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.

Kita Rose | Media Personality & Radio Host

I always knew I was creative and had a passion to create. I’m not ashamed to say Ive worked a large number (over 20) of jobs in the span of my life. I often joke that as easily as I can get a job I will quit that job if it’s not positively serving me positively, or helping the progression of my career. One job I never quit no matter how hard life or finances got was creating. I knew I had a passion for creating content because I did it every day without getting paid. I realized at that moment that creating content whether it be skits, commentary, or rants was a calling for me and ultimately my purpose. Read more>>

James Metts | Author of the book Planet Storyland

My mind naturally thinks of creative things to get involved in every day. My being able to create something from whatever I might be thinking about is fun, and it has built up my confidence in my abilities as well. I had a rather interesting question that inspired me to pursue a creative career. The question was: what would a boy living on another planet think about how we live? This question was the single most difficult task I had ever undertaken. Seven years I spent toiling to answer that question. I guess you could say I was on a quest. Read more>>

Miku Hirayama | Artist & Dancer

When I was a high school student, I recognized that pursuing an artistic career was the sole path that resonated with my life. It’s truly special for me to be able to express and tell stories what I feel in my own way. Read more>>

Courtney Ridley | Cosmetologist

I pursued a creative career because natural hair care isn’t prioritized as it should be, and I wanted to capitalize on that. Read more>>

Crystina Ventura | Artist, Singer, Songwriter

I guess you can say I was groomed for it. My father was a singer , and he had me basically in training since I was 2. I was also a student of Flamenco dance under renowned instructor Antonio Vargas and got to perform on Good Morning America when I was 11. Music has always been in my life and I’ve just been waiting for my opportunity to show the world my talent. Read more>>

Lake Simons | Theatre Artist and Managing Artistic Director of Hip Pocket Theatre

Both of my parents are theatre artists and growing up, I was always surrounded by other artists from all walks of life: painters, sculptors, designers, writers, performers, dancers, photographers, and makers. I naturally gravitated to it and eventually made intentional choices that supported my artistic path. Read more>>

Jamari McClish | Actor & Artist

Jamari McClish was born respectively swagadelic from the womb. 
Randomly aware of the constant change of life and it’s challenges – he adapted the love for performing for an audience at the age of six. 
 
J MACC wrote his own rhymes and performed for his school talent show in Lancaster Texas at age 10. Song was Titled “God’s Secret.” Read more>>

Callynth Finney | Photographer

Since I was a child I’ve loved the same things: creativity, finding things, and people. I would be happy with any job that gave me the opportunity to pursue those interests and I have tried my hand at other things, but photography had the most income-producing potential. Read more>>

Samson Ajibade | Photographer

As a photographer of over 13 years, I pursued an artistic and creative career for several reasons: Firstly, photography allows me to express myself in a unique and visually compelling way. Through the lens of my camera, I can capture moments, emotions, and stories that resonate with both myself and others. This ability to convey emotions and narratives through imagery is incredibly fulfilling and drives my passion for the art form. Read more>>

Matt Chambers | Tattoo Apprentice

My main goal in choosing a career since I was very young had been that I wanted it to be ‘something that helped people’. I went through quite a few different jobs and career paths before I came to the conclusion that being a tattoo artist is definitely a career that fits that description. I get to spend all day putting art on folks and it truly is the coolest job. I personally know that all of my tattoos have helped me grow to love my body tremendously and if I can help others that have struggled with that; it means the world to me. I love waking up in the morning knowing that I get to go to work and give someone a piece of art they can keep forever. Read more>>