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.

Aracely Salas | Chandler

The pursuit in my creative career was sparked and continues to be fueled by my desire to feel fulfilled and purposeful. I feel the human nature in us has us constantly thinking what the purpose in our lives could be and sometimes, it’s as easy as referring back to the things we make time for or spend our down time doing. For me, it’s always been creating. This is when I feel my happiest, my fullest, and the most peace – I love waking up knowing I get to do what I love everyday. Read more>>

Katie Blackwell | Fashion Blogger

Ever since I was in high school I have loved fashion and doing photoshoots for fun with friends. In college I continued this passion majoring in Fashion Merchandising and started a blog with a fellow classmate and friend. Graduation brought a new 9-5 job and adjusting to a new post grad life so our blog came to an end. Being in my new role in a corporate office, I lost the spark and fun of creating that I used to have. I knew it was time to throw my hat back in the blogging ring and I am so glad I did! From Red to Toe is my outlet to express myself, share my love for fashion with my followers and keep me inspired each day. Read more>>

Jackie Annette | Fashion Designer & Influencer

Becoming a fashion designer was something that I believe I was created to do. It is easy for me, and it is a place where I am the most conformable. But it isn’t the only artistic skill I have. I love sketching and painting, or even decorating. Growing up, I didn’t have that “role model” of inspiration; I just knew I wanted to do something I loved and make money doing it! I didn’t realize that fashion was for me until 11th grade. I just took a class and realized that sewing and cutting patterns came naturally. I pursued a creative career because it was who I was meant to be, and it was the thing that made me happy no matter how much money I was making. Read more>>

Katie Goodrich | Visual Designer & Illustrator

I have been intrigued by artists and the different opportunities of expression for as long as I can remember. Art and illustration is not only a personal outlet to create beauty and tell stories, it’s also a way to impact others with what you create. In my personal life, I love using artwork to help bring joy and laughter. I have discovered that I respond very well to structure and love having solid answers to solve problems or tasks. I feel that the freedom of creativity and the structure of design come together with visual design. My day job as a user interface and user experience designer helps me to fill that need for structure, solving problems, and finding the right answer in my day to day. This gives my more creative side time to refuel and get ready to create, which will in turn give my visual design brain the refuel time it will need. Read more>>

Bailey Curry | Artist and Educator

I have used art as an outlet since my earliest memories. I have been very lucky to grow up with a mother that encouraged my creativity and even involved herself in my education to bring more art to myself and my classmates. When it came to look for colleges, I didn’t have enough confidence to pursue an art degree at first. Eventually I realized that art has always been my passion and so I studied fiber art (textiles.) Through the years I have had some success selling my art. I’ve not been so lucky to have it be my sole income, which is the case for many artists, but I am dedicated and hope to become solely dependent on my art. Read more>>