Why they do what they do

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.
During school I loved painting, playing viola in orchestra, organizing fashion/talent/international shows, hosting events and many more outgoing activities. My creative side was always apparent as I matured. However, growing up in a conservative Afghan-American household it was also encouraged to pursue a generic or “safe” career path similar to engineering, business, or medicine which guaranteed a secure lifestyle like my parents. To please my mom I majored in Pharmacy, and throughout the process I realized it wasn’t for me. I felt boxed and unable to express myself. I felt I was letting my mom down if I chose a different path, but she slowly became open to having balance. Read more>>
I was always fascinated with sports design and team uniforms from a young age. I played every single sport you can think of growing up but my love for baseball was always #1. I was grateful to continue my baseball career at Appalachian State University. In my senior year, I was given the opportunity to design a new uniform with Wilson. Through that process, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in sports and design. Seeing an idea come to life from start to finish was a very rewarding feeling. Read more>>
I think that sometimes we forget that our passions are what make life worth living. I want my life to be doing what I love to do, and I’ve just decided not to compromise on that. I feel a little bit like it wasn’t a choice for me. I couldn’t imagine living my life any other way than relentlessly pursuing my passions. And for me, that means creating content and using cameras to tell stories and preserve moments. Read more>>
My mother was an artist and from an early age, I had a love of beautiful things. My favorite painter is John Singer Sargent and I find paintings of timeless, classic scenes or people hold the awe and respect of the viewer more than trendy art. I was in the Marine Corps when I began focusing on photography. I sculpted marble for a while, and continue to turn and sell wood vessels from my wood shop, but creating beautiful photographic images for my clients is my passion. I always knew I would be self-employed in some capacity and have been blessed to have a successful portrait studio since 2004. Read more>>
I chose a creative career after many attempts to make the corporate world work for me. My college career and professional background is mostly in the healthcare field. I have worked from hospitals and emergency rooms to non profits. But nothing made me come alive like being creative. During my 9-5 days, after starting my brand almost 7yrs ago, my days became full of anxiety and I was depressed unknowingly for years. My creativity was literally the only thing I had to look forward to. I had to start laying the groundwork for myself to make my dreams a reality. That took a lot of time and work but it was very worth it. It means more to me to be living as my highest and greatest self than to be safe on a job working someone else’s dream knowing I was called to something much greater. Read more>>