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.

Shuai Xu | Fine Artist

I believe that the art industry can add new vitality to society. Personally, as a Fine Artist, I’ve always had a deep passion for painting since my childhood, making art an indispensable part of my life. As I gradually entered the art industry, I found immense joy and excitement, which I hope to share with others through my art. Additionally, I appreciate the working style in the art industry, which is often relaxed, genuine, friendly, and free. Read more>>

Vince Palacios | Artist and Ceramics Professor

When I was in my mid twenties I had just gotten married and was unhappy with my job situation. My wife and I decided to sell everything and go backpack Europe. She asked me to take a ceramics class with her before we went. I was not that interested in ceramics and did not want to take the class, but since I would only have to be in the class for a few weeks before we left, I said yes. Within a few days of taking the class I knew art in general and ceramics in particular, was going to be my pursuit. I had always been artistic as a child and young teen but did not identify myself as an artist. Stumbling onto clay made it clear to me what I was meant to pursue. I discovered very quickly that I spoke the language of art intuitively and learned at a rapid pace all the skills needed. I fell in love with the material and found it the most fulfilling way to communicate my ideas, beliefs, and feelings. In the end we are all trying to find our voice, our purpose. That voice can be many different things to different people, but for me, a career in the arts was my way of finding a voice, finding my purpose.

Hiram Hernandez | Song writer and music producer

Because I have a deep-seated passion for creating and expressing myself through sound. Also I don’t know how to do anything else. Read more>>

Damian Morrison | Game Designer

I’ve always been interested in creating things. Games is how I choose to express it. Seeing graffiti and other street inspired art really kickstarted my feelings toward what I do. To be able to make something and have someone interact with it is crazy! Game Design really is my sort of digital graffiti art. Interactive story telling just takes you places other mediums can’t. Read more>>

Brandon Moreno | Video Editor and Producer

I’ve always felt like I’ve been creative while growing up. I feel that it’s always been a good way to communicate my thoughts. It’s always been a way of self expression and a desire to share that with others.

Ke Liu | Film director & writer

There were many reasons, but if I trace it all the way back, I think it’s my childhood experience of strolling around that led me to a creative path. I used to spend too much time wandering on the street when I was a kid. My parents often locked me in the house for safety when they were away for work, but I was always a rebel. I would throw the keys downstairs so my friend could help open the door from the outside. Then I would come out and just stroll around the neighborhood. The street downstairs from my childhood house was filled with mahjong parlors, billiard rooms, street peddlers, and passersby. People gambled, chatted, and sometimes fought. A lot of different characters and a lot of drama. My favorite activity was simply watching people. Daydreaming could kill an entire day. Years later, when I learned about the idea of a ‘flaneur,’ I thought, “Oh, that’s exactly what I did as a kid.” Even now, wandering around and doing nothing but watching is still an important source of my inspiration. Read more>>

Slevin Mors | Fine Art Photographer

I am driven by a deep need to create or be creative. For me the act of creating is one of the main building blocks of life, its up there with love, food and shelter. No matter what happens in life I will always be driven to create. Because of this it only makes sense to always pursue some kind of career or 2nd income / hobby that involves being creative or artistic in some way. Read more>>

Johee Young | Artist & Visual Art Teacher

I grew up attending an International school in Tokyo my entire life, spoke a language foreign than my own, and constantly saw people come and ago. I think that played into my personality. There was a lot going on around me and art was a way for me to visualize the world and communicate. I took art classes all throughout high school, but it wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I decided to commit to art for the rest of my life. It was actually my freshman year where I met my art professor, specifically in painting, and she ended up being my mentor through my entire college career. She believed in me, in my skills, and invited me to travel to Italy to learn more about the origins of art. Read more>>

Pete Hopkins | Singer/Guitarist/Songwriter/Producer/Educator

I’m not entirely sure that I did pursue an artistic or creative career. I’ve always loved music. I got bit by the bug very early in life. What started off as something I did just for pleasure became more than that naturally when I reached the age where I had to generate income to sustain survival. No one was more surprised than me to find that I can actually get paid to do this thing that I loved beyond measure. It’s one of the greatest triumphs of my time on this planet to not have to be forced to work to fulfill someone else’s dream and to know that I am always working towards building my own dynasty. I continue to explore my heart, purpose, and the magic of sound and synergy with optimism and gratitude. Read more>>

Randy Kulina | Filmmaker

I pursued an creative career based on the interests of my childhood. I was always a creative person from creative writing to painting to modeling clay and everything in between. One thing that was constant throughout my childhood was my love of movies and moreso my love of telling stories through the art form of creating movies. I was very fortunate to find a video camera in my hands at a very young age and even more fortunate that I had a neighborhood of friends that were willing to help capture these stories on hi-8 tape. This love blossomed into an education in film and TV and now a career in film and TV. I have always loved telling stories, and the fact that I am lucky enough to have a career in telling stories makes me beyond grateful. Read more>>

Bao Er Ho | Fiona Ho Bao Er | Animator

Growing up as an introvert, I find myself expressing myself more artistically. It started with playing piano, small doodlings, dedicating an entire school book to manga drawings, and then later on painting and eventually animating. They helped me understand my feelings and I feel connected. I wish I could do the same by continuing this passion of mine in my animations! Read more>>

Suzy Birstein | Visual Artist and Mentor

I have always loved to sing, dance and play dress up. My happiest moments with my mother were watching Hollywood musicals – so joyfully romantic and glamorous ->I wanted to be a movie star. I would write to movie stars, inviting them to sleep on our couch. Their fan clubs would send me autographed photos which I’d hang on my bedroom walls, dreaming “That will be me”. Read more>>

Mati Gavriel | Music Producer & Recording Artist

Absolutely. My journey into the arts was almost predestined, shaped by a unique blend of cultural heritage, familial influence, and an innate curiosity to figure things out. Born in Israel, and growing up in Germany with an Italian father, I was introduced to a world where different narratives coexist. This multicultural environment was further enriched at home, where Hebrew, German, and English were spoken. Navigating through these languages not only shaped my communication skills but also my creative thinking, allowing me to see the world through various lenses. Read more>>

Joey Deruy | Fine Art Painter & Illustrator

As a child, I had experienced personal life traumas, along with what was referred to then as learning disabilities. Drawing was used to communicate with me as it came naturally and was easier way to connect with me. The only diagnosis at that time would be ADHD & dyslexia, Things would stay challenging for my adolescence so I withdrew to art as a way to escape and explore my inner world as it was more familiar to me. I grew up isolated which didn’t help my social skills. As I got older art was encouraged as my parents enrolled me into weekly drawing sessions to paint live subjects in a group setting. Art is not only my life, it is the air I breathe. So I paint every day no matter what is going on. To connect with myself and the spaces around me. The rest manifested from there. Read more>>

Uzo Opara | Director, Creator, Dancer, Digital Artist

I was actually going to college studying to be a chemical engineer because I’ve always been a wiz at Science and Math, especially chemistry and calculus. However, during that time, I had realized that my first love had always been stories. I grew up reading books, watching tv and cartoons, and movies. A lot of my personality has been shaped by these stories I grew up on and I want to be able to inspire others the way these stories have inspired and impacted my life. While in these engineering classes, I could not stop thinking about the stories I had been writing out since high school. So, much to my parents’ dismay, I switched from Chemical Engineering to Media & Communications to learn how to be a director and producer. I’m sure every African parent reading this right now is sucking their teeth so hard right now lol, but I don’t care. Read more>>

Nazar | Dancer Choreographer

It was a hard decision to make but it was much needed in my life. After being graduated (master’s degree) I have tried to work (like 9/5) but it was not for me…working in an office and doing the same tasks everyday with the same people was really hard for me. And I think I was frustrated to be in this position and not doing what I really love because I am truly passionate about dance. Also, I had to deal with my health issues (thyroid cancer) and after that I was 100% sure to pursue an artistic career. Today I have no regrets. Read more>>

JJ | Songwriter, Audio Engineer, A&R

Music was always in the fabric of my life. My mother went to fine arts school for classical piano, most car rides were filled with my mother and sister singing worship songs, and I began playing the violin terribly in the third grade. Although music was always woven into my everyday life, it was never the center. I was much more focused on achieving good grades and would beg my mom and sister to stop singing in the car so we can get to our destination in peace. Unlike I could have ever predicted, music went from the background to foreground when I began facing personal hardship in my life. I began living on my own away from my family when I was 14 and as you can imagine, being forced to grow up without parental support brings it’s own set of heavy trials. Within those unexpected times, music became my comfort and my grounding. Most of my hours were spent in show choir rehearsals, concert choir, musical rehearsals, and practicing piano and guitar for class. Music was empathy during such a lonely and difficult time of my life. Performing on stage was the sole time I felt alive. That’s how I ended up going to music college and now working in the music industry. I pursued music because it pursued me. Read more>>

Susan Hayden | Author & Creator/Producer of Library Girl

It all started with my father, a Century City attorney who, in his youth, idolized Hemingway and had longed to be a writer. He was an artist at his core but chose the conventional route because he thrived on structure and wanted to provide stability for his family. Growing up, I at once witnessed his dedication to his work and yet his dissatisfaction with the path he had chosen. And then, in his 50s, he was bequeathed an endowment to create a foundation and school for the performing arts in Carmel Valley, with a focus on children’s musical theatre. Adventures ensued, including a cultural exchange with kids from Russia, who were brought out here to perform with the young participants from his school. He produced the musical, Peace Child, created by David Gordon (brother of Yusuf/Cat Stevens) with the premise, “Peace begins with the children.” My father truly came alive during that time. But he never emerged as an artist or a writer himself. Read more>>

Sade M | Multimedia Journalist

I’ve always been a person of self-exploration, growth, and strength. I have chosen a creative path to share my creativity with my supporters in hopes of inspiring future creators and innovators. I feel proud of what I have accomplished these past five years as a multimedia journalist. I met so many great creators, innovative people, and talented people. Read more>>