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.

Nicole Kirshner

I actually pursued a creative career despite being afraid of it for a long time. I always felt drawn to photography, but I grew up believing that being an artist wasn’t a realistic way to make a living. My grandpa used to say you couldn’t make money as an artist, and I took that to heart. Read More>>

Karina Nasywa Bakri

I’ve always been drawn to color and texture from a really young age. I observed how people around me dress, especially my family, at celebrations, birthdays, weddings, and other gatherings, and I used to put those observations into drawings. My father was an architect, and he taught me how to draw. I learned how to turn observation into expression. Read More>>

Nathan Waire

When living in the Midwest, I actually rejected a creative career because I feared being a ‘starving artist’ BUT when I moved out East, I found that it was easier to pursue and actually thrive as a creative energy. Read More>>