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.

$uga OTB | Female Emcee (Artist)

I pursued the career of making music because not only has it been an everlasting passion of mine; however I also believe I can save souls through my music as well. I believe that my music has the ability to help change someone’s life, thought process, and/or perspective about themselves or certain situations throughout life. Read more>>

Rafael Espinoza | Professional Musician & Educator

Because music is always there for me. It’s the closest thing to magic I have. The feeling of adrenaline I get when performing live is what I would like to imagine is as equivalent as a slam dunk. There’s nothing quite like it though. Read more>>

Dylan Chaney | Photographer

I’ve always had a deep love for photography. I began photography as a hobby I started with nothing more than a inexpensive point and shoot camera and only the knowledge of a high school graphic design class, where I learned how to use photoshop. I would photograph on vacations and family events, as well as just random things around my hometown. I joined the army as an electrician right out of high school, and began traveling all over the country as well as the world and that’s when I began to really hone my craft. Read more>>

Elizabeth Suter | Videographer/Producer/Editor/Ballet Teacher

That’s such a hard question! Honestly, I left it blank and came back to it. I still don’t have a great and profound answer. I think I was born to be in a creative career. Throughout my life the only time I truly feel fulfilled, happy or complete are when I’m creating something. It could be building a headboard for my bedroom, teaching a ballet class, or filming. It doesn’t matter…when I’m creating something, I feel at home. Read more>>

Erin Nielson | Illustrator

I never really considered doing anything else. I’ve always loved creating art, and I wanted the flexibility that freelancing would offer me. I wanted to do something that I was passionate about, and I knew that art was something that I would be excited to do every day. Read more>>