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.

Kellie Carroll | Director, Choreographer, Life Coach

I pursue an artistic & creative career because it’s a calling, it’s a passion, and it’s a driving force of motivation & happiness in my life! I am a choreographer, director, and children’s theatre director, managing three locations of our children’s triple threat conservatory, The Acting Studio. I also pursue choreography and directing opportunities outside of the “green walls,” (the color of each studio location!), and dream of having an artistic … well … empire. I am very inspired by the work of Debbie Allen – as a performer, as a choreographer, a director, producer, children’s dance studio, entrepreneur, and creator. I would love to continue to grow these theatrical studios, create safe spaces for kids to grow artistically and personally in their self worth and self acknowledgement, while continuously pushing my creative capabilities in new adventures and opportunities – hopefully one day working in the LIVE musicals niche of the business! The theatrical industry is hard, harsh. Read more>>

Melanie M Brannan | Artist and Educator

Sometimes you just know at an early age what you’re born to be. For me, I was going to be an artist. Painting came easy. From the first time my mom gave me a box of oil paints, I was at home painting. I love very aspect of art, the process, the challenge, the science of paint, the end results. I love studying about the masters, their style, palettes, history. I am forever a student of art and will always be learning. And a true passion of art for me is not only painting but to teach others to paint. Read more>>

Ally Venable | Musician/Entertainer

I wanted to pursue an artistic/creative career because that has always been my passion since I was younger. I really enjoy helping people feel happy through my music and content that I create. It’s something I’ve always gravitated towards, and have always wanted to build on. Read more>>

Cosette Montemayor | Actress & Singer

I pursued an artistic career because it feeds my soul in so many different ways. I hate to be that person- but there’s a quote in Sex and the City where Carrie Bradshaw says “When I first moved to New York and I was totally broke, sometimes I would buy Vogue instead of dinner. I felt it fed me more.” While that quote is both totally ridiculous and completely fabulous– I feel all artists can relate. I love the way performing arts has molded my life into something so rewarding. There is a lot of hard work that goes into pursuing an artistic career. Normally, that involves working many hours in odd jobs and auditioning more than you actually secure projects. Especially now, when live performance art is tricky to accomplish in a safe manner. Even so, something about the entire process is so magical… and that’s why I always come back. Read more>>