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.

Giselle Samson

Honestly? Because I had no choice. Creativity has always been my native language. From the moment I could walk, I was dancing. From the moment I could speak, I was performing. I’m that girl who turned living room furniture into a stage and Barbie dolls into characters in full-blown soap operas. Read More>>

Tera Cho

Actually, I started my career as a graphic designer in high school. I did freelance work for clients both in Taiwan and internationally, interned at a design studio, got into the best design school in Taiwan with almost the highest scores through portfolio, and worked as an art director for a startup team — all of this happened by the age of 20. I was really passionate about design. However, the more work I did, the more limitations I found myself facing. Read More>>

Katerina Curry

Sometimes we choose our path, sometimes the path chooses us… or it’s God, the Universe, or forces of nature that gently nudge us in the direction we’re supposed to go. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself as a jeweler, designer, and business owner. I chose a traditional path – law. But life often brings surprises. I ended up in this beautiful country with a chance to start from scratch. Even then, I was trying to choose a somewhat traditional path and was in the process of getting my real estate degree when my creative outlet turned into a business. Read More>> 

Rui Wang

For me, pursuing an artistic or creative career was never a single decision—it felt more like a quiet instinct that kept guiding me forward. I was born and raised in Taiyuan, China, where I was first introduced to traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy as a child. Even before I fully understood what “art” was, I was drawn to the silence, rhythm, and emotion those forms could hold. Read More>>

Tanya Moreno

I worked in the dental field for years—stable, reliable work—but I felt creatively unfulfilled. I knew I needed something that inspired me. A visit to the Los Angeles Flower Market changed everything. Surrounded by the color, movement, and beauty of that environment, I felt instantly drawn in. Read More>> 

Marine Léa Thomas

I didn’t feel fulfilled in a corporate environment. During my business studies, I had the chance to work in both companies and startups. While many of those experiences were positive, one in particular—mentally and emotionally challenging—shifted my perspective.

I ended up experiencing burnout, which made me realize I didn’t want to keep pouring my energy, time, and effort into places or people that didn’t value me. It was “just” an internship, but it became a turning point. Read More>> 

Deja Fabro And Dakota Fabro

Deja: I used to be a child actor and model and I’ve always wanted to be in the spotlight. Outside of acting, my other creative outlet is writing (journaling, poetry, short stories). I’ve always wanted to pursue both outlets professionally, and I get to do that with stand up comedy. But what really pushed me to pursue stand up comedy? I’ve always wanted to do stand up, but wasn’t sure if I had enough insight. In May 2023, I had reproductive health issues and major surgery that resulted in me not having children. Read More>>

Joshua Thunderbird

I was always very artistic, even as a child. some of my first memories were coloring books or drawing my own cartoons. I have always been very passionate about drawing because learned to read through comics & visual story telling. I knew as a small kid this is what i love to do, and want to spend my life doing. Read More>>