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.

Billy Montgomery | Digital Content Creator

In 7th grade, I discovered my passion for communication during a series of severe winter snowstorms in Chicago. My English teacher assigned us to write about a significant impact on our lives, and I chose to write a poem about a recent massive snowstorm that caused school closures for several days. My teacher was impressed with my work and displayed it all over the school, which received positive feedback from my peers and teachers. This experience made me realize the power of words and their impact. Read more>>

Josh Herren | Producer & Multi Instrumentalist

Well, I grew up around music long before I ever considered making my own. When I was 12 my dad gave me an iPod that was loaded with all his favorite artists, so some of my first real memories listening to music are hearing bands like Boston, The Eagles, Queen, Pink Floyd, etc.. and it really shaped my taste and how I viewed music going forward. I played in my school worship bands from 4th grade all the way through high school and did multiple choirs in college, but I never considered making music of my own until covid hit. Read more>>

Dhwani Shah | Actor, Dancer & Producer

I pursued an artistic career in hope of finding more about myself. I always wondered what is more to my existence and how I could express myself more fully. I kept searching within myself and got drawn to dancing as a medium. I was trained under two Indian dance forms, ‘Bharatnatyam’ & ‘Kathak’. I really enjoyed the process and performing brought me a certain kind of fulfillment. Slowly over the years I started getting attracted to theatre and my romance with acting began. Acting provided me exactly what I was looking for, encouragement to be a more authentic version of myself while learning and living several characters and their lives. Read more>>

Eunsuh Choi | Glass Artist and Instructor and Director in Glass Dept

Well…When I was young (like 9 years old), I wanted to be a fashion designer. I did not have any relatives that were in the art field. I do not know why I want to be a fashion designer, but I used to like making dresses. As I was the only child with both parents were working, I spent lots of time alone with a barbie. I loved to make dresses for my barbie and had lots of ideas. Ever since that, I have wanted to pursue my career as a designer. In order to be in that field, I had to go to college to study design. In Korea, you must pass the drawing tests to get into a college, so I spent 2 years of my high school to prepare me to apply to art school. Read more>>

Celia Coulibaly | Dancer & Choreographer

I always have been a creative person. It’s my way to express my self. I tried to do normal studies and have a normal job but I lost myself in the process.
And when I was lost it’s art that help me to push through. There for I knew that I was an artist and I profoundly need to express my self through art. The most naturally way to do it for me is dance. It became my career because I thought: “if I have to give my all for something, I will do it for something that I deeply love”.
So for me, this artistic career is not something that I need to do but something I need to do. Read more>>

Kayla Raee | Entrepreneur, Creative Director, Creator

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had a creative outlook and perspective, so I decided to dive into it and embrace being a creative butterfly versus fearing it. As a kid, I always wanted to be involved in anything that would allow me to create and express myself. So once, I realized that I was able to create in various areas and forms, effortlessly bring a concept/vision to reality, and had a unique pov that most people wouldn’t even dream of. It became crystal clear that I was meant to be a creator and entrepreneur. Read more>>

Lea (Muci) Li | Theatre Professional & Live Music Producer

During my undergraduate years, while deeply immersed in law and English studies, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to the university’s musical club. It was in this setting that my passion for the arts truly came alive. Over those four years, I took on a variety of roles, serving as director, producer, and stage manager for six memorable productions. Each role, each show, was a lesson that further ignited my desire to create. Read more>>

Randi Roberts | Photographer & Creative Director

I decided to pursue a creative career as a portrait and event photographer because photography is more than just a profession to me; it’s a way of expressing my unique perspective and connecting with the world on a profound level. First and foremost, I’ve always been captivated by the power of visual storytelling. Photography has the incredible ability to freeze moments in time, encapsulating emotions, stories, and memories. Read more>>

Jiawei Fu | Interior Designer & Painter

In our world, there exist numerous ambiguous boundaries and undefined realms, often challenging to articulate or substantiate. These elusive boundaries or gray areas can manifest as personal sentiments, conceptual definitions, or even historical contexts. Personally, I have found solace in the realm of painting, as it serves as a conduit for me to elucidate these enigmatic aspects within my own life and the world around me. Art, as a medium, offers unrestricted freedom in interpretation, inviting individuals to assign their unique meanings to it. Read more>>

Kristoffer Carrillo | Cinematographer

Early on I discovered I had an affinity for making things and as a child of the 80’s I developed a love of movies as well. I think I’m lucky in that I found my passion and decided to pursue a career in filmmaking when I was young. I say that because it took me a long time to get to where I am, but also because there’s so much to learn. I’ve never been interested in a “traditional” job so-to-speak, and I think Cinematography is the most exciting and creatively fulfilling job for me. Read more>>