Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Sofia Terpou | Film Producer

I was always a fan of art whether that be films, music, literature or any other creative form. I feel there is always a presence of duality that exists inside every artist: the immense – almost selfish – need to express what they have in their mind and the insecurity of how that will be perceived from the outside world. And that creates an absurd but, in a way, natural balance. Read more>>

Melody Ling | Multimedia Artist & Interaction Designer

Some things in life prevent you from falling apart, but others make you cherish the intentionality of living – the latter is what art is to me. The intention of being creative is the voice in me that I’ve longed to speak out and make sense of. Without it, I could be a decent human being; but with it, I am the unique entity I am. Read more>>

Babyghost | Musician

I think I’ve always been one to think outside the box and push hypotheticals to their starry extremes. I don’t believe in Plan B’s. I believe in music and its power to transcend barriers of language and culture, bringing us together like nothing else. The feeling I get from making and performing music is something that reminds me of home. Read more>>

Jana Mosquera | Actress

For me acting is being aware of feelings, letting our souls express without fear. Previously, when I had lost faith in my dreams and was depressed, I used to try to repress my feelings. I could not understand that we cannot avoid pain or excitement, that these feelings make us human, and that life would be so boring without emotional changes. Read more>>

David Barbeschi | Screenwriter

Because I love storytelling! Before I could talk, I was thinking up scenarios when playing with my toy T-Rex and pitting it against my cow plushie to form what was – in my head – a clash of titans. Years later, I’d imagine sequels to Star Wars and Lord of the Rings with the help of action figures. Read more>>

Skye Taniai | Contemporary Artist

I found my purpose as an artist when I realized I identify as an Asian American. For so long, I identified as Japanese and rejected Asian American for so long. One day it occurred to me that I own all the great history that has been left behind by my predecessors. Now I had a duty to fulfill- to continue telling the story of Asian America through visual art. Read more>>

Ryan Zin | Songwriter, and Music Producer

Being creative has always really felt like something that was in my blood. Both of my parents are visual artists, so I grew up exposed to a creative mindset. Even though they were visual artists, my parents exposed me to a lot of music when I was growing up. And they really emphasized that songwriting was a productive way to channel one’s emotions, and to comment on the world.  Read more>>

Jennifer Lynn Pappalardo | Creative Director, Filmmaker, & Photographer

It’s not that I pursued an artistic/creative career, it’s just who I am. Before I seriously became a creative director, filmmaker, and photographer, I was heavily involved in the culinary arts. Throughout high school, I thought I was going to become a chef or baker, creating beautiful eye-catching dishes. I took culinary classes all four years and even went on to do some competitions. Read more>>

Rebecca Hairston | Lighting Designer & Entrepreneur

I don’t think I had any other choice. I watched my parents work at jobs they hated in order to provide for our family. I promised myself that I would never EVER have a career that made me feel like that. I also grew up in an unsafe environment. So, my imagination was the place I would go to when things were bad. Read more>>

Lauren Siegfried | Associate Designer / Lead Programmer

From a very young age, I’ve always felt the desire to be creating things. I’ve always loved the way that lighting could enhance a show and the way it impacts the viewers perception of what is happening. From the very first show I saw, I wanted to be the person behind the lighting console, setting the mood, creating the looks. I couldn’t ever imagine a different path. Lighting calls to me, it’s how I express my style. Read more>>

Herbertonic | Artist

Serving in the U.S. Military taught me the importance of leadership and freedom, so I decided to trade in a Rifle for a Marker and grew my hair out; now I make Art! I am highly motivated by my passion for evoking emotion in my audience through writing or illustration. Read more>>

Cheryl Okonkwo | Illustrator & Animator

I think that I was always drawn towards an artistic profession or career because art to me, in the different mediums that I like to explore, just feels like a natural extension of my thought process and personal expression. So there was never really a question to me of if I would pursue a creative career, but rather which practice I felt the most called to. Read more>>