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.

Mackenzie Hawes | Artist & Small Business Owner

I decided to pursue a career in creativity because my life has been so heavily influenced by art and imagination ever since I can remember! With imagination, the possibilities are endless. One of my first vivid memories, I was playing with letters and realized if you rearranged the letters, it could sometimes create different words. I was never short on imaginary friends, adventures, and new ideas. My family was and has always been so supportive of self-expression through creativity, whether the avenue be through music, art, dancing, etc. Read more>>

Emily Daniel | Pastry Chef

Both of my parents are very creative and driven people. My mother is a nail art tech, my father was an artist and art curator. Because of them, I have always gravitated to more creative jobs. They have always pushed me to follow my heart and passions. So when I eventually started baking something just clicked and I never looked back! for me, there is always something new to learn in the pastry industry. I am constantly being challenged in new ways while also being able to express myself and what I love to do! Read more>>

Jen Pham | Award-Winning Producer & Content Creator

I don’t know if I pursued a creative career or if a creative career pursued me! I guess we pursued each other. My parents pushed my siblings and me to do “big things,” which were narrowed down to three professions: doctor, lawyer or ambiguous “business” person. Never in a million years did they think I would be working in entertainment. I went to NYU and took the standard liberal arts classes. I was very resistant to a creative job because at that time, I didn’t really have an example of someone who worked and earned their living as a creative. Read more>>

Desiree Sanchez | Luxury picnic planner

I have always been a creative soul, art takes form in so many ways. Growing up with 4 siblings i was always the creative one decorating, planning, scrapbooking, diy, i am even creative with my food! I knew I’d eventually take the creative path professionally. Dfw Urban Picnics is still very new, but I know with hard work and dedication it will be a success. Read more>>

Abeer Hamed | Resin Artist

Painting and drawing have been a part of my life since childhood. As a kid, I have always had a passion for creative things. Art is something that brings joy to my life, and I wanted to pursue what makes me the happiest. You know, the beauty of art is that it enables people to express themselves in various way, for the Resin Art I aim to express myself by adding my personal touch to this art and try to create something unique and sophisticated. Read more>>

Faith Keller | Professional Makeup Artist

I would say one of the contributing factors to me picking an artistic career would have to be the fact that I couldn’t imagine myself sitting behind a desk at a normal 9-5 job. I wanted to be able to have flexible hours and schedule. But most importantly my creativity flows from my heart. I pour my heart into every makeup look I do. I love seeing my clients smile when I hand them the mirror, it makes all the hard work worth it. Read more>>

Rolf Nelson | Creative Mentor, Design Futurist & World-Renown Haikuist

To say that there more than just a few stars that aligned to send me down this path, would be oversimplification. I think really I didn’t have a choice. Despite being a math and science nerd my whole life… I had this incredibly unique upbringing, being raised by an insanely creative and multi-talented father – whom is responsible for McGruff the crime dog’s Crack and Cocaine (definitely look this up if you haven’t). This meant family friends were literally a circus: puppeteers, comedians, clowns, magicians… To say my childhood was magical is a bit on the nose, but it WAS magical, and it laid a phenomenal foundation for my future, once I realized I could be creative for a living. Read more>>

Ricardo and Adriana | Co-Hosts of the Chismes and Menudo Podcast

Our mother always stressed the importance of pursuing ones dreams. From an early age that dream manifested itself in different ways. With MTV being our main source of entertainment; it was no question that the stage was our first love. It didn’t matter if it was singing, acting, or comedy; one way or another the lights beaconed to us like the siren calls of greek mythology. Read more>>