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.

SOLA

I decided to pursue an artistic career because music has always been my source of comfort and inspiration. Creating music motivates me, and singing and songwriting give me the freedom to be unapologetically myself, without fear of judgment. When I sing and perform, I feel truly free, and once I realized that my passion could become my career, I knew it was the perfect path for me. Read more>>

Tetiana Kalivoshko

When I was growing up in Ukraine, I always felt the fire within me wanted to come out. Lviv National Academy of Art was one of the best University for Art in Ukraine and I felt that to study there will help me find the way to express myself and will be an important steppingstone for a life of creation. I had quite a few avenues of training and inspiration. When I was in high-school, I used to take a 5-hour train ride to Lviv every Thursday night to study art all weekend with Igor Chomsky who was my first art teacher. Igor took me under his wing and taught me the basics of art. I remember that the first question he asked me when we met was to show him my sketch book. I didn’t have one and he later told me that it was much easier to teach someone who didn’t do art before than to start changing the way someone create. Read more>>

Ruchir Kulkarni

I grew up in a typical middle-class family in India. My parents were academically oriented, so even as a kid, I naturally thought of becoming a cardiologist or an engineer. However, as I was shy and introverted, I found my escape in movies. They were more than just entertainment to me; a way to dream and break from the mundane reality; where anything was possible. This love for movies slowly turned into a love for storytelling. The turning point came when I made my first short film with a couple of friends. I felt like I found a new medium of expression and never looked back after it. It showed me a path I never thought possible for myself, leading me towards a career in filmmaking. But, it’s something no one in my family had ever considered pursuing. I didn’t know where to start; having no connections to anyone in the industry. And once you are ready to take that leap of faith and bet on yourself, you create opportunities and meet the right people who will guide you. Read more>>

Eliana Cordova

I totally believe in the power of storytelling and I think acting and filmmaking are the perfect place to do that, you know; to tell stories of representation, stories that make social problems visible, stories that give a voice to those who don’t have one, stories that make others feel less alone and more understood, stories that bring us closer as human beings, that make us emotional and become more empathetic. I decided to become an artist because I love to be able to do all of that using my emotions, my body, myself entirely; and of course is not as simple as it sounds but that’s the big challenge. However, I’ve always been very passionate about my career and very persistent when I wanna achieve something. Read more>>

Anton Bondarev

I am left-handed since birth. Heard it has something to do with the right hemisphere of the brain that answers for creativity, so i was born that way, sensitive, curious and empathetic. Looking back at my childhood now i do realise why i am into photography that much. When i was a kid, i loved to draw and had some talent, but as i grew up i shifted from drawing to photography. My father was a sailor, and he had a camera back then, 24mm film. Then he had a Polaroid, it was fun and magical, you had that little photograph almost instantly. And then he brought me the first digital camera from overseas, when i was about 13 or 14, so it is some sort of a bond for life for me. Ever since i do photograph everything that catches my eye. I am a humble guy, but photography is my lifelong passion, and as humble as i am – i recognise i have a huge talent, and i have an amazing portfolio of works that makes people think and wonder. I want to share things i see, how i see it. I want to be recognised, to leave legacy. Read more>>

Matilda Corley Schulman

I should explain. Since I was four I have ridden horses, and that’s genuinely where I thought my life would take me. It even led me to being recruited to Oklahoma State University’s NCAA D1 Equestrian Team. And sadly, I did not have the best go of it (and that’s putting it lightly and extremely gently). During my time at OSU, I needed to find a place I didn’t feel so alone, so isolated, and I ended up running away to both the English and Theatre departments. Eventually, I transferred to UC Berkeley and the only writing class still taking applications was the playwriting class with Philip Kan Gotanda — and it truly changed my life. Read more>>

Aiden Delfin

I pursued filmmaking because I found it to be the best way for me to tell a story. I was never good at drawing, I can’t write, but I can tell a story with a camera. I’d always been surrounded by people who were really good at singing, music, or other forms of art and for a long time I’d struggled to find what I was good at until I found filmmaking. When I did find it I made sure to be the best I can be at it. Read more>>

Megha Jairaj | Artist

I would say I stumbled upon a path and just kept taking it. I grew up in Kochi, a small coastal town in Kerala and as a young person I didn’t imagine one could potentially have a “artistic career.” I was introduced to various art disciplines in an academic setting. Over the years my practice unravelled the many material and philosophical conditions that continue to shape me, the place I grew up and where I am now. I have been moving around for about 10 years and my practice has a shape shifting tendency because of this. I enjoy that! Read more>>

Xiaojing Wang | Director & Photographer & Creative

Hi, this is Xiaojing Wang, Leo. Graduated from School of the Visual Arts Photography and Videos department in New York. Presently, I live in Shanghai working as an independent photographer and director. During my college years, I focused on creating narratives about human relationships, exploring the interaction between art and individuals, and expressing inner emotions. I believe in a multidimensional universe where numerous parallel worlds exist simultaneously. I often ponder, ‘Could fantasies, memories, and feelings intersect in another dimension?’ Read more>>

Elizabeth Adamis | Dancer/Choreographer/Professor

I pursued an artistic and creative career, because I didn’t really have a choice. I am a person who was born with a mind that works in an artistic and creative way and that was my skill set. I couldn’t have been a Doctor or Lawyer, because I would never have been successful in any of the careers other than the ones that embraced my intelligence which is artistic and kinesthetic. If I wasn’t a dancer/choreographer/teacher/director I would have devoted time as an artist, actress or writer. Read more>>

Vince Li | Writer-Director

Because filmmaking is my way to understand and cooperate with the world, it illustrates the complex emotions of human beings and helps us reconcile with ourselves. Read more>>

Joshua Bravo | Photographer and Creative Director

I’ve always been interested in all mediums art. It just happens that Photography was the career that I chose to pursue. There’s just something special about it. I like the imaginative nature and hands on aspect of photography that allows me to give someone a new perspective of themselves. I love creating, but I just love to make others feel too, because I think it’s something we need more in this world. Read more>>

 Jennifer Cooper | Branding, PR, Photography

Starting off as a photographer gave me the tools to really hone into people and break down their walls. I always say when I photograph a client it’s like vision of psychology. Really making someone feel at ease, safe and comfortable to be who they are without any filter or insecurity. That later led me into being a photo editor, fashion producer and then heading up PR& Marketing for a talent agency and then starting my own company.. all Read more>>

Lukas Janecek | Guitarist & Producer

I grew up in church as a kid. One day, when I was 16 a preacher came down all the way from San Diego, telling me he saw me play guitar. At that moment, I could not believe it, I’ve always loved music, but never imagine me playing any instruments. Two weeks later, while visiting my cousin I picked up one of his guitars, he put on Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe and for my ears at that moment it was like “Ok, I get this.” I realized, as soon as I picked up the guitar right there, I am going to do it full time. It was a very instant and profound relationship. I started practicing 10 hours a day and never really catch up on sleep. Read more>>

Vida Tayebati | Visionary Artist | Passionate Storyteller | AI Enthusiast

My journey into the artistic world, particularly theater, was driven by a profound recognition of the power of storytelling. I realized early on that every individual carries a unique narrative, each holding its own significance. This understanding led me to question: Read more>>

Ally Weinstock | Hospitality Professional & General Manager

When I started pursuing makeup, it was originally a hobby, but it grew into a creative outlet for me. My mindset for so long was always “work, work, work”, and to some extent, it still is, but I never had any sort of creative outlet. Makeup is my way to get ready for the work day in a creative way, or to wind down at the end of the night. It’s so fun and you can be so expressive. It’s definitely grown from a hobby to a real passion. Read more>>

Cikel Jones | DJ

Growing up i was always an introvert but my passions and hobbies like music and sports always brought me out of my shell. I always made playlists for music genres and i started to mix songs that i thought went well together. I would listen to many different music genres and make playlists based on what i liked and what songs should play after one another. I then found out about djing and i brought a controller to try it out and ever since then I’ve been djing at parties, schools and concert venues. Read more>>

Chise Up | Hip-Hop Artists

Music has always been important in our lives. Daws started writing his own Raps when we were in Second Grade, and Classic has loved listening to great lyricists since around the same time. The SOUNDTRACK of the Late 80s – 90s WAS Hip-Hop, and the genre just got a hold of us to the point we knew we eventually had to be a part of it somehow. Read more>>

Lex Stout | Composer & Producer for Film, Video Games, & Television

It’s never felt like a choice; it just felt like something that I’ve always done, and that has always felt right. The more I’ve learned or discovered for myself, the more the world of sound has expanded. As a youth, I was very interested in writing music that was flashy and technical, which thankfully has resulted in a solid foundation, as well as a willingness to push the envelope. That’s probably what kept me going in the direction of writing music for a living, since with that foundation I was able to get into top-tier schools: Berklee College of Music in Boston, then the USC Graduate Program for Screen Scoring. Getting into those schools was a huge boost to my confidence and dedication to pursuing writing music as a career. The more my own musical voice has developed, the more humbled I feel by how little I actually know. Music is such a vast field, with so many different avenues to explore, and it’s something infinitely complicated and interesting. This keeps a chronic over-thinker like myself constantly invested and dedicated. Read more>>

Bea Cabrera | Producer

I didn’t. Not at first at least, After graduating I went on to pursuing an Engineering Degree. I was always told that, with my good grades and my interest for physics, it would be a waste not to try out “respected” and valued Telecommunications Degree. Truth is, at the time, these professional experts were in high demand. Smartphones were just coming out and the Internet of Things was going to take over the world in no time. So they were right, at the time. Read more>>

Pixie Dust

A creative career offers me a platform for self-expression and exploration. It allows me to constantly evolve as an artist, pushing boundaries, and discovering new facets of myself through my work. This journey of self-discovery and growth is incredibly fulfilling, as it not only enhances my skills but also enriches my perspective on the world. Read more>>

Misha Tyutyunik | Artist, Muralist, Illustrator

Since an early age, making art and being creative was always a priority. It is something that I enjoy immensely and often becomes a mediation, a way of grounding my spirit and connecting to the world. Following the path of least resistance in a society where we are forced to sell goods or services to survive, I felt it important to pursue a career in a field that made me happy and one that I was good at. Naturally I gravitated towards the arts. Read more>>

Jordan Delgado | Actress

Growing up in LA, my dad always dreamed of being an actor. With time, he was unable to pursue this career path. So naturally, when he had his first daughter, he decided to put her into acting (me!). People always ask me why I chose to be an actor. Being in this industry since I was three months old, however, doesn’t make me feel like it was a choice at all. Being an actor has always been a part of who I am—and I don’t plan on ever changing that. Read more>>

Qinlin Yang | Artist & Art Studio Director

In 2020, I arrived in the UK. After experiencing constant changes in living environments and the diverse differences between cultures, I began to focus on the mental health status of immigrants. During my postgraduate studies, I followed this direction and engaged in visual research-based art practice. Starting from the emotional changes during isolation, I created an artist book named “Intouchable Days”combining Linoprint and letterpress, focusing on the emotional fluctuations during the pandemic isolation. Read more>>

Victoria V Nunley | Painter

Creating art is in my nature. I can’t not make art; if I go too long without, I feel very restless. I think part of it is that I have a lot of thoughts and feelings that can only be explored and explained through visual language.

So in my case, pursuing an art career was the natural progression from making art, because with making art came opportunities. It’s a risky career and cash flow isn’t regular, but I gain a deep level of satisfaction from it. Read more>>

Erich Meager | Ratiolaminartist & Gallery Owner

Since I was a kid, I have always found a refuge in creativity. I was a relatively shy kid, one of five children and art was the one things that I did better than any of my siblings, but more importantly, it was the one place where I could confidently be myself. Strangely, I am also very good at science and math, so I tried to combine those skills and went to school for architecture, but about halfway through my degree program I realized architecture wasn’t going to be the best fit. I spent most of my career in the lighting industry, working for manufactures and designers. During the pandemic, I began creating pieces based on breezeway blocks, mostly for myself, but it got to the point that I created so many pieces I thought I would try selling them. I worked with a gallery in Palm Springs, Rubine Red, who sold my work and I participated in The Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale. After moving from my home studio to a larger space, I partnered with Kathleen Strukoff and Ernesto Ramirez and we have have opened Kee Gallery, which is located in the Backstreet Arts District in Palm Springs at 2600 Cherokee Way. Read more>>

Maura Fallon | Actor, Filmmaker & Witch

I pursued an artistic career because I am an artist – truthfully, there is nothing else I can do because there is nothing else I want to do. It wasn’t always that way – as a child and into my young adulthood, I thought I needed to be practical and pursue the classic “real career.” But I remember the moment that changed. I was a sophomore in college, and I had walked to the movie theater alone to see Moonlight (2016). To my surprise, the screening was sold out, so, at the last moment, I needed to pivot and buy a ticket for the only other movie playing at that time. To this day, it’s one of the greatest moments of happenstance in my life, because I left that screening of 20th Century Women (2016) having truly seen myself for the first time. The feeling of resonance, of completion, hit me, and I realized I wanted to experience that catharsis again and again. I realized I wanted to make movies. Suddenly, a childhood of over-active imagination made sense. From performing in my community theater group for seven years to making short films with my friends on my Flip camera in middle school to leading my cousins in improv plays during Christmas dinner, creativity, art, and storytelling have always been my driving force. Now, I come alive each time I make something new and am lucky to discover different versions of myself with every role, project, and piece of inspiration I surrender to. Read more>>

XIANG MA | Chairman of education company and film director

The thing that interests me the most about art and creative careers is that they can keep changing. I remember when I was in Germany, I once answered a question. They asked what the most important thing in life was. I said it was hope. Well, this hope is actually a kind of pleasure brought to me by certain changes. Read more>>

Tian Liu | A Multimedia Storyteller

I have been passionate about storytelling since I was a kid. I used to draw stories for myself until I learned how to read and write. As soon as I learned, a door to a new world opened for me—I could share the stories and interpretations that existed only in my mind with others through writing. When I realized I could show people my inner world, I told my parents this was what I wanted to do: I wanted to become a storyteller. Read more>>