I find it incredibly fulfilling to see how my work can inspire, challenge, or even entertain people. Read more>>

Tyler Howard | Professional Potter/Ceramic Artist

As a child, I was always surrounded by art. From an early age, my parents had a way of pointing out the natural beauty constantly occurring around us. Whether it was ivy climbing a brick wall, an interesting looking rock, or the patterns on a bird’s feather, I was taught to be enchanted by the world around me. Read more>>

Adera Brown | Abstract Artist and Designer

I pursued an artistic and creative career because art has always been my way of speaking when words seem to fail. From a young age, I found myself drawn to the freedom and expression that creating provides. It allowed me to process emotions, tell stories, and connect with people in ways that felt authentic and meaningful. Read more>>

Hazel Chen | Installation Artist

Inspired by the documentary Masters in the Forbidden City, I decided to explore tangible objects, which later evolved into a fascination with installation art, driving me to explore larger spatial narratives. This transformation was both organic and profound. For example, in a recent Brooklyn exhibition, I presented an orange alongside a fabricated explanation in the catalog. This extended the artistic space beyond the display itself, fostering interaction with the audience. Read more>>

Clancy Weaver | Scientific Illustrator

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I was one of those kids who was always sketching something, animals, imaginary creatures, or whatever was on my mind that day. But what really shaped my creative path was my love of animals and natural science. I was always drawn to ecosystems, evolution, and the connections we find in nature. I would always get excited in my science class whenever we covered those units. I even remember flipping ahead in my textbooks just to admire the illustrations—those detailed diagrams and images made the concepts come alive for me. I have ADHD and other obstacles that make academic environments difficult for me to navigate, and as a visual learner, these infographics and posters engaged me in ways that verbal lecture never did and communicated to me concepts I couldn’t quite grasp through worksheets and tests. Read more>>

Anjum Mariam | Artist and Designer

The everyday world I live in within is brimming with colour, with books and art, textiles and travel, prose and poetry, wildlife and wilderness, beneath trees, under the stars, in the warmth of sunshine and in the cacophony of rain, a sphere away, in daydreams and imagination. For as long as I can remember, I have lived in this creative cocoon. I used to spend time as a child flipping through books by Eric Carle or Quentin Blake just for the feeling of warm happiness the illustrations gave me, or sorting a box of crayons into the colour groups, collecting leaves of different shades of green or drawing happy things. What drew me to them, was how they made me feel- an inexplicable feeling of calm, happiness, warmth and wonder. Read more>>

Sarah Turner | Makeup Artist and Content Creator

Coming from a family of creatives, I’ve always felt that artistic expression was in my nature, but that’s only part of the story. I’ve never felt more at peace than when I have a creative outlet—whether it’s painting, dancing, sewing, or practicing makeup. As a kid, I always had something to keep me connected to the arts. For me, art is one of the most powerful forms of expression, and being able to translate emotions into a makeup look and evoke feelings in others is truly one of the most fulfilling experiences. Read more>>

Nilima Lakhai | Award Winning Cosmetic Tattoo Artist and Trainer

I began working as a henna artist when I was 17 in my hometown of Gujarat. Inspired by my mother, a beauty therapist specializing in bridal art, I developed a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of beauty. Over the years, I expanded my expertise to include hair, makeup, and eventually semi-permanent makeup. Read more>>

Brytani (brytan Renee’) Bradley | Actor | Artist | Author

I’ve always been a writer—since I was a little girl, books transported me to another world. My love for music has also been a constant, with Kanye being one of my biggest inspirations. As a kid, I dreamed of becoming a Victoria’s Secret model after watching America’s Next Top Model. That dream evolved when I discovered Issa Rae in middle school. Seeing her create and thrive made me realize I could pursue any path I wanted. Read more>>

Aaron Jones | Master Barber, Image Consultant

I truly believe this is something that I was called to do. When you’re born, you’re born with different skill sets and gifts that make you unique. Once I started to discover what my gifts were I was determined to master them. I’ve always had a creative mindset, wanting to be creative and try new things. Growing up as a musician was a big help as well. The ideas are endless, just trying new ideas and getting around the correct people to guide me in a positive direction. Im betting on myself everyday in this career field, and as long as I continue to find inspiration in the world, because we’re surrounded by it, I’ll remain in this career field. Read more>>

Jerilyn Harper | Writer

I chose a creative career to connect with others on a deeper level and foster understanding through storytelling. As an avid reader growing up, my passion for writing began in elementary school when I crafted a unique story about visiting the planets. My favorite assignments were always the ones where I could tell stories about myself or share how I saw the world through the lens of my adolescent experiences. My teacher encouraged me to pursue my passion further, sparking my desire to create the kinds of universes I loved exploring in books. Read more>>

Rachel Ramsey | Owner & Principal Consultant

I have always leaned into the creative passions that bring me joy. However I also have a side of me that enjoys math & science and structure. Over many years I’ve found intriguing ways to merge those worlds together, first as a Pastry Chef , and now as a business owner in the restaurant industry. My love for the culinary arts manifests itself daily as we work with our clients to build the foundations of their HR or People departments. Read more>>

Stephanie Byron-ene | Filmmaker

As cliche as it sounds, Art has been something that came to me naturally or I guess you could say something I was always drawn to as a kid. It also helped that I have parents who believe that art is not totally useless in contrary to other adults I saw around me as I grew up in Lagos Nigeria. Art has always been a way to express myself especially growing up as an introvert. I would draw, design as a way to amplify my voice in a way that speaking didn’t do justice to and eventually, I found myself drawn to storytelling especially in filmmaking. To me, there is something beautiful about amplifying people’s stories and voices by putting others in their shoes as I related to this. My journey as a filmmaker didn’t begin with this school of thought. Read more>> 

Queen Majeeda | Poet/Recording Artist

I’ve always been an artist. Growing up, I found myself writing songs, plays, stories, and poems. Today, I feel like being a poet and recording artist is who I am — like I could not separate my work from myself because my work is an extension of who I am – my work is my thoughts made audible. A poem of mine on the page is a thought that was made visible. I always saw myself doing what I am doing today as a poet and recording artist. I remember being about four years old, climbing up on furniture with a flashlight in my hand, pretending I was on stage. Right after high school, I started hanging around musicians every chance I got and I would rehearse with them. Soon after, I started recording my album and since then I haven’t looked back. Read more>>

Devyn Gomez | Masters Student & Aspiring Sports Media Mogul

I pursued a career in artistic and creative sports media because I’ve always been drawn to the power of storytelling and the emotional connection sports can create. Sports are more than just games; they’re a reflection of life itself—full of highs, lows, triumphs, and setbacks. As someone who loves both creativity and the world of sports, I realized that this field allows me to combine my passion for art with my fascination for human performance, perseverance, and the drama of competition. As a retired athlete, it’s also an advantage from the storytelling piece of sports media the way I can share my vision and thoughts. Read more>>

Breana Morrison | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

I have always been a creative individual, with a passion for music, art, dance, and design. I thrive on the excitement of tackling new projects frequently, as they challenge my problem-solving skills and keep me engaged. When I discovered graphic design, I came to appreciate its unique ability to convey beauty and meaning. To me, graphic design is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, allowing emotions and ideas to resonate with people around the world. The thought that someone from a completely different background can understand and connect with my work is both humbling and inspiring. This profound realization solidified my decision to pursue graphic design as a career. Read more>>

Leylismr. (leylis Burnette) | Visual Artist and Art Educator

Pursuing a career as a visual artist is more than just choosing a profession; it’s about embracing a passion that speaks to the very core of who you are. This journey is often fueled by a desire to express emotions, tell stories, and capture moments that words alone cannot convey. Every brushstroke becomes a testament to your own unique perspective, inviting others to see the world through your eyes. Read more>>