Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career. 

Marina Sakimoto

I enjoy the ideation phase, and these industries demand creativity from you. It’s where I feel most like myself. Read more>>

NEGAR ZONOOBI

I’ve always turned to art as my way of understanding the world. As a quiet child, I spent most of my time drawing especially birds and animals. My mom still laughs about how she’d hide my sketchbook, hoping I’d play outside more, but I’d just find it and go right back to drawing. Those early moments were more than just play. Read more>>

Maddi Kligerman

Early on, I realized traditional systems weren’t built for me. I didn’t struggle because I lacked intelligence, I struggled because I’m deeply selective. If something doesn’t feel meaningful, I can’t fake interest in it. But when I discover something that resonates, I go all in. Looking back, high school was when I realized I was meant for a different path. Read more>>

Tim Ketenjian

The answer is two-fold: I love to play music, and I love listening to music. These two interests feed each other. Listening to wonderful artists inspired me to create my own catalog of music. Subsequently, writing my own music has given me a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship & styles of other artists. Read more>>

Clayton Lin

Since I was young, I have always been drawn to thoughtfully designed spaces. I enjoy studying in well-designed cafes and reading in beautiful bookstores. These environments have a certain atmosphere that makes it easier for me to focus and feel inspired, and I became very aware of how design can subtly shape how people feel about things. Read more>>

Matt Wolf

I pursued a creative career because music has always been something that genuinely excites me. It’s one of the few things that makes people feel something immediately. Being able to create that experience and also help others learn how to express themselves through music is really meaningful to me. Read more>>

Princess datwork Amber Calvin

Modeling and radio Radio : I came from a troubled household , I had no freedom, and I took care of my household my siblings while my mom and my stepdad was at work . The only escape I had was music. I would sit for hours watching MTV and bet vjs .. Donnie, Simpson, Bill Bellamy and Al b sure… Read more>>

Talbot Kuper

At this point in my life I choose the artistic and creative aspect to my career because it keeps a harmony in my life. When I’m working with my guests and being creative, heavier aspects of the world remain my periphery. Great conversations can take place in unison with my work and relationships with guests strengthen as a result. Read more>>

Kira Nena

I’ve always been artistic since I was young. I really leaned into it as a teen into physical art and pole dancing as an adult. Being a naturally creative person it made sense to continue creative paths. I got into pole dance randomly with a friend one day and enjoyed different ways our bodies can move and bend into a variety of moves. Read more>>

Patricia Pham

I grew up with immigrant parents who were always busy working, so I spent a lot of time watching animated shows and movies. I constantly recorded Saturday morning cartoons on VHS so I could rewatch them throughout the week since we didn’t have cable. I loved the funny silly ones that brought laughter, and I loved the serious emotional ones that brought tears. Read more>>

Andrew Binkley

My path as an artist seems to have been planted early – a seed that existed long before I had the language to understand it. From as far back as I can remember, I was drawn to making art. It was simply nature, something within me that was beginning to take root. Over time, that seed was nurtured and began to grow. Read more>>