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.

Zeping Sun | Director & Producer & Animator & Visual artist

From a young age, I’ve had a deep passion for painting and aesthetics, and this instinctive interest has fueled my curiosity about the industry. Now, I am captivated by the fusion of various media and forms of expression, which has led me down a creative career path. My curiosity about different media empowers me to create diverse artistic works, aligning with the concept of exploring and conveying complex, multi-layered narratives through creativity—whether in film, visual design, or experimental art. Read more>>

Marina Kofman | Actress & Model

I pursued an artistic career as an actress because I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the exploration of human emotions. Growing up, I was fascinated by films and performances that made me feel something deeply, whether it was joy, sadness, or inspiration. Acting became a way for me to express parts of myself that words alone couldn’t capture. It allows me to step into different lives, experience a variety of perspectives, and communicate universal truths through characters. Read more>>

Gavin Barrett | Builder, designer and artist

Creating something from inception to completion holds a very special place in my heart. When I was figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, I kept in the mind that I wanted to do something that somehow gave back and made people happy. In creating a piece of artwork and delivering it to a client, the excitement and joy it brings for years to come is what pushes me to not only continue to work on my craft but also stand strong in my artistic career. Read more>>

Valichii | Artist & Songwriter

Growing up, I learned to define and relate to the world around me through my need to express myself and the world inside my head; and in that way art became my outlet for the small feelings, the very big feelings and the everything in between. I started working in music when I was 13 years old in Lima, Peru. Since then, I’ve always known music was going to be a big part of my life. Read more>> 

Sam Mohart | Composer for Film, Television, and Video Games

When I was growing up, I was always known as a singer. I would perform in talent shows, plays, musicals and choirs, so at this point music and the performing arts just feels like it is part of me. I was the lead singer in a Rock / Metal band in High School, and later studied Opera performance for my undergraduate degree. In addition to all that, I have been addicted to soundtrack scores. My family and I would watch a rented film every Friday night and I would always pay close attention to the music score. Read more>>

Angelina Rataj | Illustrator, Fine Artist, and Graphic Designer

For as long as I can remember I struggled with the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I had many answers as a kid, but they never felt final. I always had an interest in art. It was something I did from a young age. In hindsight it was something I had a passion for, but it was never something I considered pursuing as a career. I guess I was just closed off to what a career in the arts really could be. Read more>>

Jia-en Ho | 2D Animator & Character Designer

I’ve always wanted to have a positive impact on people and create something they can connect and resonate with. I feel compelled to create, not just to push my own skills, but also to make something that people can enjoy. Seeing the way people react to my films is incredibly fulfilling and motivates me to create more. Throughout my senior year of college, I got a lot of support for my thesis film Sheep Shapes, and it touched me that so many people were excited to see it come to life. Read more>>

Ryan Reid | Author, Podcaster & Artist

This creative career path was not something I imagined I would fall into this late in life. When I was in high school, I did have aspirations to become an entertainer after finding the joy from participating in the Choir and Theatre electives. This journey started as a way to heal my Mental Health without realizing the issues I was dealing with under the surface. Read more>>

Sebastián Gálvez | Actor & Acting Coach

It’s a calling! I have no choice but to follow it, otherwise I think I would go insane. I tried other paths, but I always ended up coming back to it. In hindsight my passion for telling stories and connecting with others through this art form has been a part of me since childhood. And like any other artist, I process life and find my own self expression through it. It has become my identity. Read more>>

Carrie Ng | Graphic & UI/UX Designer

I decided to pursue Graphic Design because it tells a visual story that can connect with audiences at a glance. Later on, I specified my major in UI/UX Design because this is where design meets people’s needs. My goal with design is to tell a story of problem-solving for communities in need. The fun thing about leveraging design to help others is that it can be done in any industry. Read more>>

Mégan Babbitt | Photographer | Filmmaker

Growing up I was lucky enough to be surrounded by many different forms of art. I think out of everything I felt a deeper connection to Film, Photography, and Music. So, naturally pursuing a career in the creative arts made sense. I can’t remember exactly but somewhere around the age of 8 years old I picked up my first camera and never seemed to put it back down. I don’t know what it was about having a camera in my hand, but I loved being able to take pictures and record EVERYTHING that was around me. Read more>>