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.

Jae Cee | Artist, Designer, and Entrepreneur

I chose to pursue an artist career because it is healing. I learned that I express myself through my actions. It was difficult for me to find words to describe how I feel, so I started painting. Through art I found my voice, I found my confidence, and I found myself. Art has allowed me to discover who I really am and what my purpose in life is. Read more>>

Reese McKinney | Art Director & Musician

Creativity has fueled me almost my entire life. It developed early on in my childhood through curiosity and eventually evolved into practice as I grew older. Through a variety of ventures whether it be fine art, music, design, or even the art of conversation it always brought true fulfillment to me and guided me through many high and low moments in my life. With that, determining that the field of Visual Communication as a career path was a no-brainer. Read more>>

Maclovio Cantú IV | Prinmaker, Artist, Professor

I decided to pursue an artistic career after having a mentorship by both Dr. Gilberto Cardenas and artist and Master Printmaker Joe Segura while working at the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame. I was lucky enough to begin volunteer at the institute when I found that the space housed one of the largest collection of Chicano art in the world. This time helped me have what I consider my first real experience as an artist when the Consejo Grafico a consortium of Chicano, Latino, and Hispanic print shops came from across the USA to South Bend,Indiana. Read more>>

Andrew Geesbreght | Founder of PRAX Leadership

I believe the metaphor for work-life balance is deeply flawed. We are not playground equipment! When we are forced to choose between work and “the rest” of our life, we are faced with a false choice. It is this choice that supports the perpetual “tittering” between who we are and what we do. Work-life balance is essentially a suggestion for how to combat stress. We rarely use this term outside of someone feeling overwhelmed and burned out. People who feel content, motivated, and energetic, don’t need this term. But is balance what they have achieved? I say no. I think what they have achieved is congruence with their aspirational priorities. This isn’t balance, it’s more similar to “wholeness” – A state of completion of the human soul that comes from psychological awareness, self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and Self-acceptance. Read more>>

Andrea Vargo | Fashion Influencer & Writer

Being a mother has always and will continue to always be the priority. But I’ve found, over time, that balancing my work, hobbies, and creative endeavors has become easier when you have a strong support system around you to encourage and uplift you. I also think bringing your kids along is not only helpful for you but teaches them how to think creatively and express themselves in creative ways. Read more>>

Astrid Frontado | DFW Newborn & Family Photographer

Definitely, priorities had changed over time, before having kids my career was one of my main priorities, and it took a great part of my time. Family has always been important for me and I’ve always knew that should the time come I would make big changes in order to fulfill both. I come from a Psychology career background, so this plus my faith help me realize that becoming a stay at home mom was going to be the better decision for my family and giving a good foundation to my kids. It was after 4 years that I started to think of doing something that I really love and that could allowed me to spent a lot of time with my loves ones. That’s how I started my own photography business working from home! Read more>>