Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Kelvin

I’ve always been drawn to creativity, whether through art, music, or the process of building communities that foster artistic expression. My own experiences in the creative world showed me the challenges many artists face in finding affordable living and studio spaces. I saw a real need for a place where artists could not only live but also thrive in an environment that nurtures their craft. This is why I founded Artist Housing —to provide a supportive, affordable, and inspiring space for artists to live and create without the financial stress that often comes with it. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to build a space where creativity can truly flourish. Read More>>

Skylisha Vasquez

I pursued an artistic and creative career because it allows me to express my emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a specific way. Writing has helped me process and understand the world around me. Through writing and poetry, I can connect with others on a deep, emotional level, offering them a sense of shared experience. Writing has always allowed me to explore my own growth while inspiring others to embrace their creativity and authenticity, giving a voice to the unspoken. Read More>>

Bianca Ayala

I’ve been into DIY and crafting for as long as I can remember. It’s always been something that has been an outlet for me and it brings me so much joy. When I wasn’t coloring or drawing, I was sewing little outfits for my Barbies and Bratz dolls. In high school, I took art classes and loved going to concerts. That’s when I started messing around with Photoshop, making fun edits of my favorite artists just to show my support. The more I played with graphics and photo editing, the more I fell in love with the creative process. Read More>>

Rebecca Jax

I’ve always been drawn to creativity. Whether it was painting, doing crafts, baking, or taking pictures, if it allowed me to make something beautiful and different, I was all in. There was just something about the process of creating that captured my interest from a young age.

But life doesn’t always follow a straight path, and for a while, mine took a turn away from creativity. I attended the United States Air Force Academy, a place built on precision, discipline, and structure. Our rooms were spotless, our clothes were perfectly pressed uniforms, and every day was designed to strip away the extras so we could focus on duty and performance. While I’m grateful for the lessons I learned there, a big part of me (the creative part) felt pushed into the background. Read More>>

Marga Patterson

Drawing was my first love and my curiosity grew from there. My parents enjoyed making things when they had the time and energy. They fostered my creativity and encouraged my imagination. From a young age, people acknowledged my talent for drawing and I kept on this path. My Mom volunteered at the art museum and gave art talks at our school to teach kids about art. I was fascinated by how powerful art could be. Growing up in rural Michigan, I was determined to move to New York City where I could pursue my passion in an environment where being an artist was a recognized and accepted profession. Read More>>

Brandon Bizzy

Well when I was young I was very influenced by television and music and the things around me. I remember wanting to be a fighter pilot after watching top gun and iron eagle. I remember wanting to be a kung-fu master watching those tapes. So being a guitarist and a musician came from me seeing those guys in the 80’s and 90’s music videos and me thinking man those guys look so cool and that they are having a great time. Read More>>

Jeremy Berger

I was a misfit pretty much all through school. With the exception of being somewhat interested in a couple areas such as history and creative writing, I just did not have much interest in school and didn’t believe I was good at much until I took my first art class in 9th grade. I seem to naturally excel in the class and finally felt like I was good at something..and I liked making stuff. Read More>>

Enrique Poveda

This is interesting to me because I feel like photography is not really something I pursued particularly. As a child I attended an elementary school with an arts based curriculum and again in high school during my teens. I was introduced to the arts at a very young age. My mom was also naturally talented with creativity.

I remember some time around the age of 9 or 10, I had an assembly at school and saw a drum set out in the courtyard and thought how fun it must be to play them. I wanted to learn how to play more than anything at the time, but drums are one of the most expensive instruments and it wasn’t really in my parents budget to buy me a kit. Read More>>

Jennifer Emery

After receiving my BA, I was in the midst of pursuing an acting career and waiting tables, although flexible, was putting a damper on my psyche to say the least. I read the book “What Color Is Your Parachute” and it led me to creating a photography business. I had worked on and off modeling for a few commercial photographers, who also hired me as a photo assistant, and had a little income coming in from shooting fellow actors headshots. Photography was a joy for me, so it became my career. Read More>>

Tim Chin

I think art has the ability to connect people. In this modern world, so many of us live just trying to “get by”. Day in, day out – same commute, same news, same meetings, same work. Rinse. Repeat. Every day, every week, every year – all the same. Eventually, the endless noise blurs together into this vague sort of Sisyphean malaise. Life is gradually whittled away, toiling for someone else’s sunset. Somewhere deep inside of you, a feeling begins to stir. Read More>>