Often we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to learn something new – we can just ask experts in the field who can draw on their experience to enlighten us. Below, we’ve shared insights insiders from various industries have shared with us.

Shile Yang

I’ve always been a part of the art world. I started off in music as a piano player, which was heavily influenced by my brother, who is a clarinet player in an orchestra.

My drive at first came from a desire to be just like my brother. He’s much older than I am, which is why I looked up to him and was proud of what he was doing. So naturally, I realized that I wanted my path to go down a similar direction. However, that type of drive doesn’t fuel longevity, and I found myself in a position where I was playing at a very high level, but unfortunately, I wasn’t very fond of the grind and process. Read More>>

Noé Socha

Hi,
I’m a blind musician from Italy, guitar & harmonica player. I’ve been into music since I was a kid, playing piano & cello for a couple of years before committing to guitar & harmonica. I was 11 years old when my 5th grade teacher introduced me to the music of Bob Dylan. We had to learn “Blowing in the Wind” for our end of school year recital. I didn’t speak english at the time, but something about his freedom in phrasing when singing captivated me. Read More>>

ARTE

I pursued an artistic/creative career because of the beauty it withholds. I believe it allows every individual to express themselves to their total capability while not having to be perfect in from other perspectives. Read More>> 

Austin Linkous

Growing up music was a massive part of my household. My dad played guitar and was in bands, and there was always classic rock playing in the background. Throughout middle school and high school I was playing in bands, producing electronic music, and DJing school dances. I’ve always looked for a musical outlet. As I grew older, I realized that I loved the collaborative process of recording music with people who were passionate about the art they were creating. There is nothing as satisfying as seeing a song or a record come together in the studio. Being able to help bring someones vision to life is incredibly challenging, but also satisfying, and it really scratches the creative itch personally. Read More>>

Leanne Noelle Smith

Performing has always been a part of who I am. I grew up doing dance, and that was my first love; the stage, the costumes, and the storytelling through movement. Dance gave me discipline, but more importantly it gave me a way to connect with people without even saying a word. That feeling never left me, it just grew into acting. Read More>>

Beth Gudenrath

As all artist’s lives are, my life as an artist is uniquely my own. That is why we have no other choice but to follow our hearts into the arts. I was lucky to have a support system in my now, late, parents, and know that not everyone who chooses to pursue a career as an artist has that privilege. If I didn’t follow my dream to move to Hollywood at the age of 21, I wouldn’t be the change-maker I am in the world today. By “change-maker,” I mean having the wisdom, courage, and guidance to help shape the environment I am in…to make the world a better place through small ways that radiate in larger ways. Read More>>

Enrique

I’ve been around the arts since I was a kid, so it’s always felt like a part of me. I didn’t really choose music—honestly, it kind of chose me. We had a guitar at home, and one day I just picked it up and started figuring things out on my own. I didn’t know any music theory or anything, but I found myself getting really into the sounds and rhythms. That’s when I realized this is what I wanted to do—I wanted to be part of it, not just as a listener, but as someone creating it Read More>>

Charlie Park

I was one of those kids who always drew in the classroom. I don’t know where it exactly started; I was already that kid before I could even remember. I think it was my way of expressing and enjoying the moment of life. I loved getting attention and compliments from my classmates. “You draw so well!” never forget the emotion I felt at the time. I continued to express myself through drawing. Read More>>

Inga Tantisalidchai

I have always had an appreciation for art in various forms, from visual to culinary. Working in the restaurant industry has opened up opportunities for me to work with great culinary minds that have shown me how I can express my creative side through cocktails. In addition, prior to truly pursuing my career as a mixologist, I was a high school history teacher and tried to find creative ways to engage and intrigue my students into wanting to learn more about history. Read More>>

Anna Rocker

I chose an artistic career because I have always had a need to create. Ever since I was a kid I have loved being creative, whether that being through drawing and painting or simply watching tv shows and movies. I’ve always been intrigued by the perspectives of others and how they view the world and I too want to share my perspective through my art. Stories have the ability to change the world and bring people together and I think it’s important to emphasize that as a society. Read More>>

Sarahlyn

For me, pursuing a creative career has always been about expression, connection, and purpose. Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — from playing instruments to writing songs, it became the way I process life and share it with others. Choosing this path wasn’t about chasing a spotlight, but about following something that feels natural and meaningful. Read More>>