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.

Zak and Noelle Robinson NA | Interior Home Designers

Pursuing a career in design was something I always had in my heart. I grew up wanting to live in New York City working in the fashion industry. My priority at that time was to get into a career that was all about me: creating a life I wanted, how would people know me, and how can I make it big?! Well, that dream never happened, and I am so thankful I didn’t get what I thought I wanted. Read more>>

Courtney Russell | Manicurist & Lash Technician

I pursued cosmetology I’ve always loved getting glammed up and doing makeovers with my sisters as a little girl . I started cosmetology school in high school . I specialize in nails and lashing it’s not just a. job to me it’s more of an hobby I enjoy doing these services and making people feel beautiful. Read more>>

Heather Gentile Collins | Artist, Illustrator, Muralist, Joy giver.

I believe that everyone is born an artist, and my mission is to spark joy and creativity in every person whose path I cross. I love both the product and the process of creating art–I’m honored that my art speaks to people and hangs in homes and lives on the sides of buildings for thousands of people to take in and interpret. I take equal joy in all of the art that I make that no one ever sees: the process of making art, I believe, is my therapy, prayer, and meditation all at once. Read more>>

North Point Drive | Original Feel Good Country Vibe Band

From a very young age music has always influenced us from many different avenues of life: from church or just listening to the radio. As we got older we started to realize that it was our avenue, so we followed it with conviction. Now everybody is in their 30s and 40s and we still love it as much as we did the first day we ever touched our instruments or wrote our first song. There is something about music that touches your soul and creates connections between those in the band and our fans, which is an experience that is unique and powerful. Read more>>

Samantha Slimp | Event Stylist

Honestly, I didn’t pursue this career but rather it found me. With a touch of passion, my creative and artistic pursuits took off organically and I embraced every opportunity, took the time to research, learned different techniques, and made my visions come true. Read more>>

Desi McAfee | Body Piercer & Tooth Gem Technician

I pursued an artistic /creative career because it allows me to express my passion and individuality in a tangible way. Creativity fuels me and I believe that art and creativity have the ability to inspire and touch people on a deep emotional level. Pursuing a career in the artistic realm allows me to share my unique perspective and connect with others through my work. It brings me great joy to bring beauty and creativity into the world and it allows me to tap into my true passions and interests. Read more>>

Illana Stein | Theater Director

I started out in theater when I was five years old. I think my parents signed me up for theater to try something new! I remember my dad telling me I wasn’t good at making eye contact and this would help bring me out of shell. I was also not very coordinated and was not a fan of sports. I hated being picked last for all the team sports. It was time for me to find “my people.” Read more>>

Pablo Cruz | Artist

This is an excellent question and something I think about often, especially after wearing so many different hats throughout my life, whether it was working construction, customer service at some store, or even as a lab technician at a winery. You name it, I have probably worked in that industry; I guess I would say that it was a career that chose me, and I just followed. It’s been a creative endeavor that has taught me so much and has allowed me to connect with my family, community, and culture. All I can remember from my early days is that I knew I wanted to be an artist the day my late grandfather gave me one of his cameras; the moment I had it in my hands was the moment that I knew that is what I wanted to do, and just that and nothing more. Read more>>

Morgan Murphey | Lifestyle Photographer

I work in sales full time, and have always had a core need to satisfy my creative side. I have always loved photography, and have been drawn to it my whole life. A few years ago I got my first camera, and started taking photos for family and friends for free. My business has grown organically from there, and I have had the chance to meet so many amazing couples and families since! It is insanely rewarding to see where I’ve come since becoming a business owner in October of 2022! Read more>>

Zircaz | DJ & Producer

My passion for music is why I chose this career. Music has been my biggest hobby and that’s the reason I got more involved in this field. I really enjoy the experience of music. It is incredible how certain sounds and songs can bring happiness, joy, excitement, melancholy and a feeling of well being. In 2021, I moved to Dallas and that was when I started exploring and attending more music events. This led me to connect and network with the house music scene in the city. Two friends and I decided to collaborate and host dj gatherings. Read more>>