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.

Wenni Pan | Teacher & Artist

I have loved drawing since I was a child. I grew up in a small town where there was no artistic environment and my family wasn’t into art. But I never stop exploring, I like to try different mediums and combine them to create something surprising and bright in my life – that’s my little secret happiness. I also think it is very important to be inspired by traditional culture and combine it with modern art influences. I spend most of my free time learning different projects such as calligraphy, ink painting, watercolour, pastel, tie dye, felting and paper cutting. After self-teaching for so long, I became more confident and shared my artwork with others, which made me realize that my experience can inspire people. Read more>>

Hank Gowdey | Writer & Comedian

Simply put, because I can’t do anything else. Of course that’s not to be said literally, but I find the artists I resonate with most in life are the ones that HAVE to do it as opposed to just wanting to do it. Both are valid, of course, in any case. In a schooling system wherein you have about 6 subjects to choose from – I was abysmal at 5 – leaving only English and the Arts to be left as the evident North Star for my life. Looking back, I’m grateful that I always knew what I wanted to do. Indecision is worse than the struggles of moving forward with a made decision. Art connects with people, and that’s special to me as a romantic and overall people’s person. Art is pro-humanity, and in being so, communities such as this bring people together that otherwise would have never crossed paths. Read more>>

Tierra Youmous | Crafter & Soap Maker

I have a great love for arts and crafts and I wanted to find a way share that love with others. I’m in a position where I can create as much as my heart’s desire and more often than not, I’m always thinking of new product designs or ways to improve old ones. Read more>>

Finley Daniel | Actress, Singer/Songwriter, Content Creator

As a kid I loved watching movies and being captivated by my imagination. This lead to voice, piano, and guitar lessons. I then started participating in theater camps. I was bullied throughout almost all my schooling and I started to find refuge and safety in performing. Being completely consumed in another world or character creates happiness in my soul I have a deep passion for creating and living out stories. Serving others through the talents I have been given. I become the most in sync with the Great Creator when I am on the stage or in front of the camera. It is my calling. So, naturally, it became my career. Read more>>

Brandon Blair | Ambient musician

My career is in industrial parts sales, which is not so creative. It is partially due to having a 9 to 5 job that I seek a creative outlet during my free time. However as long as I can remember I’ve been a creative person. I took many art classes in high school and enjoyed expressing myself with surreal works, in many mediums. It was during these early days that I became involved in the local music scene, playing guitar and screaming in many punk and metal bands. Creatively, it has always been about being different or against the norm for me. I’ve never been involved in any popular bands nor written any hits, as I’ve sought to create work that may be more interesting to a few rather than try to please the masses. It is very rewarding for me to hear from someone that my music has benefited them in some way. Read more>>

Mathilda Otteman | Dallas Photographer

Photography holds a very high and sentimental place in my life. I lost my dad at a really young age and what I have left to cherish of him other than material things were stacks of photo albums and tapes of home videos. I remembered laying on the floor in my school uniform when I came home from school and flipping through the albums for hours, it was my way of staying connected to him. When I was around 9 or 10, I opened a box of my dad’s old camera and video equipment and they fascinated me so much. I loved toying around with them and then I went on to be the child who was always taking our family camera and taking photos of everyone and everything. Now that I’m older, I understand how photos tell so many stories without any words at all, that’s the part that fills my soul. I’d like to think I’m doing something my dad would be so proud of. Read more>>

Joe Conner | Artist | Graphic Artist | Web Designer

My grandma was a talented artist who encouraged me to be creative at a very young age. My father is a brilliant violin player and saw the importance of education and the arts. He motivated me to follow my passion and pursue a diploma at the local community college in the United Kingdom. Read more>>

Irese Berry | Creator of handcrafted Botanical Skincare & Natural Candle Maker

My creativity came as part of my work life balance, it gave me the happiness and a sense of purpose outside of working my 9 to 5.. My items are handmade and created with intent that it’s enjoyed just as much as I enjoyed crafting it. Being a creator is selfless because you are always thinking of the person that can benefit and find value in it. Read more>>