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.

Laffiama-Little dog Murillo | Roof contractor & Actor

My main job s a roofing company i started called ii’mi’tai’kowaan construction. i just it cuz i was raised around renovation and construction its what my family does and my dad had me help him do the work, i got into the insurance restoration side and honestly is where i feel more comfortable working now. not always but now do. however that’s not my passion. i am a local actor. i started about a year ago on Bass Reeves and its just taken a whole new life on its own, i kept getting requests and invites. Read more>>

Courtney Michele Gray | Coach Social Media Influencer

I pursued this career because it offered me the perfect blend of customer service and creativity as a social media influencer for Coach. I genuinely enjoy engaging with customers and creating captivating content to showcase Coach’s unique leather goods. It’s fulfilling to host customers and provide them with an unforgettable Coach experience while also expressing my creativity through styling and maintaining the brand’s social media presence. Read more>> 

CHRISTINA MARQUEZ | Balloon Artist

I have been surrounded by the arts and creative people my entire life. At the age of 3 I began dancing and continue to teach dance education today. The journey to my creative career began with leading my high school drill team, studying dance in college, and eventually earning a masters degree in education at The University of North Texas. While pursuing my masters degree, I began my 14 year career as an educator serving the greater Dallas community establishing dance programs for schools in South Dallas, Forney and most recently, Carrollton. Read more>>

Camille Salvador | Artist

I didn’t choose an artistic or creative career, it chose me. lol.
Jokes aside, I cannot imagine nor am I able to do anything else.
I was born to be creative and trying to do anything else negatively affects my well being. Read more>>

Olivia Snyder | Potter, Painter, Maker

I’ve always been an artist, and my folks were brewers with their own brewery. So, there has always been encouragement from them to pursue my interests, and go my own way. Read more>>

Rebecca Engle | Fiber and Poet Artist

During my senior year of high school, the COVID pandemic left me with a lot of free time since I wasn’t working. To keep myself occupied, I began creating various items. As I continued, I discovered that there was a market for what I was making, and I could sell these creations for money. This realization sparked my interest in pursuing a more serious artistic and creative path. Read more>>