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.

Cansu Bulgu | Well Being Artist & Founder

Creativity pursued me : ) I just got out of the way! Meaning, I just allowed inspiration to manifest without any resistance or any expectations. One can say: “Love pulled me, and I followed.” Read more>>

Ritika Tripathee | Food, beauty and skin care blogger

“From Fired to Flourishing: My Journey of Motherhood and Passion” I used to believe that success meant climbing the corporate ladder, collecting paychecks, and proving to the world that I could make it. For years, that’s what I did. I pushed myself in a role that felt secure, even though a part of me was yearning for more—a space where I could be creative, where I could express my love for beauty, makeup, and skincare. But I ignored that voice because society taught me that “security” was the most important thing. Read more>>

Gulim Sadigozha | NYFA student, film director

From a young age, I was surrounded by books, especially Kazakh folklore literature. My father played a huge role in my development—he gave me books and nurtured my love for the arts. I would immerse myself in Kazakh legends about warriors, poems, and novels. By the second grade, I had already mastered literature meant for older students. This is how I developed my creative thinking and a drive for self-expression. For me, art is a way to constantly grow and learn something new, as well as an opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas with the world. It is the creative path that gives me the freedom to create, seek new meanings, and find like-minded individuals who share my values and approach to life. Read more>>

Sanaz Homayounieh | Editor

From a young age, I knew that I needed to pursue a career as a lawyer. Not necessarily because it was my dream job, but because I knew it would make my family proud (Iranian standards…haha). I would be following the status quo that exists on both sides of my family by choosing one of three career paths: doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Cousins, grandparents, and even complete strangers we would chat to at the supermarket encouraged me to choose one of them. I chose to be a lawyer. Read more>>

Wade Muller, Hksc, Acs | Director of Photography

I chose a career in cinematography because it allows me to blend my love for storytelling with my passion for visual artistry. There’s something magical about capturing moments on film and conveying emotions through light and composition. Every project presents a new challenge and opportunity to create something unique. I thrive on the collaboration with directors and teams, turning visions into reality. Ultimately, cinematography is my way of exploring the world, expressing my creativity, and sharing stories that resonate with audiences. Read more>>

Tia Naayem | Tattoo Artist

I pursued an artistic career because I’ve always felt a deep urge to create. My mind is constantly filled with vivid, intricate images, and I’ve always sought a way to bring them to life. Photography was my first outlet, but after years of feeling limited by the world around me, I turned to drawing as the best way to express my surreal visions. Growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, I was often told to choose a ‘serious’ path, like engineering or medicine, for a secure future. But eventually, my need to create outweighed everything else, and I chose happiness through art. Read more>>

Siul Maduena | Creative Director & Multidisciplinary Designer

I pursued an artistic career because it’s the most authentic expression of who I am. I really wouldn’t know who I am without pursuing a creative career to be honest. I never really thought twice about it and went full steam ahead once I was able to pick up a pencil. I found myself drawn to creating—whether through visual art, design, or storytelling. It was never just about the final product; it was about the process, the freedom to explore different perspectives, and the opportunity to communicate something deeper and be understood by people going through the similar paths in their life. Read more>>

Pixie Rose | Singer, Songwriter, Actress

We all have that knack, that talent, that special interest that give us joy beyond words. If money was no object, what would you chose to do with your time, for pure, true, fulfilment? Welp, I’m following my heart now, in this life. I can’t deny my inner joy & passion for creativy artistry through music, dance, theatre, visual arts, etc. It’s an amazing coping mechanism for navigating and processing the human experience. Creating any art, in all it’s forms, has become such a healing experience for me. Moving this energy wintin us, around and out, into a release! And its such an honor to share that music medicine with others. Read more>>

Clare Burdeshaw | Artist

I pursued the path of being an artist mostly because I had to. I needed to. There has not been anything in my life that brings me the most joy, sense of purpose, and fervent drive to work than that of art. I’m a workaholic at heart, I possess an inherent need to be busy. That’s probably why my devoted medium is ballpoint pen (Bic Cristal Xtra Bold series are my favorites). My drawings take an incredible amount of time, precision and patience, not because I “have” to, because I want to. Read more>>

Iga Xiaoyi Zhou | Film director & Screenwriter

Art has always been part of me, like an internal compass. But it wasn’t until I finished high school that I started seriously thinking about pursuing film direction. I was going through a tough time mentally, which left me isolated and led to a pretty nocturnal life where I didn’t feel much connection to the outside world. My comfort was in films, where I could escape, learn, and, strangely enough, feel deeply understood. I watched everything—from big-budget Hollywood blockbusters to obscure, indie cult classics—and in these late-night viewing marathons, I felt a connection to the characters, almost like I could reach through the screen and be part of their worlds. Read more>>

Roland O’cello | Songwriter & Musician – Hyper Minds

I always knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a creative endeavor.
My journey to get to where I am now has been a collection of artistic and creative driven choices. I’ve dabbled in skateboarding, visual arts and was in the culinary world for 8 years. Read more>>

Yu Tang | Film Producer 、scriptwriter、planner & educator

Art represents the essence of human civilization, embodying humanity’s yearning and pursuit. Art is beauty, a beauty that is constantly evolving and improving. Film is a visual and auditory expression of modern art, as well as a complex of modern technology and art that can accommodate drama, photography, painting, music, dance, writing, sculpture, architecture and other arts. Read more>>

Daria Skrypnyk | Illustrator & Art Director

From a young age, I always felt a bit limited by the everyday real world. I started reading books early, and my imagination would run wild—searching for elves hidden in the forest or waiting for that letter from Hogwarts, which, of course, never came. When I discovered video games, it felt like an even better escape. The characters and worlds I had been imagining suddenly came to life on the screen. That’s when I realized how much I craved visuals. I knew I wanted to be part of that world somehow—part of creating those experiences. Books and games became my way of escaping reality, and after high school, I told my parents I wanted to create graphics for video games.  Read more>>

The Licata Brothers | Inspirational-Rock Duo

We pursued an artistic career, as opposed to a hobby, because despite the financial difficulties that pursuing art professionally entails, we saw how our music uplifts people. Whether it was playing classic songs in nursing homes to help the residents remember their youth or helping new musicians record their first songs, we find purpose in seeing people’s faces light up. We also enjoy giving back and formally teaching guitar lessons to children at the park who would otherwise not have that opportunity. Read more>> 

Olivia Barrionuevo-minkin | Artist/photographer

I grew up in a small border town, but I loved books and I felt in love with literature and story telling at a very young age..
I did not now that I was perusing an artistic career but I knew that I love visualizing stories and ideas. I would go to bed late
imagining characters and have them perform in my mind. I used to read a lot of novels specifically after my dad’s death somehow it would take me away from my pain. All the characters on my mind and the novels I was reading, were well traveled and this started my curiosity from that tiny small town to dream big in my imagination, that one day I could visit those countries. Read more>>

Lacienega Boulevardéz | Drag Queen

For me, pursuing an artistic career has always been a dream! Growing up in the 90’s, I would always watch my favorite entertainers perform to sold out crowds in concerts, tv specials, etc. These artists gained such respect and popularity by staying true to themselves and pursuing their dream. I knew I wanted to have a “stage” to do the same within my community. Read more>>