Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Siddharth Lal | Filmmaker, Editor, Writer

My life’s journey in the past 3 years has been nothing short of a wild ride. The learnings that have taken place, the experiences that I have had – have taught me more about myself than all my years before. Looking back at it, one thing that has really helped me is the ability to take bold and brave decisions and back myself to make those decisions the right ones. Read more>>

Juliet Lucas | Film Writer/Director

I love being able to bring people together with my art. I think movies that can spur conversations and community are some of the highest forms of artistic experience, and I want to create that as much as possible. Read more>>

Arlana | Musician & Artist

I think the arts are something that kind of speak to you in your youth, and when they make such a huge impact early in life, you just can’t run away from it. It’s like a calling. Some people are gifted with numbers, others are gifted with words, or acts of great charity, I think I was gifted with music, and being able to express myself in that way has always felt like more of a calling than a career. Whenever I try to ignore it, life feels uncomfortable to me and I get restless. It’s almost like music is pursuing me, so the only thing to do is succumb to it and let it flow through me. Read more>>

Jamie Koplin | Artist

I started pursuing art at a very young age. It’s always been an escape for me to help me reset my mind, feel less anxious, and also to build my self esteem. Art has always been one of my passions, and I’ve been creating with different mediums almost my whole life. I love the feeling of having made something new, of bringing something fresh into this world. I love the process of making things. It’s where o loose track of time, find my “flow”, and reground myself. Read more>>

Kya Buggs | Entrepreneur & Hairstylist

I pursued a creative career because since a child I have always known that I didn’t want to work a corporate or office job. No disrespect to those that choose that path, but I knew that I stood out from others based on my talent. I can honestly say that making wigs & doing hair really became a safe place for me on some of my darkest days; It’s just something about the satisfaction I get seeing the final product of my work that reminds me that I was put on this earth to make a difference. Read more>>

Ganna Bubnova | Actor

Working as an actor can offer lots of exciting opportunities to portray interesting characters and work in unconventional environments. Many people become actors because they have a passion for storytelling and enjoy taking part in creative performances. So did I. Read more>>

Crystal E. Green | Filmmaker & Author

I really believe that, from the very beginning, my career pursued me. I had spent nearly twenty years trying to find my passion. Trying to find myself. Assessing my interests, feeling lost and trying to figure out what I wanted to be, long after I had grown up. But I never looked at the obvious thing that had been with me all my life. I had always been a storyteller and I discounted that because I took it for granted. But that was my true gift. And once I entertained the idea that I just might be an artist, I couldn’t wrap my head around any other career path. That gift had been with me all of my life; I just needed to open it. Read more>>

Tom Norman | Singer/Songwriter

Music feels like it has always been a part of my life. From a very young age I was playing instruments and I always enjoyed listening to music and singing/playing along with it. When I picked up guitar and started singing in middle/high school the natural evolution was to start making my own music and writing lyrics. As far as pursuing music as a career, it doesn’t necessarily feel like something I’m pursuing. It’s something I do and is just a part of my life. I was lucky enough that with hard work I was able to turn music into a career. Read more>>

Myriam Lopez | Actor

I have a passion for acting and expressing myself creatively, and that I enjoy the challenges that come with pursuing a career in the arts. Acting can be a fulfilling and rewarding career for those who are passionate about it, such as myself, as it allows you to connect with audiences and explore different characters and emotions. Overall, pursuing an artistic or creative career requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take risks and face challenges. But it is what I love doing. Read more>>

Kelsey McGee | Director & Producer

I always knew that I wanted to be an artist. When I was five, I told everyone I would be an “artiste” for Halloween. My mom and I splashed paint over one of my dad’s white button-ups, and I wore a beret. I was so proud of myself. My journey into the arts started pretty young. I’ve always been an avid reader, and I knew I would be a storyteller. During parent-teacher conferences, one of my teachers told my parents that every time she turned around, other students would be talking, but my head would be buried in a book. I started to write my own stories and poetry too. Read more>>

Thomas Glashausser | Realtor & Music Producer/Composer

I’ve always felt that creativity wasn’t just a means of self-expression, but also a powerful tool for innovation and problem-solving. I continue to be inspired by the way that musicians, designers, artists, and other creative professionals used their skills to tackle complex challenges and bring new ideas to life. I hope to use my own creativity to make a difference in the world. Read more>>

Michael Hooper | Actor and Writer

I first decided to become an actor back in elementary school. Although, I didn’t actually pursue it until a little over 2 years ago. My first memory of acting was performing Chip in Beauty in the Beast in 4th grade, and the feeling I got while performing was one of the best feelings I had ever experienced. When I was in college, I wasn’t entirely sure what career I wanted to pursue. I had always envisioned myself being an actor, but never actually thought it could be a plausible career for myself. However, I took a break from school during the covid pandemic in order to reassess what I wanted to do with my life. Read more>>

Evelyn Yongyi Chen | Background/Layout Artist, Plein Air Painter

I can still remember the giddy feeling I had when school finally dismissed, and I hurriedly rushed back home to watch animated TV shows. I was mesmerized by the friendship of Tom and Jerry, the adventures of Martin Morning, the superpowers of Sakura Kinomoto, and the journey of Goku. Watching these animated shows as a child, I was simply entranced as I jumped into their world. Read more>>

Candice Belton @SPCHTHRPY | Live Events + Music Festivals Facilitator | Creative | Published Poet | Artist Relations

There’s an interview of a writer that will always come to mind when considering a question like this. The interview goes somewhere along the lines of, “Why do you write?” And the writer responds, “Why do you shit?” Ultimately, because one has to. That is much how I’ve come to feel about the necessity of self-expression via various channels and outlets. Otherwise life feels cloaked in a sheer layer of grey and dullness for me, it begins to feel pointless if I am suppressing my experiences and emotions and disconnects me further from others. Read more>>

Ebony Belser | CEO, creative director, designer

ECBC, LLC started in 2016, and honestly at that time I had an idea/vision for my business but I did NOT have a clear direction in which I wanted my business to go in. It’s a nice thought to have, going in to business with all the answers, but the reality of it all will very much humble you. My goal with ECBC, LLC, was/is to CREATE with the INTENT to inspire other creatives and like-minded businesses/brands to embrace THEIR craft, whatever that may be, mines so happens to be crocheting/designing clothing and accessories + MORE! Read more>>