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.

Johnny King

I couldn’t do anything else. IVE TRIED. Haha. I tried being a photographer, a coach, a dog walker, etc etc. Anything to not have to do THE BIG SCARY VERY VISIBLE THING. And… it’s the only thing for me. And the only thing I have a burn it all down passion for. Read More>>

Puleng Mongale

I pursued an artistic career because, honestly, there wasn’t much else for me to be. I don’t really know any other way to exist outside of this path. I can’t even say I truly chose it, it’s more that I decided to honour it. It was always there. Read More>>

Kaybe Woods

Oh, thanks for asking! And thank you for having me here c:

Growing up, I never thought I would pursue a creative career. I actually wanted to be a veterinarian and work with animals. However, art was always in my blood. My grandmother was a very talented artist. Read More>>

Laura Raczka

Honestly I don’t think I chose the art life, I truly feel like it chose me. Read More>>

Austen Moret

I think I was always going to have to pursue a creative career. Despite the fact I went to school for business (which has been helpful in it’s own way), creating art and/or performing (for me music, voiceover and film/tv) is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever been fortunate enough to experience Read More>>

Alexandra Husmann

I actually resisted pursuing a creative career for the longest time. I really bought into the narrative that once you become an adult, it’s time to get a big kid job – a job that pays well, a job with benefits, a job with stability, etc etc. In fact, I bought into this narrative so much that for the longest time, I completely neglected and forgot about my creative side all together.  Read More>>

Niki Metz

With over 25 years of experience as a makeup artist, I have dedicated my career to enhancing natural beauty and building confidence through the power of transformation. My journey into microblading grew out of this passion, allowing me to combine creativity with precision to create results that are both lasting and life-changing.  Read More>>

Xzavier Beacham

Since I was young I loved telling stories. The first type of stories being the ones that kept me from getting in trouble (Lying to my parents to get away with stuff). Even then I knew how to set up a good beginning, middle and end. Read More>>

Alex Milani

I’ve been a musician all my life. my father has played since he was 12 so music was everything in my home growing up. I believe I was 6 years old when I took my first drum lessons from Patrick Wellington and Paul Marchetti; both extremely talented and successful professional percussionists. I’ll always be grateful to them, rest in peace to Paul. I went on to play drums and guitar in multiple metal and punk bands through middle and high school. Through it all I was always fascinated with hiphop and the stories that come along with the genre. Read More>>

 Beylor Telengüt

I guess my story isn’t that different from many others, I’ve loved drawing ever since I was a kid. Over time, it became such an important part of my life that I was always sketching whether during classes, breaks, or even holidays. Luckily, my parents were really supportive. Instead of discouraging me, they actually invested their time and money to help me grow, which allowed me to keep improving my artistic skills. Read More>>

Lexi Faith

I chose a creative career because it is the only thing that makes me feel alive, gives me stability, purpose, clarity, emotional connection, intellectual stimulation, and brings me joy. I believe the arts are the only selfish thing we do that the more selfish we become in our creation, the more generous we truly are. Read More>>

Haocheng Yang

I chose to pursue an artistic and creative career because music has always been the most natural way for me to express myself and connect with others. Playing the violin allows me to communicate emotions and ideas that words often cannot capture. I also believe that art has the power to inspire, to heal, and to bring people together across cultures. Choosing this path is not only about following my passion, but also about taking on the responsibility to share beauty, creativity, and meaning with the world. Read More>>