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.

Marc Majewski | Picture book illustrator

I have always loved drawing and painting. As a child, I spent most of my time with a brush in hand. My mother often jokes about having to drag me away from my drawings to play outside. She and my father always encouraged me to be creative, and I remember them buying me stacks of notebooks every month at the grocery store that I would fill up quickly. Sometimes I would staple sheets together to make little books, or my grandmother would sew me a nice binding and I would simply fill in the pages. Read more>>

Yibo Kou | Production Designer & Art Director

My interest in filmmaking blossomed when I was a teenager. When I was a teenager, I became a movie aficionado and always dreamed to be a filmmaker someday and can show my own films to friends. As a movie aficionado, I watched various films which stimulated my dream. Film is a great art that can express a filmmaker’s personal thoughts with a strong personal style. The story of the film can be very close to or far away from reality, and that’s why it attracts me the most. Read more>>

Natalie Minguez | Freelance Artist

Since I was a kid, I have always loved to play and experiment with the creative tools have around me. The pursuit of exploring new ideas in my freelance work is what makes my job exciting. Whether its photography, illustration, or graphic design, each project is a new and motivating challenge. Freelance has also led me to work with so many great collaborators and artists who inspire me to keep practicing my craft. As I continue my creative journey as a freelance artist, I am always eager to see where the next project will take me. Read more>>

Dennis Tsai | Industrial Designer

I decided to pursue a creative career at a very young age, probably around 14 years old. I developed a deep appreciation for beautiful objects thanks to my mother. While she is not academically trained or a practicing artist by any means, she has the talent for creating elegant things, whether it is oil paint, ballpoint pen sketching, interior decoration, or ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement). Read more>>

Marc Howard | Photographer

When I was in high school, I took photography every year and it was by far my favorite subject. I started assisting for a local photographer and continued to do so through college while earning a business degree. I remember distinctly during one shoot, it hit me. I can make a living doing this?! It was the first time I was really inspired to pursue something as a career. Read more>>

Drew Nicholson | Frontman of Sunhills

I think it was more of a “it chose me” more than I chose it. I don’t think I could be anything but an artist and a creative person. I go absolutely insane if I don’t do it. It’s just the nature of who I am, and feels truly like the greatest thing I can do for myself, my community, and my planet. I believe I have a capacity to tell stories and convey emotions and I love providing that for people! It provides me with a deep sense of purpose and meaning in my life. Read more>>

Danny Kalman | Salsa and Bachata Dance Academy Owner

It happened by mistake! Many times I took action to NOT dance salsa or bachata professionally. “Starving artist” is a real phenomenon and I’ve see so many talented dancers struggle financially – it breaks my heart. After growing up poor, I didn’t want that to be me. Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, made sense for me. Simply out of necessity, when I was 12 years old I started my first business (mowing lawns) to pay for my leisure activities. Read more>>

Mariel Barcelona | Makeup Artist, Event Planner & Decorator

I’ve always had a passion for makeup since I was younger. Even throughout college I began to experiment more with different beauty techniques & fell more in love. After I graduated Cal State Fullerton with my Bachelor’s in Advertising, I tried out a few office jobs, but nothing stuck or made me feel fulfilled. So, I ended up coming back to my roots, to what excited me. Helping others get ready for a wedding or special event & seeing the confidence it gives them, gives me so much joy. Read more>>

Miguel Escobar | Concept artist, Songwriter, and Comedian

I chose a creative career because I couldn’t figure out how to do anything else. After high school, I thought about pursuing a career in music but after a year of occasionally playing music with some high school friends it felt too daunting. I went to college instead because, according to most of my adult mentors, that was the safest next step. After receiving a bachelors in Philosophy I went through the same process: I wanted to play music, and gave it minimal effort, but I decided it felt too impossible and went to grad school instead (the safest next step). Read more>>

Sara Sangfelt | Artist, Singer & Songwriter

I’m a typical example of a creative soul, right-brain thinker haha… I always had a dream to pursue a career in the music world, and then I finally decided to commit to my dreams! Music has always been something very important to me, it’s what I live for and what I do best. Read more>>

Queen Neisha | Queen the Photographer

I chose photography because I love creating memories for other people. I love making people feel confident in themselves by bringing unique ideas to life. When years have passed and life brings changes having photos of positive memories bring joy to others and I am proud of play a part in that. Read more>>

Hanxiu Zhang | Composer & Violinist

I grew up in China where I learnt to play the violin .When I was little, I used to stay an enormous amount of hours practicing violin and listening to classical music (composers like Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Mozart). At that time I didn’t realize how important music would be to my life but one thing I knew was that I love music, and being able to take weekly lessons with the best teachers in town was a privilege that not many people had at the time. Thank to my young hardworking self, When I was 14, I was able to study music systemetically at one of the best music schools in China where I got to play in chamber music and small orchestra. Read more>>