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.

Christian West | Photographer

I’ve been working since I was 14. I’ve jumped from fast food jobs to summer camps and everything else in between. It wasn’t until I picked up a camera for the first time that I finally start doing some thing I really loved. after I started getting better and better, I thought I should probably stop doing this for free. But the real cool thing about photography, it’s way more than just taking cool pictures. Read more>>

Vidya Lakshmi Nikesh | Visual Artist and Instructor

I firmly think that becoming an artist was my calling.  I have always been artistic. I started learning South Indian classical music from the age of 6 and still practice. I started off knitting, crocheting, and embroidering but eventually gravitated toward sketching and drawing. I used to sketch a lot, but I never kept any of my early sketches or drawings since I didn’t realize how important they were to save them. Read more>>

Carmen Gagnon | Hair Artist/Stylist

I love creating and working with my hands. I also enjoy making others happy. So, if I am able to create art and make someone happy at the same time then I’m all in. It excites me knowing my work days are never the same because I’m always doing something different. Read more>>

David Rubio | Designer & Creator

I pursued a career as a creative because I felt like I would be able to thrive in it. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work in a field that I am passionate about and have the ability to utilize my God given gifts & talents. It definitely feels most comfortable to me; it’s like second nature. The fact that I get to work with other creators is a plus and we all speak the same language. Read more>>

DeAndre Felton | Artist

Honestly I find bliss in music I feel free and unbounded from the worlds problems and my own. I can freely express myself without feeling like I’m overwhelming anyone. I have complete creative control to make whatever I want. Read more>>

Sarah Amrou | Founder of Saniia

I’ve been an artist since my first masterpiece debuted on my parents’ living room wall at age three. Now, I channel that same irrepressible passion into my creative marketing business. Each client brief is my canvas, each campaign a testament to the power of imagination. I traded crayons for strategic plans, wall doodles for memorable brand stories. So, why art? Because it gave me the language to connect, inspire, and transform — the very essence of effective marketing. Read more>>

Tekia Gee | Actress |Film & Stage

I’ve always had a huge imagination and artistic nature about me. I was very expressive through my creativeness when it came to drawing, music, or performing art. As far back as I can remember. I was always dancing, singing, or trying to make somebody laugh. I enjoyed reading and movies. We didn’t have much growing up, so movies and books were my outlets. I loved acting out the characters with my little sister while we would have little talent shows. Read more>>