Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Anli Ding | artist

Born and raised in an ancient land with a distinctive dialect and Buddhist-Taoist customs in southeastern China, I have grown up in awe of natural and supernatural forces, just like everyone else around me. Read more>>

Cassidy Andrews | Singer/Songwriter & Folk Artist

When I started playing guitar and piano, I was obsessed with practicing. I spent hours and hours alone playing piano whenever I could, spent hours in my basement doing fingerpicking patterns. It’s the same with songwriting now- I’m obsessed with the practice. The creative process is the only way I know how to sort out how and what it going on emotionally for me. Read more>>

Mia Laren | Singer & Dancer

Growing up, I was always more on the artistic side. Even though I was a tomboy, I spent my time singing at talent shows, making arts and crafts with my family, putting on self-directed plays, and creating fashion designs for fun with my sister. I still remember recording a duet with my sister and choreographing a dance for my mom as a Christmas present. Read more>>

Xiaoyi Ying | Media Composer

Honestly, although I was passionate about music from a young age, I never imagined I could work in the music industry. I always assumed I would grow up like my peers, enjoying a carefree youth and eventually settling into a conventional job. Read more>>

Fei Mai | Graphic Designer

My journey into a creative career was an organic evolution. Growing up in Guangzhou, China, a city where tradition and modernity coexist, I was captivated by the intricate designs of traditional Chinese calendars and the dynamic layouts of newspapers and magazines. This early fascination with colors, shapes, and storytelling ignited my passion for visual communication. Read more>>

Kenny McMillan | Cinematographer

I couldn’t honestly say that I “pursued” a career in film in the sense that it it was a well-considered, conscious choice. Instead, it’s one of the earliest memories I have. It’s always been “part” of me. There’s footage of me as a kid back in the 90’s trying to wrangle the family camera from my parents (I must have been 2 or 3) just going “I do now, I do now.”  Read more>>

Rinati Rokach | Film producer

I pursued an artistic or creative career because storytelling has always been a profound passion of mine. From a young age, I dreamed of being part of the creative world. When I was 14, I had the chance to work at a major kids’ channel in Israel, which solidified my desire to build a career in the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Rae Akino | Visual Artist

An artistic career was the only thing that made sense, that could make other things in my life make sense. A career in the arts was scary to other people so I avoided it and didn’t take my talent and skills too seriously. But then life started to happen—that part of life where you absolutely have to start doing what other people think you should be doing—to not just survive but to live. Read more>>

Jungpil Han | Tattooer & Artist

Because since I was young, when I drew and created something, I hoped that my emotions and thoughts would be conveyed to those who see it. There are times when it is conveyed accurately, but I have also been fascinated by seeing completely different perspectives and different emotions, and those are a human feelings that cannot be hidden. I pursue art that expresses instinct in various ways. Read more>>

Hei Kuok | Designer & Animator

 

Oh, that’s an easy one! Growing up in Hong Kong, I was always one of the kids doodling silly characters in the margins of my notebooks. The idea of bringing my imagination to life and sharing it with others always fascinated me, even if it meant just doodling in the corner of a friend’s book. This sparked a feeling within me – the thought that my creations could inspire, entertain, and bring joy to someone’s day! Read more>>

Seif Eddine Touhami | UX/UI Designer & Web Developer

I chose a creative career because it aligns perfectly with my passion and strengths. As a UX designer, I thrive on the opportunity to combine creativity with problem-solving to make a meaningful impact. This field allows me to enjoy my work while simultaneously helping businesses enhance their online presence and contribute to a better world. Read more>>

Martina Canales | Model, content creator and actress

It started when I was very young. I was only seven years old, and I told my mother that I wanted to become an actress and a model. I have always had a passion for art and all of its expressions so it was something that came to me naturally.  Read more>>

Story Slaughter | Singer & Songwriter

I chose to pursue a career in the arts because it was encouraged and fostered in me early on. My parents are both super creative and cultivated a passion for film, novels, music, etc. in our home. So I have grown up prioritizing creativity – not just as some hobby – but as a way in which to live, to perceive the world, to cope, to empathize, and to discover who I am. Read more>>

Haoyu Li | Architectural Designer/Visual Designer

Ever since I was a kid, I have had a deep passion for art and design. This interest led me to pursue a creative career, drawn by the platform it offers to share my unique perspectives through various media and approaches. What particularly appeals to me is the opportunity to break away from conventional rules and norms, allowing for genuine self-expression. The creative field has always attracted me, as I find immense joy and fulfillment in the process of bringing new ideas to life. Read more>>

Joe T. Johnson | Musician / Songwriter

Music from an early age has been a huge part of my life. I started noticing my passion in high school when I discovered music like The Beatles, Velvet Underground, The Clash, Stone Roses, and Nirvana. I knew music was something I wanted to pursue long term. I felt so inspired and motivated to start learning and trying to write my own songs. I remember sitting at the back of the classroom writing lyrics and finishing songs ready to bring to rehearsal with the band after school. Read more>>

Yue Zhu | Choreographer&director

I have always aspired to document dance to preserve this exquisite art form. It is for this reason that I ventured into creating dance films, hoping to convey the allure of dance through visual mediums to a broader audience. Dance films are not merely an extension of artistic expression but also a means to archive and promote dance culture. By amalgamating dance with cinema, I can showcase the elegance of dance on a more expansive platform, capturing every nuanced movement and emotion. Read more>>

Charlie Rauh | Composer, Recording Artist, and Author

When it comes to creativity and artistic output, for me, the most important element is sharing it. I make a direct comparison between creative output and conversation. If I sit down across from somebody to talk – I want to be genuinely myself, articulate, considerate, and clear. Read more>>