We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Deborah Herman | Author, Publisher, Artist, Mystic

When you have a creative mind, it is impossible not to pursue a career that will allow you this freedom. I tried, but it didn’t work. The amusing thing is I was a visual arts prodigy and my mother, a product of the early days of the women’s movement, admonished me that fine arts would not be a way to support myself. Read more>>

Kendall Vivian Butler | Laboratory Supervisor at JPS hospital & Western Fashion model & Influencer

I have always been over the moon infatuated with all things art, crafty, and fashion, it gives me a way to express myself in any form at any moment without having to even use words. Read more>>

Derrick White | Artist & Art Professor/Department Chair

I was inspired to pursue a creative career by attending Cedar Valley Community College after high school and meeting ceramic artist, Randy Brodnax. Randy inspires people to be themselves and seek creativity. I remember thinking he was the first adult I had met who enjoyed what he was doing for a living. Read more>>

Chance Dunlap | Artist

I did not start off as an art student. I needed a class, and my mother suggested that I take an art class because I had enjoyed making things as a kid. That design class really changed my life. I was very serious about making art and because of the good teachers I had decided that teaching would be a good career. No other degree seemed to offer the unlimited potential of art. Read more>>

Stephanie Diane Aurora & Martin Gonzales | Husband and Wife Owners and Musicians of Aurora Bleu

I have always loved performing. Even as a kid I loved being in plays, performing for others, making people laugh. I have loved singing for as long as I can remember. I didn’t get my first chance to sing in front of others as a performer until I was 18. Read more>>

Emilee White | Digital Designer

I originally began my career with a Cricut vinyl machine with intentions on starting an arts and crafts business making shirts, earrings, stickers, etc. The Covid pandemic had just begun, I was a stay-at-home mom who was watching my husband drown in his 9-5 job, shouldering the bills alone. Read more>> 

Cathy Miriam Mitchell | Artist/Educator

While growing up I found joy in making a mark on a page. Creating was what I felt good about. The progression toward a creative career seemed natural and was influenced by exposure to a wide variety of media, educators who took interest and encouraged me, and my parents who supported me and gave me the opportunity to take private art classes as a child. Read more>>

Marina Davalos | Profession Balloon Artist

I’ve always had love for art, makeup, crafting, things that you build on and make completely unique. I took art classes all through middle-high school and even pursued art in college on a theater scale. It’s easy for me. I can see one thing and instantly think of ten other ways to see it or make it! Read more>>

Tani Lamb | Publisher, Author, & International Traveler

I pursued a career as a creative because I embrace the natural and exhilarating process of pure creation. The magnitude of being able to turn nothing into something is satisfaction at its core. You cannot be afraid to write the first word, take the first brush stroke, play the first note, or sew that first stitch. It is an irreplaceable feeling of self-accomplishment when you can turn a stir of brainstorms and a whirlwind of thoughts into a complete and cohesive article, short story, or book. Read more>>

Rebecca Hollen | Artist and Art Educator

I have enjoyed being creative and drawing since I was a child. It was a way to escape, use my imagination and I developed great observational skills. I kept with it and drawing became a part of my life. I noticed I would be recognized by my efforts and accuracy of my drawings and that helped build my confidence in terms of wanting to continue to make art. It was nice that something I enjoyed seemed to be enjoyed by others as well. Read more>>