We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

JD McGibney | Musician & Mental Health Advocate

I ended up pursuing a career in the entertainment industry because music was the one thing that spoke to me on my deepest emotional level. Ever since I was a teenager, music has helped me make sense of my emotions. It’s helped me navigate some of the most difficult occurrences of my life, and it’s helped me mitigate what I would later come to identify as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Read more>>

Stephanie Van Burk | Abstract painter & fashion designer

I did pursue a creative career because I found myself healing through the process. Painting has an calming and healing effect on me. It helps express myself and I found fullfillment through the process. Nervosity, anger, frustration, sadness, fear but also happiness or love are all laying through the strokes of my abstract paintings. The choice of colors are as well matching my current state of mind when I paint. I believe that colors have as well healing powers. Read more>>

Daniel Lyon | Musician & Business Owner

I think it was something I was just drawn to at a young age. I have felt like it’s always been this extension of me that I need to keep expressing. I have pursued many other “non-creative” jobs and just was left feeling unfulfilled, and like I was wasting my time on earth. I’d rather be doing something I love that is creative and moves me, if it turns out to make money that’s a bonus. Read more>>

audalei | Singer/Songwriter

I grew up acting and singing but transitioned into working a 9-5 job in social services because I wanted to make an impact in the lives of kids. The job was rewarding at times but very draining, heartbreaking and stressful. In an incident at work, I suffered a pretty serious head injury and that was a turning point. I decided to do something more light hearted with my life. Read more>>

Jayza Duhon | Singer & Songwriter

I feel like I didn’t choose to be creative or even pursue the career of becoming a vocalist and songwriter. I believe it was more of a calling, music is a universal language it brings people from different walks of life together and I was born to speak that language into people. Read more>>

Melicka Jamshidabadi | Filmmaker

I pursued an artistic and creative career because I believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to create change and inspire empathy. As a filmmaker, I have the ability to bring attention to important social issues that may be overlooked or misunderstood. Through my films, I aim to spark conversations and encourage audiences to see the world from different perspectives. I believe that art and creativity can have a significant impact on society, and I am passionate about using my skills to contribute to positive change. Read more>>

Ricky Reidling | Writer, Actor & Director

Ever since a young child I have always had this creative gene in me. It was mostly daydreaming because growing up in a small rural town in the south I never thought I would have the opportunity to have accomplished what I have at this point in my life and be where I am. I am beyond grateful as I love all aspects of the filmmaking process from writing, directing and sometimes jumping in front of the camera. Read more>>

Angelica Sotiriou | Visual Artist

I knew no other path that fit so well. Indeed, I tried following other career choices, none of which fit my life path. The artistic, creative career chose me. I understood early on that my lens was one of as a “creative”. I found ways to use my creative lens in the world outside of my art studio. I have been a teaching artist for the majority of my art career…teaching in universities, colleges, high schools, elementary and art institutes…sprinkled throughout those years I was a director, a coordinator of art outreach programs, an art gallery manager, Read more>>

Kevin Tratasta | Touring Musician, Music Director, Audio Engineer

Back when I was in middle school, my friend used to bring his guitar to class daily. It piqued my interest and started learning the basics of how to play, printing chords of my favorite songs, and buying chord books. I became hooked on playing and learning as much as I can. My school held a band competition every year, and that year I decided to start my own band and enter. We had no idea what we were doing, but to my surprise, we ended up winning a couple of times. I even took home the best guitarist one time. For me, that was a confirmation that music is something that I could keep pursuing seriously and hone as my craft. Read more>>

Zeeshan Khan | Director of Photography

Growing up, I always had an innate love for the arts. Whether it was listening to music, watching films, or admiring paintings, I was always drawn to the way in which art could evoke emotions, tell stories, and communicate messages in a way that words alone could not. Read more>>

Tessah Montoya | Creative Entrepreneur

Art has always been a fundamental aspect of my life, serving as a creative outlet for my thoughts and emotions since childhood. I’ve always found solace in art. It’s a place for me to express myself in a way that words have often failed to do. It is very cathartic and helps me make sense of the world around me. As time passed, my love for art grew and I found myself increasingly drawn to the idea of pursuing a career in the arts. Read more>>

Isabella Margolis | Photographer and Creative Director

I always love this question because it’s one of those things where the answer always tends to be a little cliche. Growing up I never really thought about pursuing a creative career. Although I was always drawing or doing some artistic activity, I always thought my future would be in the sciences because that was what stability required. But one day I blinked and the only career that I could fathom was one in the arts. The thought of doing anything other than digital media, film tv, etc… was something that made me sick to my stomach. Read more>>

Laura Grier | Adventure Travel Photographer

As a child, I was obsessed with watching Jacques Cousteau and National Geographic on television. I thought that becoming a zoologist or an archaeologist would allow me to lead an adventurous life like Indiana Jones, traveling the world and exploring different cultures! Even as I and my sisters worked our first jobs during college at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, I knew that I didn’t want a traditional corporate life. Instead, I longed for a life of adventure, travel, and exploration. Read more>>