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.

Michael GOVAN” Hackett | Singer

I pursued an artistic/creative career because I knew in my soul that is what I wanted to do. As I child, I would always daydream about what that life would be and I would always have these big dreams of where I could go and I still do, so following this path is sort of an ode to my inner child. Read more>>

Lauren Zavala | Artist

When I started Zavala Bespoke, I had no idea what I was really getting myself into. Truly. I loved art growing up but never took it seriously as a business option. I have an undergrad in Art History and to graduate you have to take a certain number of studio art classes. Read more>>

Steven Taylor | Musician & Music Therapist

My dad (Greg “Fingers” Taylor) inspired me from a young age. He’s a fantastic Musician and harmonica player! From then I got into guitarists like Eric Clapton & Jimi Hendrix. After my rock phase I got more into blues music which is what my dad specializes in as well. Read more>>

Mariana Flores | Actress

Since I was a little girl, I was always involved in plays, and art classes, and as I grown, movies where what I was really into, I remember memorizing the dialogues in the movies, it would make feel part of it, it also helped me with my accent, Read more>>

Elena Gilliam | Jazz Vocalist

As a child I was painfully shy. It wasn’t until I went to college that I became determined to grow personally, forcing myself to “come out of my shell”. I didn’t have many friends, so television became my good friend. Some of my favorite shows were the variety style with musical guests. Read more>>

Heather Lemmon | Photographer

Creating art is absolutely my purpose in life. Every single day I pick up a camera in some form and make an image. Whether it’s just for myself or a paying client I can’t go a day without practicing my craft! For that main reason I knew I had to pursue a career in this. Read more>>

Rene Camarillo | Textile and Garment Creative

My name is Rene Camarillo; I am an East Los Angeles born and raised creator who produces textile art, but primarily focuses on hand crafted apparel with themes of immigration, labor, cholo silhouettes, and other personal East Los Angeles mementos. In an industry where commerce overtakes creativity, I continue to cross examine and critique social engagement of fashion industry practices, juxtapose privileged lives, and disassemble immigrant powered complexes through the development of abstract garments, art structures, and cultural wearable art. Read more>>

Kaitlyn Davis-Linton | Fashion Model

Since I was a child, I have honestly loved anything that allows me to express my creativity. To spend my time at home during the pandemic, I started making abstract paintings by pouring paint. I was afterward taken aback by how well it performed and used that to launch a business. Read more>>

David Anthony | Fashion Photographer

Freedom is the reason why I chose an artistic career. What I mean by that is, by letting my artistic flow through my vision. I’m a visualizer, and I just imagine different creative scenarios in my head. There’s not a wrong answer for me. I can be myself through my artistic side, and showing the world what I have created. Read more>>

Jordan Levy | Singer-Songwriter, Musician

I pursued an artistic career because music has always spoken to me in a way nothing else could. Having the ability to create something out of nothing and share it with the world is such a unique process that I never get tired of. I am incredibly grateful that my dream was always supported by my family and peers. Read more>>

Alex Woz | Jewish Empowerment Artist and Fashion Designer

Hm, well I couldn’t really see myself doing anything different. Art has just become how I eat, sleep, breathe, and the lens in which I can attempt to understand this world. Growing up, my mother really nurtured my artistic side because she had to give up her dreams of being an artist when she came to America. I think a part of her likes to vicariously live through me, haha. Read more>>

Arcelia Gandarilla | Cleveland Creative

Creativity has always been like another language to me. What I can’t express in words I can express via what I create or make. Read more>>

Virgil Mayor Apostol | Manual Therapist & Cultural Worker

Since childhood, it has always been in my nature to create things. Although I did not understand it as such, it was an expression of the soul. As an older teen onward, I began to delve into research of our cultural practices, especially on the combat and healing arts. This would eventually lead to writing and teaching. Read more>>