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.

Matt Gaydos | Photographer

I didn’t originally pursue a creative or artistic career, at least in college, but it became pretty clear early on that it was going to be impossible not to go that route. You grow up in a household with photography, drawing, painting, music, etc., and eventually that creative bug wins over. Read more>>

Marcus Parks | Marcus Parks and Friends Band

The reason that I pursued an artistic career is because an artist is who I am through my music. Playing my Trombone is what I am best at doing and I began playing at the age of 4. Read more>>

Cory Kosel | Musician, Actor, Educator

I would say the career chose me. I play in a Dallas rock band called Caftan, I write my own country-folk songs, and I audition for acting roles when the right ones come along. I would be lying if I told you any of these endeavors pay the bills, so I teach in order to supplement my income. I’m happy to say that this, too, is fulfilling work. I’m a better communicator because of my teaching, and that’s all we’re ever really trying to do through art, right? Communicate? Read more>>

Arianna Wellmoney | Actor and Playwright

I decided to pursue a career in acting because it is something that I have been fascinated by since I was a young kid. Creating art, storytelling and embodying another person is always thrilling and exciting. I knew it was not gonna be an easy profession but I feel the most alive when I am performing and surrounded by likeminded artists. Read more>>

Kennedy Borner | Model

I pursued an artistic or creative career from watching my older sibling; my brother and how his career developed and grew over time. He’s very successful and accomplished, and it didn’t hurt that my mother kept pushing me to get into becoming a model. Read more>>

Brandon Lee | Chef / Pit-master

I guess that’s just how I’m built? When I was a kid I remember wanting to be an artist, you know when you have that class assignment that asks all the questions about your future. I think it was 2nd grade for me, we drew doodles of what we wanted in life kinda cool when you think about it. I drew myself being an artist, and my favorite food of course was pizza. As I got older I found food being the medium I could make a living with in a creative field. Becoming a chef ,I wouldn’t be as my dad Mike would say, a “starving artist”. I would always have food and a source of income. Read more>>