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.

Morgan Roberts

Pursuing a creative career didn’t really feel like a choice. I knew I wanted to be in love with my life and nothing made me happier than making music and performing. Figuring out what I wanted to study in college was one of the easiest decisions I’ve made. So I went to school to learn the business side of music and entertainment in order to make that dream a practical reality. Read More>>

Gunnar E Garrett Jr.

Pursuing a career in the creative world definitely wasn’t a choice I made for the money. And honestly, it’s barely something I chose… It really seemed to be more of something that I fell into. One of my daughters was working in the film industry, and having a descent start to her acting career, but was only getting co-star and guest-star roles. At some point during that period I saw an interview with Jason Segel where he talked about having to write his own script to get that lead role he wanted, so I thought, I could do that… So I did… Turns out the first script I wrote was a great story…  Read More>> 

Kranti Londhe

“I’ve always been creative—yoga is an art form in its own way. Teaching is creative, too. It’s about connection, improvisation, and making something beautiful in the moment with your students. I couldn’t see myself in a purely routine or corporate job.” Kranti means Revolution The Outside Revolution is Possible If the inner Revolution Is Complete . Started my Journey Of Inner Revolution way Back In 2000 As a student and Teacher Of Yoga This Is My Life work to bring Inner Revolution, Everybody I, Touch upon , let the Revolution, Begin ! Be Happy. Read More>> 

Christy Knudson

I’ve always been a creative person, and my whole life has revolved around making art in one form or another. For years I jumped around in every medium under the sun; from charcoal and other traditional mediums, to pottery, photography, textile work, and anything I could get my hands on. The biggest jump for me was starting to transition from photography to filmmaking, and although it could be assumed to be a seamless transition, it both challenged and satisfied me in a way that was unlike anything else. Read More>> 

Axela

I’ve always been surrounded by music, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized this is the path I’m meant to take. Society often tells us our dreams are too big, and that we should stick to the safe route. But life is too short to settle. No matter how far I separate myself from music, I’m always pulled back. I can’t stay away from something I love and why would I? It’s where I feel my most authentic self. Read More>> 

Kira

I have always been an artistic person since I was a child. I began drawing anytime I could, even during class. It branched into me looking for other creative outlets as an adult. I randomly chose to take a pole dancing class as a hobby with my friend and was hooked ever since. I got into it professionally when I began dancing in clubs and showcases. Read More>> 

Jai Harris

Because art saved my life.

I grew up in an environment where chaos and loss were familiar. I was raised by my grandmother, a strong and wise woman who did everything she could to protect us. But even with her love, I often felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. Read More>>

Sasha Massacre

I’ve never seen myself perusing a conventional career, I’ve always been an artsy person. I always loved to draw, sing, and write. Modeling is a form of self-expression for me and being able to turn my passions into a career is the most wonderful thing and an insane privilege. Read More>>

Dr Oolong Seemingly

When I was young my dad told me it didn’t matter what I chose to do with my life as long it was something that made me happy. Then, he said, you’ll live a life with no regrets. At the time I was playing in a rock band and thought that was the career I would pursue. Once that fizzled out, I put aside my dad’s advice and felt pressured by societal convention to seek out more traditional, steady jobs. I worked in lapidary, eyewear, satellite TV and even an oil refinery. I quickly grew bored of all these jobs. Read More>> 

Abram Santa Cruz

I wouldn’t say I chose a creative career—it’s more like it chose me. Creating art has always felt like something I had to do, not just something I wanted to do. I’ve explored other paths—working as a stockbroker, real estate agent, and solar consultant—but no matter what I tried, I was always drawn back to making art, photography, and filmmaking. It’s the only way of living that feels true to who I am. Read More>> 

Demitri Lerios

I wouldn’t say I set out to pursue an artistic career, but when does anything ever go according to plan? If I had to trace it back, it all started the year I turned nine. My dad is a musician and by far my biggest inspiration and role model. He founded the band Pablo Cruise, one of the quintessential yacht rock bands before “yacht rock” was even a thing. Watching him navigate a career in music with both passion and persistence left a deep impression on me, even if I didn’t fully realize it at the time.  Read More>> 

Angie

Unfortunately, it’s a career that often gets overlooked or underappreciated, especially in the visual arts department. In my opinion, pursuing a creative/artistic career is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things I can do. When I paint, I feel like I’m at my peak in self-expression while also telling others a narrative through my work. And as long as there is someone who continues working in this field, there will be future generations who will get inspired and pursue a career in this field. As the saying goes, “Find a job you enjoy doing and you never have to work a day in your life.” Read More>> 

B2rian LS

In all honesty- it happened by accident! I always enjoyed drawing and painting, but i thought that in order to make money with art, you had to either be in comics, animation, or tattooing, and frankly, i never felt i had the skill or discipline for those trades. Read More>> 

Justyn Caze

I wanted to pursue a creative career as I am an artist through and through. I want to help others by creating art, including my drag performances. Read More>> 

Karina Castro

I decided to pursue an artistic or creative career because, while working as a Registered Nurse, I realized I was not fully engaging in my deepest passions.

While I appreciated various aspects of my nursing career, I always had a strong passion for beauty and creativity. From a young age, I was drawn to interior design, filmmaking, travel, and all things “girly” like fashion and makeup. Although I wasn’t sure if I would ever pursue these interests professionally, they have always been significant in my life. Read More>> 

Emily Crestani

The Arts truly saved me. I didn’t grow up with the easiest childhood, there were countless moments where I didn’t have the words to openly express what I was feeling. But through Music, Acting, and Performance – I could. I could sing about it, embody a character, I could move in ways that made me feel free. It became my form of communication before I even had the words. Read More>> 

Mehmet

I’m originally from Kangal, a small town in Sivas, Türkiye—famous for raising the Kangal shepherd dogs, one of the most loyal and powerful breeds in the world. Life in Kangal was simple, grounded in tradition and nature, but even in that quiet setting, my imagination was always alive. Some of the most vivid and meaningful memories from my childhood were spent sitting in front of the TV, watching classic American films.  Read More>>