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.

Donald C-Note” Hooker | the world’s most prolific prison-artist “

I was born in 1965, and grew up during the 1970s. This August we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. Whether it’s Hip Hop and it’s various forms of creative expression, or Miley Cyrus, the creative output of the 70s has been great creative fuel to succeeding generations. Read more>>

Codi Chen | Writer & Entrepreneur

I’ve always known that I was going to be a writer and eventually make a career out of it if possible. I’ve kept journals since I was about six years old, and I maintained a blog for years. I wanted to travel and experience many different ways of living because I believed it would make me a better artist. Read more>>

Taylor Watson | Drawing and Painting Artist

The reason I pursued a career as a creative is because the more I worked “normal” 9-5 jobs, I realized very quickly that I just wasn’t happy. I started to notice that my mind had become more and more focused on my art. No matter how busy I was at my job, I still caught myself sketching on things, running new ideas through my head, and coming up with concepts of the next painting I was going to start when I got home. Read more>>

T.Cody BIG QES” Montana | Entrepreneur”

I started out at 7 years old with a deep love for music and drawing. Over the years I have put my mind to things pertaining to that. I would draw and design clothes on paper to now making custom clothing. I have made beats and recorded myself on different software. Read more>>

Arianna Wellmoney | Actor & Playwright

I pursued an artistic career because I honestly could not see myself doing anything else in life! I have always been fascinated with human behavior, experiences and stories – being an actor means I get to embody someone else and live a piece of their life through their eyes, different from my own. Read more>>

Mariah Leeson | Creative Influencer & Owner of Giggles Galore

As a child, I had a flair for the dramatic and was drawn to creating, everything from handmade clothes for my dolls, to writing my own stories and planning epic tea parties. I come from a long line of do-it-yourself-ers and creative women so I feel like I have always aspired to have a creative career where I could express myself. Read more>>

Tammy Lawless | Artist and Nurse

I have always loved the arts. As a child, I loved to draw and would spend hours drawing what was around me whether it was my grandfather’s boat leaned against a tree or my own hands and feet. I sold my first drawing in elementary school. I also played the piano so my hands stayed pretty busy! Read more>>