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.

Tony Rodrigues

I always felt a connection with music and art since I was a little kid. When I was 11, I went from listening to classic rock songs on the car with my dad to deciding to study guitar. A couple of years into playing and I just completely fell in love with music and the instrument, so I decided to dedicate myself to study music with the goal of pursuing a music career in mind. Read more>>

Jing Chen

Pursuing an artistic and creative career was a natural and intuitive choice for me. In China, students must select their college major based on their Gaokao (Chinese SAT) scores. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the arts, my father was a musician, and my mother practiced traditional Chinese watercolor painting. This creative environment shaped my perspective from an early age and sparked my passion for design and painting. Architecture was the perfect discipline for me because it seamlessly combines aesthetics and logic—two domains I have always been drawn to. My academic journey began at Dalian University of Technology, where I gained a strong foundation in architectural design and theory. Read more>> 

Erin Jhi

I’ve always been into art, probably because my mom’s an artist, and I grew up watching her paint and draw. I also loved watching animated movies like Kiki’s Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro with my dad, which definitely sparked my interest. Read more>>

Jessie Welch

This is the one thing that I’m good at, and that I relevently enjoy doing. Yes, there were other things I did well, but the motivation and the passion were lacking in my life, and it became, “Why am I doing this, and why should I care?” asking myself those questions, the answers became less and less clear. While transferring to a university, I worked full-time as a Behavior analyst, something I did on and off for 6 years, and I did well at that job. Juggling both university and a high-stress job, eventually, I just had a mental breakdown and decided to quit and do uni full-time. I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands and was trying to connect to my inner child about how to make her happy. Read more>>

Wil Wang

I pursued a creative career because, for me, art is a way of expressing emotions and stories that words sometimes can’t capture. Tattooing, especially, allows me to connect deeply with people; each piece I create is a part of someone’s personal journey. Read more>>

Ziyang Xu

I pursued an artistic and creative career because I believe in architecture’s unique power to shape how people experience and connect with their surroundings. From my earliest studies, I was fascinated by architecture’s ability to define spaces that not only serve functional needs but also inspire, create atmospheres, and address real-world issues through artistic expression. To me, architecture is more than a structure; it’s a material embodiment of cultural and social values, carrying a lasting impact on collective memory and shaping both individual and communal identities. Read more>>

Autumn Davida

I have pursued an artistic career because photography has given me a profound sense of purpose. When I was a little girl, I was always eager to get my hands on someone’s camera. Now that I have my own camera, I bring it with me everywhere. I am drawn to the art of capturing moments and sharing them. I believe God has guided me on this remarkable journey, allowing me to appreciate the beauty He has created and to honor Him by sharing those creations through my photographs. Read more>>

Daisy Velasco | Painter & Teaching Artist

I chose an artistic career because, from a young age, creating art has always been my therapy. It has been my way of understanding my feelings and expressing what words couldn’t. Growing up, I didn’t have many resources for learning art. The city I lived in didn’t offer art classes, and our schools lacked art programs. But there was one thing that sparked my interest: the PBS kids’ show Arthur, illustrated by Marc Brown. Toward the end of each episode, Brown would spend a few minutes showing how to draw the characters. I remember running home from school, eager to grab my pencil and paper to try and recreate what he had shown on TV. While the characters from Arthur may not resemble my current work, they were my first gateway into the world of illustration. Read more>>

Marie Zelie Igano | Artist & Educator

Growing up, any sports, dance classes, or anything creative that required money, I was never allowed to do. As a kid, I would beg my parents to sign me up to our cities arts or sports classes but my parents always thought of extracurriculars as a ‘waste of time’. My sister and I had some sort of singing talent and so our parents would make us sing ‘Tomorrow’, that one song in the musical, ‘Annie’. After school, my parents would make us sing until we were exhausted and sobbing, just wanting to stop. Read more>>

Van Vu Dat Nguyen | 3D Artist & Technical Artist

When I was young, my family didn’t have much, but we had stories. My parents would tell me tales of their struggles and triumphs, painting vivid pictures of hope, resilience, and imagination. Those stories taught me early on that creativity wasn’t just for entertainment; it was a means of survival, a way to dream of a better world even in difficult times. Read more>>

Charron Monaye | Writer / Founder of Pen Legacy

My creative career is writing—a passion that has been with me for as long as I can remember. It started in elementary school when my teacher, Ms. Jones, told my mom I’d be a writer one day. She saw my potential, even if at the time it was because I talked too much in class! But what she may not have realized was that I had so much to say and needed an outlet to express myself. That outlet became writing, and it’s been my love and life ever since. Read more>>

Syd Taylor | Artist/Songwriter/Producer

I’ve always been creative. It’s such an amazing outlet. I’ve been making music since I was a child and I couldn’t see life without it. Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of taking on multiple roles as an independent artist, from stylist and creative director to writer, producer, and designer. While the work is challenging, the sense of artistic freedom is unmatched. Creativity is such a gift, and I’m deeply grateful to be able to pursue it as my career. Read more>>

Jacob Taylor | Choreographer & Director

I have always been drawn to creativity and the arts. Since I was little I enjoyed creating movies in my head that I would then act out in real life. I have a very active imagination and when I am able to execute on these ideas it is a very fulfilling and enriching experience. Read more>>

Andrea-liis Mustkikkas | Professional dancer & choreographer

I’ve always been a very artistic person. As a kid I had a lot of different after school activities that let my creativity flow. I was in a dance class, singing class, art class, fashion design etc. I always loved experimenting with different outfits and makeup looks and I used to be obsessed with music and watching music videos. When I went to high school I got more into dancing and it become partly my job. Dance gave a freedom to express myself through movement and show my passion and love for it to others. Read more>>

Paige Olivia | Actress & Singer

I decided to pursue an artistic career because it is an area where I find that I never get tired of learning and working. The dynamic nature of performance keeps me engaged, offering endless opportunities to grow, refine my skills, and explore new ways to tell stories. The creative world is constantly changing and this is what keeps the industry interesting and full of excitement, as each project brings a fresh challenge. It also allows me to express myself in ways that words alone can’t.  Read more>>

Dewei Yu | Clothes maker & leather artist

I don’t really have big dreams or ambitions to change the world or make a huge impact on society with my work. I just find it hard to express my thoughts and share my feelings verbally, so I write. Words, sentences, diaries, then novels—but I soon realised that these forms were still too direct and, in a way, embarrassing, as I was being read. Read more>>

Craig E. Higgins | Book Writer

I pursued writing I think for the same reasons I’ve pursued all my creative endeavors – there are these ideas I have in my head which I feel compelled to bring to life. I have this real desire to make new things, to look at different and sometimes disparate elements of music or art or writing, and combine those in ways that maybe haven’t been attempted before. Read more>>

Fanni Fragner | Assistant Director

I’ve always been a movie buff, and I’ve spent countless hours watching them since I was a kid. As a kid, I had this wild dream of becoming an actress, but I soon realized that Hungary, where I was born, wasn’t the best place for me to pursue that dream. So, I started thinking about what I could be good at and what I would enjoy doing behind the scenes. I started exploring different roles and positions, and when I read about assistant directors, something clicked. I felt like this was exactly what I was meant to do. I’m organized and good at coordinating people and also I’m an extrovert which is a good fit for this position. I love working with others and being social. I’ve always been in awe of how incredibly creative this industry is. Read more>>

Shengxuan Hu | Graphic Designer

Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by painting and all things related to art. My mom often took me to museums during summer breaks. While our visits initially were motivated by the free air conditioning (laughs), I gradually developed a genuine interest in observing the art pieces there.

In middle school, painting became my escape—from the pressures of schoolwork and the sense of neglect I felt at school. Art evolved into a safe space for me, a place where my mind could find peace while I immersed myself in drawing. Read more>>

Kaitlan C. Farrior | Author, Playwright, & Essayist,

I didn’t exactly pursue a creative career—it pursued me. It chased me down, showing up everywhere in my life, with signs that I couldn’t ignore. Eventually, I gave in, and that surrender transformed me. Once I allowed myself to embrace it, life became easier, and my perspective shifted to one that was more insightful and open. Writing became a way to vent, protest, resist, and be accountable—my writing allows me to express things I couldn’t otherwise voice. As an author, I have the incredible freedom to create my own worlds and bring diverse characters and experiences to life. The impact I have on readers is beyond amazing, and I’m grateful that my intentions align with the effect my work has on others. Read more>>

Dian Shuai | Music Composer& Film Composer

Music has always been woven into the fabric of my life. Growing up in a family of artists, my parents recognized my musical talent early on. My mom started me on piano lessons when I was three, and I took to it immediately, practicing daily with enthusiasm. She often shares stories of how, as a young child, I would gravitate toward any keyboard I saw, playing for hours until it was time to leave. Read more>>

Anthony Ocegueda | Model

My brother has always been in the street wear fashion scene and has always inspired me. Showing me brands like blvck scvle, born x raised, and mishka. I feel in love of clothes because of my brother. I pursue myself to be a big fashion name, in my own Cali style. I always love dressing myself in my style and in the clothing brands I like. I always thought about modeling just didn’t know how to come about it. I’m just getting started and i hope it takes over my life. Read more>>

Chung Wei Wang | Product and Furniture Designer

I pursued a creative career because I’ve always been drawn to the connection between people and the objects they interact with. Growing up, I loved exploring art and design, which led me to discover the joy of creating things that enrich daily life and provoke new perspectives. For me, being a designer means helping people see the world differently, whether through functional products or meaningful interactions. This passion for connecting people, objects, and emotions is what drives my work and gives purpose to my creative journey. Read more>>

Imani Starling-brown | Founder & Marketing Director

I’ve always thrived at the intersection of business and creativity. I love being analytical, researching, and constantly learning new information to apply to my work and life. To balance my natural curiosity and drive to challenge the status quo, I also embrace thinking outside the box and solving problems. That’s why I pursued a career in marketing and branding. Each new project or client brief is an opportunity to ask insightful questions, uncover what fuels their business, understand their goals, and connect with the deeper meaning behind their mission. With that knowledge, I craft creative solutions that meet their needs, whether designing dynamic websites, developing comprehensive brand strategies, or executing compelling marketing campaigns. Read more>>

Sokina Khamrabaeva | hairstylist

I always have been sharing, that i start this career as i used to see happy faces after i work on each person. I’ve been doing makeup on neighbours doing their hair, as middle eastern culture we are obsessed with beauty and i was passionate about this. I never thought a little girl like me from far away will achieve her journey all the way to Hollywood, but i can for sure say never stop dreaming and just create that vision and art you have in your heart! Read more>>

Kevin Wilkes | Photographer/Creative Director

I love the art of visual storytelling. I have been inspired by many different artists. I am a fan of art. Whether it’s filmmaking, photography, paint, architecture, food, music or fashion. I try to embrace it all. It feels like where I’m supposed to be, it feels like home. Read more>>

Kaiki Chan | Audio Engineer

I pursued a creative career because I’ve always been deeply fascinated by the process behind the final product. From a young age, I was more interested in understanding how things were created than simply experiencing the finished work. Whether it was the production of a song, the cinematography behind a scene, or the animation techniques that brought visuals to life, I was drawn to the mechanics and creativity involved. As my passion for music and sound developed, I became particularly curious about the intricate processes behind the audio we consume. This drive to explore the creative and technical elements of production led me to pursue an education at Berklee College of Music, where I could deepen my understanding of both the business and the hands-on aspects of the music and entertainment industries. Read more>>

Cristina Salvatierra | Singer/songwriter and dancer

Creating has always been a fundamental part of my growth as an individual. I was always involved in art from a very early age, whether it was singing, dancing, painting, among many other things. You could say that growing up I could never stay still, I was always doing something and art came naturally to me. I was part of many projects and this only increased my interest and fascination for music and the role it played in my life. It was my only escape from the pressures of everyday life and, at the same time, my reconnection with my spirit. It got to the point where I couldn’t go a day without listening music, even unconsciously, and that’s when I knew I wanted to make my life around it. Read more>>

Ryan Garry | Fashion and Portrait Photographer, graphic artist, cinematographer, director, musician, producer, engineer and vocalist

I pursue a career in art because I want to spend my life doing things I actually love to do. I do have a degree in computer engineering, and my plan is to use what I’m good at to fund what I’m actually passionate about. Things are going well so far, but it takes time and patience. I have no doubt in my mind that my plan will become a reality soon. Read more>>

Areon Mobasher | Creative Director, Filmmaker, & Photographer

That’s a big one! I think I pursued a creative career because it’s the only thing that truly made sense. Creativity has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been drawing, writing, playing characters, and exploring different forms of expression. But family and cultural pressure had me going the STEM route for a while. When I started undergrad, I was on an engineering track to pursue a degree in computer science, and hopefully get my pre-med requirements along the way. But my artistic interests got the better of me. I eventually broke away from that path and committed fully to creative work, starting with theatre and live performance, and later branching into design, branding, and filmmaking. Read more>>

Garage Ratz | 3 piece rock band

Matt: I got into playing bass because my buddy wanted to start a band. I bought a bass and started playing in a band called Reverse Birth. When James started jamming with us, we formed Garage Ratz.

James: I always wanted to play rock music because playing guitar brought me a lot of joy. Plus it was the only thing I was ever good at. I was in and out of bands since high school, I couldn’t find the right band that wanted to make music and play shows. When I linked up with Matt and the band these guys were all hungry and ready to take on the world. Plus we all had different influences and styles so it made for some fun ideas. Read more>>

Isi Kim | Visual Artist

I chose to pursue an artistic career path because I believe that the act of creation is what makes life beautiful and worth while. Living a life that is dedicated to mastering a craft or art form is devoting your life to a form of meditation. Creating illustrations and paintings allows me to focus on building a fantasy story or world where I find peace in escaping into my own imagination. Life is very short and we are very mortal beings, I realized that if I do not spend my time doing what I love then I will waste my life, and we only have one life. Read more>>

Taylor Morden | Independent Filmmaker

I really like making stuff. I think the feeling that comes from putting something out into the world, whether it be a film or music or any piece of art, and having someone respond to it in an emotional way, is one of the greatest feelings in life. Read more>>

Lelund Hollins | Audio Engineer/Live Sound Engineer/Freelance Photographer/Pro Wrestling Liaison/Independent Contractor

Since I was kid growing up in the ghetto I just knew one day I would be an asset to the entertainment industry. I never really wanted to be an entertainer but somewhat a behind the scenes person is all I dreamed about. Read more>>

Nathaniel Mathis | Writer and Director

The best way to describe it all is the desire to examine the grey of life. So many times people assume something is either good or bad, right or wrong, and there’s so much grey in life that goes unexamined. Even when I was a child, I was always questioning the why of what defines us as people . The films that drove me as a creative, from Todd Solondz’s Welcome to The Dollhouse to Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, so many of those character studies examined what makes us tick and I’ve always gravitated to that. Read more>>

Steve Whittington | Writer & Marketeer

I started in the printing business with my sister, she got me in to the printing business. I started as a pressman later on I got into the pre-press as a Layout artist. I work for the largest publication house in the world. We never shut down the plant. We had multiple deadlines everyday. I start as an apprentice for two years and I became a journeyman for about 18 years and then a master printer for eight years. I retired after 28 years and soon after that started working for the Los Angeles Times doing sales and promotions. I had the number one sales team in Los Angeles. After four years, I was recruited by The New York Times to set up sales and promotion teams in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco West Coast operations sales and promotions. Read more>>

Jazzie K Ward | Radio Personality

Wow…I love this question. I’ve always had a love for music…especially Jazz Music. But I love all types of music. I can remember hearing Radio DJ’s Like Russ Parr and Tom Joyner. I was like this is what I want to do. But, being a shy guy behind a mic..I never wanted to be seen. :). And 29 years I’m still doing what I love. It’s my peace of serenity. Read more>>

Zachary Warwas | Artist, Designer

I’m not sure if I pursued art or if it pursued me—it always felt intrinsic to who I am. As a kid, I was constantly building things. I remember helping my brother construct skate ramps, fascinated by the process of turning raw materials into something functional and dynamic. After high school, I became a cabinetmaker, crafting custom kitchens. That work introduced me to the art of precision and utility, but it also sparked something deeper. Leftover scraps of wood became an invitation to experiment, to see what else they could become. Those small projects planted the seed for my passion for creating interactive art. Read more>>

Ziyan Lin | Emerging Artist

There are likely two main reasons for my fascination with art.

First, I believe it stems from the flow state I enter during the creative process. This state acts as a protective shield, allowing me to focus entirely on creation.

Second, it might be tied to an innate characteristic. Even as a child, I was deeply absorbed in crafting—I could sit at a table and work on projects for an entire day. Looking back, I think the seeds of my passion for creation were already visible back then. Read more>>

Liyang Chen | Animator & Illustrator

I was born in a traditional East Asian family, and “traditional” often means that pursuing an artistic career is not something parents usually consider for their children. Although I showed a strong passion for drawing at a very young age, my parents never intended to nurture this interest deeply. Following their wishes, I treated drawing merely as a hobby, always thinking that perhaps once I had a stable job and life, I could further develop my artistic talent. Read more>>

Cansu Ozyurek | Violinist

I was eight years old when I first started at Cukurova State University State Conservatory in Adana, Turkey. At the time, it wasn’t my choice; my parents had decided for me.
After graduating from Dokuz Eylul University State Conservatory in Izmir, I began working as a violinist with the Izmir State Theater Orchestra. Playing the same production every night for an entire month. That’s when I decided to take a leap and move to Boston, MA to study at Berklee College of Music. Originally, my plan was to move to New York, NY and get in the musical theater scene but life had other ideas. Read more>>

Adam Fay | Character Designer & Art Director

I’ve always loved animation and character design. You can really tell any kind of story or depict any kind of character you want, and I find that freedom incredibly inspiring. There’s always something new to try, new style, new tone, new medium, each one able to unlock something different from the story you want to tell. It’s just such a complete creative expression of an idea, and once I learned that you could be apart of that there was no plan B. Plus I’ve always loved to draw. Before animation I wanted to be a comic strip writer, making my own rip-off comics of Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes, but was eventually drawn to the (potentially) more stable path of working in a larger industry with like-minded individuals. Seemed like the best of both worlds. Read more>>

Andre Cruz And Chris Lujan | Producer/Musician/Songwriter

Chris: I’ve always been into the arts. It started off when I was very young. Not with music. But, with drawing and painting. I always thought I was going to be an artist. It wasn’t until high school that I picked up an instrument. But, since then, I’ve never put it down.

Andre: Expressing myself artistically is the only way I’ve ever really felt seen by others. It allows me to be vulnerable about my thoughts or experiences in a way that’s authentic and energetic. It makes me feel whole. Read more>>

Randy Cusick | Stand-up comedian

It’s funny, cause I kinda stumbled upon it. I was scrolling through facebook, and a friend of mine posted that she was gonna venture into teaching comedy, and wanted to know if anyone was interested. I could always make people laugh, so I thought I could give it a shot. After our 2nd class, she informed me that I was gonna do a show. I had so much fear about going on stage. My hands were shaking, my heart was racing. It all went away the second I hit the stage, and I found my calling. Read more>>

Venkat Sai Gunda | Actor/Filmmaker

From my childhood, I have been deeply passionate about films and storytelling. I have always seen life as a series of cinematic moments, which inspired me to dream of creating my own stories on screen. This passion led me to pursue filmmaking, where I could channel my creative energy into storytelling that connects with audiences and brings meaningful narratives to life. Read more>>

Sade Sanchez | VOX/GUITAR

SADE: I fell in love with music at a very young age. I don’t remember a time in my where I wasn’t involved in some form of music, wether It was playing cello in orchestra, choir, making mix tapes, burning cds, teenage jam sessions in my bedroom and eventually my first punk band followed by meeting Ellie in high school, starting a band with her and even winning battle of the bands in high school. Its just made sense for me to continue on that path. I didn’t really want to do anything else. I was just lucky to know from an early age. Obviously there’s been times in my life where I was working other jobs but Its always been to support what I really wanted to do which was make music. But I’ve always known what my passion was. Read more>>

Deion Moore | YouTuber and social media influencer

I pursued a creative career because I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and self-expression. Art has a unique power to communicate ideas, emotions, and perspectives that go beyond words alone. Creativity allows for constant exploration and discovery, and I love how art invites people to see the world in new ways. It’s also about connection—through creative work, there’s a chance to engage with others on a deeper level, sharing experiences and sparking thoughts that linger long after. Ultimately, I wanted a path where I could keep evolving, challenging myself, and finding new ways to connect with people. Read more>>

Lamar Engel | Advanced Sommelier, Creative Director & Experience Producer for the Wine Militia

I found early on in my wine career that creating memorable experiences for people was what made me happy. The sentiment that art reflects life rings true for me in that the idea of curating special detailed sensorial moments however small or large with guests at my events often leads to deep nostalgia. I began to discover that the process of providing a hands on experience draws out feelings similar to thumbing through records in a vinyl shop, pulling out a familiar record, dropping the needle on it and just sitting with it. Read more>>