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.

Dianys Yánez | Artist and Model

Since I was a kid I love drawing. I would get in trouble all the time in school for drawing during class and selling my drawings to my classmates and charging them to do presentations and maps for geography, but back in Venezuela you are told that art is not a job or a career and it should stay a hobby. When I came to the states everything was different, I saw so many people living off their art I got the courage to take it further and make it a career to pursue. Read more>>

Kayleen Le | Photographer and Graphic Designer

Being creative feels the most natural to me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had creative hobbies. When I was younger, I would be constantly making DIY projects or following drawing tutorials online. I love the freedom and the endless possibilities that being creative allows. The creative field is never stagnant because it has no boundaries to what I’m allowed to make and I could always try out new things. Read more>>

Ashton Martin | Podcast Host

Honestly since I was a pre-teen, I knew I wanted a career in entertainment. However that was or whenever that was, it was going to happen! I remember coming home from school and being so excited to watch the newest episode of E! News, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and Larry King Live to name a few, that was THE ultimate dream for me. So in 2022, I decided to take a step out on faith and believe that the dream that I had as a kid could be my reality if I wanted it bad enough, so I began. Read more>>

Sproutz Music | Audio Engineer/Producer

To be completely honest, I started this career because it’s all I’ve ever been good at. I enjoy making music and I very much enjoy helping people bring their own musical ideas to life Read more>>

Jaylon Scott | Anime dance idol & Bartender

I’ve always been a creative person! When I was younger if I couldn’t put my own twist on things I found it to be lacking! So I always knew no matter what field I decided to pursue that it was going to have to be something creative and evolving because that’s my ultimate goal to create and evolve! Read more>>