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.

Isaac Sloane | Musician

My father was a touring musician his whole life, I remember growing up watching him play in clubs and bars when I was just a little kid. Oddly enough, I was always an athlete though and wanted to play sports. Read more>>

Chase Matthew | I make dubstep

I have spent quite some time being involved in jobs that do not suite me as a human being. I want to be involved somewhere I can let my imagination run wild. I am not one to stick to a script or conform to a set agenda. Read more>>

Regina Caldwell | HR Executive & ArmCandyByGinaCo CEO

My daughter was and is my inspiration. When she was a toddler she became a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Pearlette youth group. She embodied all of the principles of the group and at age three let me know she needed her own gear for her own organization. Read more>>

Cat Chickering | Body Piercer

I have always loved any type of art. Then, I got my first piercing and knew from there and being in the environment, that this is what I wanted to do. Being able to help people decorate their bodies is a true gift. Read more>>

Chris Bell | Vocalist/Drummer for the band Perceived

Music has always been a part of my life. For as long as I can remember, music has always been there, through the good and bad times. I’ve been writing my own music since I was like 5 years old so it was only natural to want to pursue that path. Read more>>

Judy Nitzinger | Photographer & Commercial Real Estate Salesperson

Growing up with an artistic father more or less guided me into an artistic world. I’ve always loved all forms of visual and performing arts. I’ve worked in the corporate world while pursuing my artistic endeavors and felt a bit trapped knowing I needed to be a good provider. Read more>>

Walker Pafford | Musical Artist

Ive always had ADHD Growing up and doing certain things would be difficult for me. When things get stressful I would turn to music. I do a lot of daily things Through Patterns and rhythms and it helps me ALOT. Read more>>

Rossmond Chark | Model & MUA

I’ve always been into arts. From what I can recall, other than doing crafts at the house, I found myself into nails and designs in middle school. My absolute favorite design to do were converse shoes! Read more>>

Alex Newkirk | Professional Dancer & Fitness Professional

The reason why I chose to pursue an artistic career is because nothing else suited me like dance did. As a child I loved animals and thought I wanted to be a veterinarian but only for the infatuation of animals but not knowing what being not only a Veterinarian but a Wild Life Veterinarian means. Read more>>

Gabriella Lugo | Photographer

I have always enjoyed taking photos. Growing up, I remember multiple Christmases I would beg my parents to buy me a camera. In 2015, I started taking photos as a hobby and to make a little bit of extra money. Read more>>

Jermaine Mendoza | Precision Haircutter/ Educator

I pursued a creative career, because, I’ve always loved to create. From a young age drawing, painting, creating have been a great outlet for me. I tend to get lost in my own world creatively. Read more>>

Lex Marie | Artist

My love of art started at a very early age. Growing up in New Orleans I spent a lot of time with my great-grand aunt who always encouraged my creativity. Anytime I would draw a picture she would proudly display it along the largest wall in her house. Read more>>