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.

Brian Cade | R&B Singer / Songwriter

Passion is the main reason i pursued a creative career. Honestly i found myself the most passionate when i was creating something since i was young. I was always told anything is possible so that concept has also been with me since i was kid. It wasn’t until i graduated high school that i knew for sure that music and entertainment is what i want to do for the rest of my life. Read more>>

Trifecta Comedy | Sketch Comedy Group

“My artistic pursuit started in 6th grade when I had one line in my school play, and I made the audience laugh. Instantly, I saw the power of storytelling; I knew at that moment that I wanted to be an artist. And not only that, but I wanted to be an artist who caused impactful change by bringing people joy and laughter. I’ve never looked back since.” – LaRose Washington Read more>>

Leyi Dai | Aspiring writer and director

Honestly, just the process of spending time to create a piece of work brings me immense joy, but it’s extremely challenging at the same time. There are many obstacles in creating a film, from coming up with an idea to putting the pieces together, and filmmaking is an intensely personal process. Sometimes, it might be difficult to confront the reflection of myself in the work I produce or attempt to produce—whether because I perceive my own immaturity in it or, worse, see my reflection on a blank page. That’s the most terrifying feeling for me, and I’m sure anyone who writes has experienced that pain. Read more>>

Jonathan Pancoast | Producer, Song Writer, Musician

Everything about our existence is kinda insane, haha…being creative has always helped cope with that insanity. From the moment I picked up my first instrument, a symbiotic relationship started with myself and music, and it turned out to be my connection to the planet. Read more>>

Isiah Palmer | Recording Artist

I chose music because it came to me in the form of a second language as a child. Growing up my father lived in California and would bring me around various musicians. While spending time with him I learned the technical side of the industry which spiked my interest. During this time, Chucky Thomson was one of my biggest inspirations and mentors. Thompson taught me how to format songs and develop my unique sound. As I grew into a young adult, I began my college basketball career taking my time away from music. Nevertheless, I was still finding myself rapping in the locker room, on the bus, and during practice. At the time I adored basketball but didn’t quite cherish it the same way as I did music; upon this realization I decided to make music full time. Read more>>

Catherine S. Genest | Artist

I think it was what came most naturally for me, which doesn’t mean it didn’t come with self-doubt, self-imposed walls, and whatnot. In some way, I see it as a way of practicing accepting imperfection and limitations while being open to surprises and things working out. There was also a definitive inkling in my family towards the arts. I had and still have people in my life who showed me that a life in the arts is possible, such as my aunt and my husband. Ultimately, I decided to pursue an artistic career because it makes me feel more alive and aligned with my true nature. I do feel like it is a fulfilling path to pursue, even if it means having a side job to sustain it. Read more>>

Ryan Handt | Photographer • Director

From a young age, I was drawn to creative things. Like most kids, my imagination took center stage. As I got older, it didn’t wane. It continued to be the driving force in my studies. I can’t say I was a prototypical good student. I had issues with reading and writing, which later in life I found out I had dyslexia. This led me to excel in learning more visually. by the time I was in high school, I knew a creative career of some sort was in my future. When I was 15, I broke my foot skateboarding, which occupied much of my time. After sitting around on the couch for what felt like forever, my father thrusted a camera into my hands and told me to get out. I turned the camera on my friends and skateboarding and the bond was instant. I new this is something I wanted to do. But I had no idea it could be a career. When I was 17, I enrolled in community college and took a photography class for fun. My teacher saw something in me and told me that I had to follow my passion for photography. She led me down he path and showed me I could have a career doing what I loved. In reality, I don’t think I chose a career in the arts. I had to do it. It was an energy that pulled me along for the ride. Read more>>

Maya Sassoon | Creative Director, Set Designer, Illustrator

I felt that this was the most clear path for me. It’s what has always come naturally, and I feel I have a lot to give in this line of work. Read more>>

Danielle Kendler-Rhodes | Actress

I love the Theatre. Ever since I have stepped on the stage, playing an old crow, and through every step I’ve made since, it has only strengthened my resolve to be an actress. I have grown up in a household which thrives off music, theatre and art, and always jumped at the opportunity to take part in any drama activity throughout my school years. Read more>>

Lila McLaughlin | Screenwriter

From a young age I was always drawn to stories; reading stories, telling stories, hearing stories. That, and also entertaining people. I loved being in front of crowds entertaining. These were things that I not only was passionate about, but also felt very natural to me and I was comfortable with doing. So naturally all through school I was involved in creative writing, theater, even acting and speechwriting just so I could continue talking and telling stories in front of crowds. I knew what would fulfill this creative need would be to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Kelly Wu | Artist for Animation & Children’s Book Author-illustrator

I am pursuing a career as an artist for animation and children’s books because of my love for visual storytelling. However, my journey as an artist has been a roller coaster thus far! I have been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil, sketching everything from mermaids and dinosaurs to characters from favorite books or the people from my go-to restaurants. I was especially drawn to adventurous movies and books with uplifting themes and magic. They not only fueled my imagination but also inspired me with positivity and resilience. Although I loved telling stories through art, the idea of pursuing a creative career never crossed my mind. Initially, I was on a pre-dental path in college. Although everything was in motion, I felt empty, as if something essential was missing from my life. Read more>>

Tivoli Silas | Writer & Director

Creating stories has always come naturally to me, so from a young age I had an interest in writing. However, I struggled with some aspects of writing early on, considering English my weakest subject. When I got to middle school, my mom transcribed summaries of some of my stories onto the computer, before I eventually typed them up on my own. These summaries, which are basically very long treatments, were my way of keeping me from forgetting these stories and important details before my writing skills were anywhere near a professional level. I still use this method so I can plan out my novel or screenplay in detail before starting the writing process in earnest. I was raised as a cinephile, watching Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and the Marx Brothers, so I had an appreciation for early cinema from the start and I was amazed that many of my classmates, growing up, had never seen a silent film. However, things changed after I saw The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in theaters for the first time. Not only did I then start to follow the industry closely, becoming obsessed with seeing movies in theaters, but I also developed an interest in acting, partly inspired by that film’s child actors. But in high school, it suddenly occurred to me that actors have little control over the films outside of their performances. For the first time, directing seemed appealing. Previously, when I had thought of directing, it just seemed like too much responsibility. But by chance, the very next topic my English class covered was basic film terms and I fell in love with filmmaking. Read more>>

Tom Hunter | Artist, Illustrator

I’ve been drawing since I was a little kid. When I was at school, painting was my favorite subject. After high school, I went to college and chose to major in fine arts, watercolor. I remember that when I was studying, my notebooks for other subjects were constantly painted. Thankfully, the teachers knew my major and did not scold me. After that there was a long search for myself, but throughout the time I was drawing. It was the only thing that was always in my life. In 2019, I started studying digital art. I took various courses, I built up my hand, I studied. Read more>>

Sukantti (Stephania Sanquiz) | Actor, Singer, Dancer

Because I always had a need for self expression and also a need to bring love and feelings into people’s lives. Read more>>

Elissa Piszel | Actress, Producer & Writer

I chose an artistic career because I loved the way it made me feel inside. To work so hard physically and mentally and then bring that to the stage or screen is so rewarding and energizing. Whether alone or employed with a team you become like a family on a project. It feels like home. You bond in a way that’s special and humbling. My perseverance has always been tested in my craft. I can’t stop pushing to learn all sides of things. I’ve been producing , writing and acting . I’ve worked with celebrities and non-celebrities. The beauty of being in a creative space is to have a platform to have a voice . My voice is for disabled actors to be able to express themselves without discrimination. Read more>>

Max Grebenshchikov | Videographer

In my childhood, during elementary school, my teacher used to call me “sunshine” because I was always daydreaming at my desk, thinking about everything except the subjects we were supposed to study. Yes, I was a bit peculiar, you could say, a silent, perpetually dreaming boy. I had completely different interests at that age, and consequently, I didn’t have many friends; I simply wasn’t interested in what my classmates were doing. Read more>>

Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, PsyD | Multi-Passionate Creative Entrepreneur

In the symphony of life, I found myself dancing to the beat of others’ drums and expectations for the longest time. Maybe you can relate? Everyone had an opinion on what path I should take, and I listened. “Get good grades; do a bunch of extra-curricular activities; get into a good college; get a good job; keep climbing.” “Do this; not that.” I followed the advice, the well-meaning suggestions, until the noise of external opinions drowned out my own inner voice and melody. Read more>>

Clinton Charles | Music producer & Pianist

Music has always been my passion and I was exposed to music at a very young age. There was a natural inclination towards making my passion into a career. Creative fields have immense untapped potential and immense growth opportunities especially if you have an edge over the competition. Read more>>

Julien Wagner | Writer / Director / Filmmaker

I think the decision was pretty much taken from me as I simply lack the ability to do anything else. Jokes aside, I do believe that filmmaking is the closest thing to real-life magic. And who doesn’t love a bit of magic? Once you’re on set and you see things coming together, see that spark, a vision translated onto the screen, man… you’re a goner. If you’re really in it with all your heart, nothing comes close to that feeling you get when the page comes alive. It’s not really a choice at that point, it’s a calling. Doesn’t make me a great filmmaker. Just means I’ll never find meaning in anything else. And I’m more than okay with that. Read more>>

Cult Vega | Creative Director

The art form, I visualize everything I see and have ideas that won’t be applied till 10 years later.. Cinema has been at a standstill point where most directors we have all looked up to are at the end of their careers. Very little new directors have been able to make a statement with their work since independent films are not being pushed out as much. Which is why I respect a company like A24 pushing the needle forward. Cult Vega is an identity that I want future creatives to recognize in history as a person that changed the art form for everyone. Read more>>

Juan Loera Gonzalez | Mental Health Therapist

I was drawn to this profession because of my desire to assist and support others. Holding hope for people, especially when they’re facing challenges, is something I find deeply fulfilling. I feel fortunate to have experienced the intersection of imagination and reality, allowing me to pursue achievable goals and steadily build upon them. Read more>>

Erica Wachs | Television Writer & Playwright

I didn’t always think I would be a writer. In high school, writing was something I did while I focused my efforts on cultural diplomacy. Read more>>

Kieren Dutcher | Illustrator, Author and Art Educator

I can’t imagine doing anything that isn’t creative. I grew up in a creative household, my dad was an architect who built furniture and remodeled our old house, and my mom was a maker- cook, seamstress, knitter, baker, furniture refinisher, gardener – she tried it all. So, being surrounded by their creativity encouraged me to do the same. Living a creative life, it’s the only way to live, in my opinion. Read more>>

Yevgeniy Khan | Lead Videographer and owner of AVALANCHE FILM CO

I pursued an artistic and creative career because I’ve always been drawn to the power of visual expression. Wedding photography and videography allow me to communicate emotions, tell stories, and capture moments in a way that goes beyond words. The ability to create something visually impactful and meaningful for others has been a driving force in my life. Read more>>

Noah Luke | Director & Cinematographer

Why the creative path? Well, blame genetics. Born into a family where filmmaking is practically a genetic trait – both parents rocking it in the industry. Picture dinner conversations saturated with cinematic tales; bedtime stories on a whole new level. Read more>>