Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Zach Neil | Country Artist

I never considered music as a serious option for me. I was planning to go to college, get my agriculture degree and work the family farm. Then at 16, my band entered a battle of the bands competition. After talking with one of the judges, I decided I had to give it a shot. Read more>>

Michelle Bell | Crocheter

I’ve always loved being creative. When I was around 6 or 7, I remember my mom and grandmother spreading a quilt out on the living room floor, pinning it and quilting it by hand. I was always in awe of the things they could create. My mom has always loved sewing and quilting so I got to try that out when I was growing up. My grandmother also crocheted and I would sit next to her and watch her. She tried to teach me but I only have enough attention span to learn a single stitch and would crochet a long string which she would unravel and then have me do again. I picked it back up about 3 or 4 years ago and I sort of took off with it. Read more>>

Michael Heathen & G. Champion | Touring artists

I believe that we are driven by the idea of creation. Of making something that will live longer than ourselves. To have an outlet to share emotions that dont do half the damage as some alternative measures. We can bury our anger behind a bass line instead of within. Read more>>

Joshua J. Cordero | Cinematic Filmmaker, Writer and Photographer

Since I was a child I always wanted to tell stories. I would write out short stories typically of a science fiction or fantasy genre but when I entered into adolescence and became aware of movie making; I fell in love. There seemed like no greater career in the world than to have an idea in your head and be able to turn it into reality through the power of filmmaking. I’ve never wanted to be anything else but a writer and filmmaker. Read more>>

Amanda Riley | Musician/Vocalist/Songwriter

I started singing, dancing, and playing piano when I was 5 years old. From that moment I knew what I wanted to do. At an early age I had such a love for music and dance, that it was natural for me to move in that direction. Once I started receiving professional training and performing at live events, I realized that my path was already laid out. Read more>>

Tatiana Zaryanova | Permanent Makeup Expert

Have you ever noticed how beautiful the ocean, rain or sky is ? Probably YES. But what about Yourself? Have you ever noticed how beautiful YOU are? With my line of work, I meet a lot of women with truly unique beauty, that simply refuse to see it. The modern society has a very specific beauty standard for women, and unfortunately not everyone falls into the “criteria”. My ultimate goal as a permanent makeup artist is to help women see their own uniqueness and individuality, not the “standard” beauty that society supports. With the help of permanent makeup I can contour individuality and help women enhance their own beauty, boost up their self esteem and help women love themselves. Read more>>