We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Jenny Whipple | Painter, Sculptor, Production designer, Bug enthusiast

I think I pursued a career in the creative world because it’s what I’m best at. I know that seems like a pretty cop-out answer, but it rings true to me. I was always drawn to art of all forms and the things I tend to make art about. Even as a young kid all I wanted was to collect bugs and look at animals and draw those things over and over through my eyes. Read more>>

Moon Yecca | Artist/Songwriter

I started singing at a young age, but didn’t have a purpose behind it until I started writing my own songs, starting at 13 years old. Once I started writing my own songs, it was the greatest outlet for life’s troubles, triumphs, and everything in between. Read more>>

Rachel Werner | Author and Certified Holistic Nutritionist

Honestly, it was because of financial need. I first started freelance writing ten years ago as a side gig to working in fitness industry full time as an instructor trainer and model. I was going through a divorce while to raising my daughter who was a toddler at the time. After I was awarded sole custody, I needed to find a way to make more money that also wouldn’t increase my childcare costs. So I decided to pursue writing since it was one of the skills I knew that I had that could potentially be monetized. Read more>>

Hannah Gravelle | Dancer, Choreographer, & Creative

Well, I simply never desired to do anything else, as creating and performing felt like my true calling. Nothing gifted me greater joy than witnessing my ideas come to life and expressing who I truly am in front of an audience. Dance has been a part of me since the young age of three, and my love for this art form only grows stronger every day. Read more>>

Anthony James | Recording Artist

Making music is what I love to do. I feel most in tune with myself and my spirit’s purpose when i’m creating, and the idea of leading a life where I get to do that a lot, and simultaneously reap the financial benefits to take care of my people really drives me. Read more>>

Ja | Fine Artist

Since childhood, creativity has been an integral part of my being. Whether it was sketching, painting, or indulging in various crafts, my passion for artistic expression seemed innate rather than a deliberate choice. As I grew older, my love for painting resurfaced and I made the conscious decision to embrace it wholeheartedly, taking my artistic endeavors seriously. Read more>>

Nick Sestito | Actor

Growing up watching Movies and TV with my family was a big part of my life. From sitting on the couch with my pops watching Remember the Titans to turning off all the lights in my basement and being mesmerized by Lord of the Rings with my brothers. It wasn’t until I joined the military that I realized I have this deep respect and admiration for people who create film or any kind of art. Read more>>

Stella Lightheart | Artist

I pursued an artistic career because I believe in the power of expression. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of picking up a paintbrush and letting your creativity flow onto the canvas. For me, art is a form of freedom. It’s a way to break free from the constraints of everyday life and create something beautiful. Read more>>

Samya Mohamed | Digital Creator & Designer

I pursued a creative career because I admire my passion for expressing myself through various creations. I found joy in painting, designing, fitness, and photography. As I grew older, I realized that pursuing a career in the world of Digital creators would allow me to continue to explore my creativity more while also making a living doing something I love. Read more>>

Calista Del Toro | Singer & Songwriter

Ever since my first performance at 4 years old, I knew the stage was where I was meant to be. There is literally nothing else in the world that makes me feel as empowered and connected to people than when I’m on stage. Although it can be a complex journey that requires a lot of patience (which I lack), there is nothing else I’d rather be doing. Read more>>

Linny Monteiro | Designer & Artist

I pursued a creative career because it allows me to bring my imagination to life, explore endless possibilities, and make a meaningful impact through visual storytelling. The ability to blend my passion for art and design with effective communication is what drives me, and I find immense fulfillment in creating experiences that evoke emotions, inspire others, and leave a lasting impression. Read more>>

Joy Fire | Artist, blacksmith, welder, teacher, designer

There was never one singular moment where I knew what I wanted to do and decided to pursue it. Rather, there were many small moments, each one that leading me further along a path to where I am now. I was lucky to have college as an option and the support of my parents for to pursue whatever I was interested in. Initially I started as an English major, because I have always loved literature and thought that English was a little more practical than art. I also struggled with believing that I was good enough to “be an artist”. Read more>>

Ailin Gong | Sound Editor/Sound Designer/Re-recording Mixer

I pursued an artistic career as a sound editor because of my deep passion for sound and my love for the art of storytelling. Sound has always fascinated me, and I firmly believe that it plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall cinematic experience. The ability to create immersive soundscapes that evoke emotions, heighten tension, and bring narratives to life is something that truly excites me. Read more>>

The Queen’s Artillery Sandy Clafford | Visual Artist

Embarking on my artistic journey in my thirties, I rediscovered my innate talent for drawing that had been with me since childhood. However, I had set it aside for a considerable time, prioritizing other aspects of life. It was the realization of constantly sacrificing my own happiness that sparked a pivotal shift in my outlook. I’ve been determined to reclaim autonomy over my future, I made the decision to pursue what truly excites me. Creating became my source of fulfillment, and my life is undergoing transformation since. Read more>>

Sarkis Bakalyan | Actor/Screenwriter/Comedian

When I was a kid, I would marvel at the idea of going to the movies. It was, and still is, a magical experience when seeing a fictional world come to life and permeate throughout the auditorium with awe-inspiring praise. To me, entertainment is a gold mine of dreams becoming reality. Read more>>

Vonte Marquiss | Professional Dancer & Choreographer

I always had a passion for art. From playing 7 instruments in band, to singing in the choir to creating dance teams at every school I attended. I knew I was meant to pursue some form of art. Dance officially stole my heart in High School and its been that ever since. I chose to specifically focus and pursue dance because just something about the release of emotions through listening to music & movement gratified me in an indescribable way. Read more>>

Ravenna Golden | overall artist, singer and songwriter

taking a creative path was something that sort of forged itself in my life. before becoming a musician i had been in art school studying painting and graphic design. i’ve always liked pursuing things that i’m naturally good at, and music came naturally. it felt like somewhere i could see myself excelling. i felt capable and i loved to do it. so the better question would be why not, at that point. Read more>>

Heather Fortin | Actor & Production Assistant

As cliche as it may sound, it was the only path for me. From the moment I saw Julie Andrews in The Sound Of Music, I knew that is what I wanted to do – I wanted to be a story teller. I wanted to be a part of something that made people feel. Whether it make them laugh or cry or have the urge to dance, feel joy, anger, sorrow – Read more>>

Diego Lanao | Writer & Actor

Ever since I was 5, I thought I was going to follow in my father’s footsteps of becoming a doctor. My immigrant parents from Peru are both in the medical field – with my mother being a nurse. But I was always reading books during math classes and daydreaming during science exams. The one course I did do well in was writing, but at the time – I didn’t really have any interest in pursuing it as a career. Read more>>

Abi Wheeler | Self-made Businesswoman

I’m from the middle of nowhere Mississippi. I do believe my simple / sheltered early life shaped the way for the old, reserved little gal to break out of her shell while keeping an integral humble demeanor Read more>>

Yi Cheng | Artist

Art has been my passion since I was very little. Read more>>

Dyve | American Rapper

I’ve tried working desk jobs, restaurants, retail, sales, etc. and have felt so out of place. Whenever I express myself creatively through music, writing, acting, content creation, etc. I feel completely energized and full of purpose. I want to say I pursued this path, but it honestly called out to me to the point where I couldn’t ignore it anymore. Read more>>

Stryfe | Metal band

Because we had to. Each of us has an undeniable need to write, record, and perform. Without doing so, the glass is only half full. We believe that art, in our case music, has regenerative qualities for the artist. Throughout life, everyone accumulates both negative and positive energies, through music, we’re able to express ourselves, and balance out the negatives and positives to protect ourselves from anxiety, depression, etc. Read more>>

Laurie Lipton | The 21st Century’s greatest draughtswoman… but humble with it

I didn’t pursue it. It pursued me Read more>>

Danni Vitorino | Actor & Producer

I initially was going to pursue a career as a math teacher. Following advice from my father, I quickly changed course into the performing arts. Growing up, I luckily had major support from my parents. They don’t understand this business at all but they have always wanted me to follow my dreams. Read more>>

K. Janeé Roberts | 3D Animator, Graphic Designer & Illustrator

I always felt like there was a stigma against artistic or creative careers and that’s why a lot of people don’t pursue it. There are a few reasons why I pursued an art career but the main one was I wanted a job I’d be happy to do currently and in the future as well. Read more>>

Francisco Vargas | Artist/Leader

I pursue an artistic career, because I naturally burst with the desire to connect with people & document the world around me. I make art to crystalize my memories, and to ride the emotional waves I experience in my life. Making art has helped me connect with people, and it has helped others realize we are all the same. Read more>>

Gary Palmer | Abstract painter

In a way I don’t see as a choice exactly – I have the feeling more that art chose me … as a child I loved to draw and paint – I loved diving into the world of the imagination … it wasn’t a question of selecting a career rather it’s just something I couldn’t help but do – then figure out how to a living… I actually went to Edinburgh to study architecture Read more>>

Noam Gad Weiser | Writer

I felt like in many ways I didn’t have a choice. Growing up, I thought that everyone was the same way and that we are all managed by our creative drive. I no longer think that is the case nor do I think that it’s extremely unique, but I don’t think I could live without having taken the risk of revolving my life around words. Read more>>