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.

Zora Xu | Animator/Illustrator

I chose a creative career because I yearned for the societal recognition of the value that artists contribute, and I aspired to be respected as an artist. My peers and I are drawn to the arts because we share a profound love for the world and a collective belief in its potential for improvement. This shared conviction drives us to invest our time and energy into creating art, as we believe it is one of the most powerful means of effecting positive change—especially for those of us who may not excel in verbal expression. Read more>>

Marjorie Sarnat | Fine Artist and Illustrator

I’ve always been an “idea” person” with a steady stream of concepts for paintings and products. Most ideas yearn to be born. So I devoted my professional life to creating applied and fine art. I enjoy experimenting with materials, textures, patterns, and color interactions. I’ve turned this natural fascination into a career creating paintings of cats, owls, musical themes, abstract imagery, and more. I have found commercial markets for my animals and I regularly sell my fine art paintings in local galleries. I am gratified that my love of art brings pleasure to others. Read more>>

Val Gallo | Vocalist/Songwriter

I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else. Music is what makes me happy and what makes me feel whole. I always knew that I wanted to pursue what made me happy in life. Read more>>

Seth Fischer | Writer & Editor

Before I started as an editor and writer, I worked in politics. Like, I was an aide to a Congresswoman, and I worked on campaigns, and I was even going to get a PhD in political science. My friends call those my “dark years.” I wore ties, and I had a Blackberry, and I was, sadly good at that job, at least as soon as I got the hang of it. The only thing was, I was the worst at being a human. And I was the worst because I was completely cutting off the artistic or creative insult in order to try to win in politics, which might, if I think about it, be the absolute opposite. I feel like art should be collaborative, at least in spirit, even if it’s done by just one person, whereas politics? Politics is all about competition. And even collaborations are done more out of spite for the enemy than out of a desire to create. Read more>>

Zach Chambers | Photographer

Growing up I was always surrounded by art in some form or another, whether it was abstract paintings on the wall in my grandparents house in Houston, summer drawing classes with my sister at Laguna Gloria in Austin, occasional glances into my step-dad’s home darkroom, or my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Harris encouraging us to doodle while she taught us the multiplication tables. Art was a constant presence, almost so much so that I took it for granted. I never made a conscious decision to pursue a creative career when I was younger. The biggest leap towards where I am now was in my junior year of high school, when my mom secretly signed me up for a summer program at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I was a pretty laid back kid so of course I said why not! I of course ended up pursuing my undergrad at SCAD (one of only two colleges I got into…I wasn’t a stellar student), My initial major was graphic design, but by chance I took an Intro to Photography class with Zig Jackson (an incredible photographer and inspiration), and I never looked back. I have always had an innate curiosity about the world, and I learned quickly that I can use the camera to develop that part of my brain. I imagine that even if I hadn’t truly discovered photography for myself, I would still be involved in some aspect of the artistic universe. Read more>>

Aline Humbert | Actress

I could have done something else, obviously. I wanted to become an orthodontist like my mom when I was younger. I then watched Pirates of the Caribbean and decided to be a pirate. Later, I decided I wanted to be a journalist to tell stories and be in the action. Then, I decided I would work in fashion because of The Devil Wears Prada. At some point, I wanted to be a lawyer because of Legally Blond and How To Get Away With Murder. Then I thought of physics because of the Big Bang Theory. I initially specialized in sciences in high school because I wanted to be a neurosurgeon or an ME because of Dana Delany in Body of Proof. Whenever I chose a career for my future self, I would be disappointed because the reality of it looked nothing like what it was on screen. I realized I didn’t want to have one of these characters’ occupations in real life. I wanted to live their dramatized life. I wanted to be a character. Read more>>

Tania Arriaga | Musician, Writer, Artist & Creative

Sometimes I feel as if my heart and creativity are one, I think my career as a musician, writer, and creative all around chose me. Because it doesn’t allow me to work on other things that aren’t creative. My creativity is always calling on me and is so intertwined with my existence that when I’m working on something that doesn’t involve it, I feel like I lose my purpose. It’s hard to tell if I’m pursuing it, or if it’s always within me, creatively creating me. Read more>>

Steven Hankins | Photographer/ Owner at Steven Hankins Photography

I was pretty creative in high school. I took a year of photography in high school. Back then we actually had to develop film, Also, I would video our church’s high school youth group and then edit the videos. In college I did a lot of shooting videos and editing. After I graduated from the University of Colorado I moved to LA to work in entertainment. I got my first DSLR some years after college and started taking photos of friends and posting on Facebook. Then, somewhere around 10 years ago or so I was on a Christian men’s retreat and I was praying and I just sort of felt a leading to do something with photography. Not, that photography would be my only income (it might at some point, but it’s not my only income now). Somewhere around 2015 I started up my photography business Steven Hankins Photography. At first I’m not sure I knew what I wanted to specialize in, but somehow I fell upon specializing in business headshots. Read more>>

George Joaquim | Artist

It is an artistic career that chose me! I’ve been creating art since the age of three, and although I use my energies in many other creative ways, there has never been any doubt about me ever becoming anything other than an artist as I was grew up. Read more>>

Lily King | Photographer & Ceramicist

I pursued an artistic career because creativity has always been at the core of who I am. For me, art isn’t just a hobby or a job; it’s a way of life. Through my photography and ceramics, I can delve into the depths of my imagination and translate my innermost thoughts and emotions into tangible forms and images. This process not only allows me to express myself authentically but also serves as a means of connection with others. Art has an incredible power to transcend language barriers and cultural differences, resonating with people on a level that words often can’t reach. It gives me a deep sense of fulfillment to know that my creations can evoke emotions or spark conversations. So, it’s not just about what I do; it’s about who I am and the impact I hope to make through my craft. Read more>>

Alec Zeilon | Songwriter, Producer, & Musician

There was not really another choice for me, it was the only thing I could imagine myself doing. If I was going to do it, I was not going to have a plan B & just immerse myself in this journey and just do everything I can to be the best that I can be in it. Read more>>

Mark Anthony | Visual Development Artist

I pursued an artistic career because I enjoy creating images. Ever since I was a kid I wanted to work in animation and it turned into a reality as I grew older and pursed it as a profession. Though it was a difficult road I enjoyed growing my skills as an artist over the years and still learn new things as I continue along my career. I love capturing moments from everyday life and turning them into art as well as creating make believe ones. I also enjoy making content for kids. I have two daughters now and it is a great pleasure seeing their reactions when they see my work on screen or their excitement for a new animation movie/show in general. With art there is endless possibilities to create alternate realities or a reflection of life itself. This is mainly why I decided to turn my passion into a career. Read more>>

Kandice Gonzalez | Actress

My journey into the world of artistic expression was nurtured by the entrepreneurial spirit of my parents, who owned restaurants in my hometown of Del Rio, TX, and across the border, in Del Rio’s neighboring town of Acuna, Mexico. From the moment I was born, I was immersed in a cross-cultural environment, where hard work, resilience, and the power of community were foundational. Being in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the businesses, I also found myself drawn to the captivating storytelling that was a part of my upbringing. Read more>>

Junyi Zhu | Graphic designer & Type designer

During my growth process, I consistently engaged in courses related to fine art, such as printmaking and sketching. I have always been interested in computer software like Photoshop. However, before entering university, I considered visual arts a hobby and never considered it a career path. My parents believed I should pursue a career in STEM fields, given my academic performance in those areas. Yet, considering my personality, I enjoy presenting new ideas and solving problems. I don’t desire a stagnant life; my ideal job involves facing new daily challenges. Hence, when choosing a college major, I believed that design was a more suitable industry for me. Read more>>

Drew Powell | Actor/Musician

For me, I think this question should be rephrased to say “why did an artistic/creative career pursue me?” I say that because the truth is, I feel my career as an actor was a calling from the very beginning of my life(at least as far back as I can remember)!. Of course, it took me all the way through college to figure out that that was OK and I could go pursue this thing even though I didn’t really know how. From the time I was very young whenever I would perform, whenever I would watch other people perform, there was a feeling deep inside that I never knew how to describe. That feeling is still there and I can tell you after 25+ years in this business. I literally can’t imagine myself doing anything else…I mean I try, but I just can’t do it. Read more>>

Thomas Thomas | RAPPER

I chose to pursue an artistic / creative career because I felt it was it was only in the line of purpose in my life to inspire others how to go beyond themselves though not as themselves. NO FEAR, I’ve had that for myself through creative pull, being a musician I feel it’s only right being an overall creative it’s only right, life is art and art imitates life. Read more>>

Yaoqianying Jiang | Concept Architectural Designer

The work I’m currently engaged in is as a conceptual architect. While I design buildings in the traditional architecture industry, I also simultaneously create environments for the gaming and film industries in virtual worlds. Over the past few centuries, architecture, as a complex discipline that combines the zeitgeist, humanistic arts, philosophy, and technology, has catered to humanity’s evolving needs for the environment and embodied our reflections on the future and ideal worlds. The information revolution hasn’t brought about a productivity transformation in the architectural industry, but the virtual world has freed architectural design from past engineering constraints. Countless profound visions of the future world can now be presented to the public in forms accessible to everyone. Read more>>

Hansen Yang | Director of photography

First of all, it is the family business. Starting with my grandfather, almost all my family members have worked in or are related to an artistic career. So, I am the new generation to carry on this family spirit. Second, creativity is the most significant factor that led me into the industry. I enjoy every moment I spend creating different visual narratives, from the preproduction phase till I look through the eyepiece. Because I understand I am pushing myself hard and creating something I poured my effort into. Read more>>

Marie-Sophie Kindle | Actress

There was something in my body that just knew I had to do something creative, it was as if I had this void and my inner voice was telling me to fill it with my creativity. So, I did. I went to acting school to see if it was meant for me and that’s when I knew there was nothing in this world that I wanted to do more. It’s this feeling that I crave so much in the art of acting: This feeling of being so in tune with your character that you can lose yourself in that character, not thinking of what they would do next, but just “being” them. You and the character become one. And suddenly, your mind goes quiet. Read more>>

 Johnathon Washington | Creative

I pursued an artistic or creative career because it was my first love and how deep the impact can go. Every since I was young boy I was into popular culture. I wanted to be an actor the moment I saw the tv show ‘All That’ on tv I knew that was my calling. As a kid I spent a majority of my time writing and coming up with different tv show ideas. My favorite thing to do was to come up with a concept and think about how I would make it. Then when I went to college and took a sociology course, I realized the true impact of media. Once I realized just how much of our world view is shaped by media I knew I had to be apart of it. As a queer Black male I felt like there wasn’t enough of us in a creative role, and I wanted to change that. I have a specific voice that is my own that I want to share with the world and perspective. To be able to use art to express my story and hopefully inspire others like me to tell there’s has always been the goal. Read more>>

Filippo Novi-Goller | Bassist, Composer & Producer

I don’t come from a family of active musicians. I would say I do come from a musical family, though. My grandfather played upright bass and trumpet on steamboats in the 60s. My father had two guitars lying around that he, and eventually I, would sometimes play around on. Neither ended up seriously pursuing that path. Still, him and my parents are big lovers of music. So, growing up, I was always surrounded by jazz, alt-rock, electronica – many, many kinds of music, really – and I loved it all. Some of my earliest memories are of listening to specific albums: Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Burnin’”, Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue”, “Suzuki” by electronica duo Tosca. I was crazy for it, already drumming and singing along at the age of three, and eventually took music lessons.  Read more>>

 Jed Caluag | YouTuber & RateMyDorm founder

I learned how to film and edit videos in middle school after watching YouTubers like Ryan Higa. I’ve been making all sorts of videos since then, but it was during covid that I entered the YouTube lifestyle vlogging space. Read more>>

Giulia Zeta | Actor

Ever since I was a little girl I always loved telling stories. I loved dressing the clothes and personality of someone completely different from myself and bring that character to life. I’ve always found it very rewarding and fascinating; the actor’s ability to connect with people and bring audiences together is something so beautiful and incredibly fulfilling. When I was nine years old I had my first ever show in front of an audience where I had the pleasure to interpret multiple characters and experience those feelings. That event was so pivotal to me that it made realize that I loved acting and everything connected to it and that I wanted it to be my job. Read more>>

Di-Jana Keyes | Published International Runway Model, Creative Director, Aspiring Voiceover Actress, & Hip Hop Songwriter

I decided to pursue art & creativity through the power of mind, body, & soul. Art has a large spectrum of many outlets through physical, mental, & verbal communication. The power to act is embracing the capability for one person to channel many emotions into an adverse detail of characters. The power to make music expresses self-esteem & relatable concepts. Lastly, the art of fashion helps express one’s power to illuminate fearlessness, ownership, & confidence towards the world . All of these powers helped me developed into the aspiring actress, Hip Hop songwriter, published runway model, & creative director I have hope to become. Read more>>

Gabriel Rivas | Re-recording Mixer, Dialogue Editor, and Music Composer

Upon arriving in the USA, my initial goal was to become a mixing engineer. Armed with a background in music and a keen interest in the creative process I was pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Recording Arts at Full Sail University, I dove into learning the intricacies of mixing and mastering. However, fate had other plans in store for me. Read more>>

Breanna Browning | Media Artist and Educator

While I’ve always been creative, my decision to pursue a career in the arts came later in my life and education. I was raised in the mountains of extremely rural Southern Appalachia, which afforded me the privilege of growing up surrounded by seemingly untouched wilderness. The 400-million-year-old mountain range that was (and still is, to some degree) my home instilled a sense of curiosity where my creativity could thrive. However, in school, I was always more interested in science and math and eventually decided to study architecture (after very nearly choosing engineering). After completing both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I worked here in LA as an architect for several years until I realized I needed a career with more creative freedom and flexibility. At this point, I returned to school at Sci-Arc for my postgraduate studies in Fiction and Entertainment and began working as an artist and educator. Ultimately, I love learning, experimenting, and making things. I know now that I’ll be happy in any career that allows me to do that while maintaining my autonomy and freedom. Read more>>

RUCHIR KULKARNI | Writer, Director, Editor

I grew up in a typical middle-class family in India where education is highly valued. My parents were academically oriented, so even as a kid, I naturally thought about becoming a cardiologist or an engineer. However, as a shy and introverted kid, I found my escape in movies. They were more than just entertainment to me; they were a way to dream and imagine different lives. This love for movies slowly turned into a love for storytelling. The turning point came when I made a short film with my friends just for fun. This experience was eye-opening. For the first time, I felt like I was truly expressing myself and connecting with others through the story I told. It showed me a new path I never thought possible for myself, leading me toward a career in the creative field of filmmaking. But it also required a certain level of convincing; not just my parents. but myself. It’s a path no one in my family had ever thought of pursuing. No one, including myself, knew where should I start; having no connections to anyone in the industry. But if you are ready to take that leap of faith and bet on yourself, you end up creating opportunities for yourself and meet the right set of people who will guide you in your journey. Read more>>

Nethra Gururaj | Cinematographer & Filmmaker

I started dancing at a young age. Performing arts made me see a version of bliss. I understood early on that my communication was through a visual sense; both while projecting ideas and consuming knowledge. Read more>>

Eloïse Descleves | Producer

When I was 14, I won a competition organized by Warner Bros. to celebrate the release of ‘Man of Steel,’ the Superman movie directed by Zack Snyder. The prize was a trip to LA to visit the WB Studios and meet Zack Snyder himself. After a week-long fight with my parents (since the prize coincided with the first week of high school) and falsely promising that we would fly in business class, they finally agreed to let me go. Read more>>

Marie Wilde | Actress

It was a nagging feeling that would always follow me
https://shoutoutla.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/c-PersonalYukoKyutoku__unnamed11111ee_1707716075943.jpegthroughout my life. A reoccurring reminder to be an actress. As a child, it was, “Look, do this!” As a teenager, it was, “Hey, that’s cute and all. but make sure you do this.” As an adult, it became, “I’m going to rock your world until you do this.” Chaos ensued for a time; nothing I did worked or satisfied me. I got tired of being unhappy so I decided I had nothing to lose doing what I always loved. Things got quieter, it’s not easy, but significantly better. And the nagging stopped so I believe I made the right choice. Read more>>

Yuko Kyutoku | Visual Artist, Art Therapist, Founder, Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher, Certified Ayurvedic Nutritionist

I am a Japanese artist and art therapist, and I am currently based in New York. I am really passionate about art and the healing aspects of art. Art has always had a special place in my heart since I was a child. I was born into a doctor’s family who appreciates art so much. My father is especially a collector of art, and he purchased and displayed many paintings in our house in Japan. When I was a kid, my family used to sign me up for many art classes, including ceramics, painting, and collage, in the city center. I develop my passion and appreciation for art by attending these classes. Also, my grandmother was an oil painter, and I loved visiting her small studio after school. These experiences definitely piqued my interest in art. Also, I often received compliments and awards for my projects, which enhanced my self-esteem. When I create something and express myself through the art medium, I feel happy and also relax. These childhood experiences impacted my life and helped me further pursue my career in the creative field. I came to the US for my education, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in painting, drawing, and printmaking at SUNY Purchase and a master’s degree in art therapy at New York University. Read more>>

Nicole Emiliana Mendez, M.F.A. | Filmmaker

Initially, I started making art because it was a challenge. I took a drawing class and was easily the worst student, but by the end I was on par with everyone else. At the time – in my early 20’s – artmaking proved to be a good outlet for easing symptoms of PTSD I was experiencing from prior childhood sexual abuse. I think this is the reason I stuck with it and eventually changed my major from mathematics to fine art. I spent a decade painting and exhibiting, and once I felt I’d mastered my craft, I began looking for new mediums to work in and found film. Film is great because there’s old and new technology to play with, and with tech continuously evolving I am constantly challenged and learning new ways of working. In other words, I never get bored! Read more>>

Susie Ang | Visual Artist, Illustrator

As a child, I probably got bored with my toys that I spontaneously doodled on the giant wall with crayons. Growing up, even now as an adult, I feel there’s something about the creative process which always intrigues and scares me. I think it’s the uncertainty which keeps me going and makes me feel there’s something worthy waiting at the end of the tunnel. I can say creativity gives me a sense of surprise and purpose I need in life. The art itself gives me a kind of joy and fulfillment, if not always satisfaction. Read more>>

Ishaan Tyagi | Film and Media Composer

I chose an artistic and creative career as a film composer because of my profound passion for storytelling through music. Even during my early days as a performing artist in India, I found myself deeply captivated by the magic of film music. I dedicated myself to studying film music and orchestral compositions, preparing diligently for my studies at the prestigious institution USC Thornton School of Music where I gained my masters in Screen Scoring. Now, as a film composer and music producer, I relish the opportunity to craft emotionally resonant scores that enhance narratives and evoke powerful responses from audiences. My journey in this creative field has been driven by a love for films and a desire to contribute meaningfully to storytelling, always striving to make the film better and serve the story above all else. Read more>>

B. Arlene | Poet & Author

I chose a creative career, because I wanted to be my most authentic self. In being a poet, I get to do all of the things I love- from writing and performing poetry to developing art education programs for children and facilitating workshops focusing on Social Emotional Learning. Most importantly, I chose a creative career, because I believe everyone deserves to be heard. My career allows me to create spaces to assist people in finding their voice and building the courage to speak out and boldly tell their story. Read more>>

Ryan Shah | Director & Editor

I think I have always been a creative person in general. I started off making gaming videos at the age of 14, just for fun. My brother’s wedding came up a few months after that, Having the little video editing knowledge, I thought it would be cool to make my version of his wedding video. Somehow, people seemed to love it more than the actual video itself haha. That’s when I knew that this may be something I want to do in life. I always saw the world around me in a different way. I saw it for the emotion it carried, not for what it was in it’s physical dimension. Once there is emotion involved, you can tell any story you want. I chose a creative career due to the fulfillment it gave me. There is this weird high you feel after finishing and sending off a project, this sense of extreme joy. It’s addictive. My work helps me express myself in the best way possible. I can let out everything in my mind onto a timeline, that’s what I love about it. Read more>>

Jaime Fernandez de Bernabe | Photographer & Creative Director

When I was young, I was fascinated by special effects in movies. That led me to start, at 14 years old, my own little ventures recording short clips and trying to apply very rudimentary special effects to them. I soon realized YouTube will play a big part in my education. Although my traditional education was plenty, the fun started at night. I discovered there were way more tutorials about photography and photoshop than legit special effect tools and my journey in photography started. At the beginning, everything was fantasy, the crazier the composition the better. Once I realized some family members will not be with us forever, I started documenting more often the day to day of the family activities. Read more>>

Thomas Crowell | Dubstep Artist & DJ

I chose to pursue an artistic / creative career because it is very much in alignment with who I am as a person. Ever since I was young I’ve always been a creative person. I’ve created short films and stop motion animations, done video editing, and when I took interest in EDM music, particularly Dubstep, I naturally felt inspired to create my own music. Read more>>

Sam Lembeck | Writer, Director

I was always striving for attention. My parents were very outgoing people, which made me pretty outgoing. Then when they divorced I think that locked it in for me. But I didn’t become an actor because I hated auditioning. My mom would drive me all over town and I hated the process. I don’t remember actually auditioning for anything, I just remember the driving. Read more>>

Candis Press | Owner & Lead Videographer

I think the artistic/creative career chose me. While I have always been creative and inspired by art, photos and movies, I never thought I would do this as a career. Actually, like a lot of people in my field, I started out in an office job as a legal assistant. And when I first started my wedding videography business I ran it as a side hustle for several years. But after my daughter was born, I took the leap full time, and have never looked back. I’m very grateful it worked out! This allowed me to have a more flexible schedule as a mom. I love that I’m paving the way for her to pick a career that works for her and show her that she can put her creativity to work. Read more>>

Ximena Vasquez | Artist and entrepreneur

I pursued an artistic and creative career as a reflection of my personal journey and a commitment to authenticity. Growing up in unique circumstances under the care of my grandparents, I found solace and a means of expression through art from an early age. The profound bond with my grandmother, who instilled values of kindness and warmth, became a significant source of inspiration, motivating me to channel those emotions into my creative pursuits. Read more>>

Raphael Arkera | Writer, Director & Creator of Worlds

First off, it’s a pleasure to be here! I’m Raphael Arkera, and I’m a screenwriter, director, and comic book author, specializing in crafting dark, original worlds. Read more>>

Jesse Schaefer | Photographer & Adventure Seeker

For me, pursuing an artistic career was a personal decision rooted in my passion for photography. While I come from a family of blue-collar workers and have always been comfortable with physical labor, I realized that something was missing in those roles. It wasn’t until I discovered photography that I truly felt whole. Behind the lens of my camera, I experienced an overwhelming sense of peace and purpose that I hadn’t felt elsewhere. My background gave me a strong work ethic and an appreciation for hard work, qualities that I bring to my creative pursuits. I believe that my ability to handle strenuous tasks translates into my photography through attention to detail, patience, and perseverance. Looking ahead, I am committed to continually honing my skills and making meaningful contributions to the artistic community. Read more>>