Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Dolorea Tellez | Small Business Owner

Artistic and creative is all I know! Growing up my mom and aunts all had creative careers. My mom is a seamstress/designer, one of my aunt Laura had her own arts and crafts business in Mexico, and my aunt Brenda was a baker. These amazing women all have inspired me one way or another. Creativity has always been in me. Read more>>

Reginald Terrell | Trombonist

The feeling of expressing myself through music motivates me into doing my craft. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always seen musicians perform with so much energy that they infect the crowd. I love every minute of performing whether its with other musicians or just as a solo act. Music is my life. Read more>>

Zakiya Evans | Holistic Fitness Coach & Technical Recruiter

Long story short… because God told me to. I felt a calling on my life to help others for a long time, but did not know what that looked like. And like the saying goes “If it’s your calling, it will keep calling you” and that is exactly what happened to me. I always felt drawn to service and grew up as a creative, but at some point I thought that that was not the career I should take and planned to go a different route. But after much prayer and fasting, God continuously brought me back to this path. I love it because not only do I get to help other people all day, but I also get to express myself through my brand and business and get to return to my creative side on a daily basis. Read more>>

Jesus Castillo | DJ and Producer

I pursued this creative/artistic career because music is the only way I can truly express myself. As cliché as it sounds, it’s true. Truly artistic and creative individuals choose to pursue their passions as a means of expressing themselves in ways they can’t through words. I feel like my music speaks to people in a positive way and I love that I can have a direct connection with someone halfway around the world just from them listening to my music. Read more>>

Kayla Gilchrist | Model-Actress, Writer, & Director

I’m an imaginative soul and have always been drawn to the arts-to what makes reality a little more magical and the world a little more beautiful. I fell in love with acting at nine years old when I auditioned for my first commercial for Corn Pops. Raven Symone from Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven” also inspired me because I thought to myself “Hey, I could do that!” When I was 11 I discovered I had a talent for drawing as well and my mother told me I had my grandfather’s gift. I started writing poetry in middle school and because I grew up reading I developed a love for the written word. I’ve always been fascinated with musicals, singing, dancing-anything that made me dream and envision my life being just as glamorous and full as the movies. I realize I have always been a little more right-brained, interested in anything artsy and creative. I suppose that’s when it all started, in my childhood. Read more>>

Courtney Utter | One armed artist

I chose this because of a passion for art since I was young. I always wanted to see how I could push the limits with my imagination and creativity. To put things really into perspective, after I lost my left arm due to a Christmas Day 2016 ATV accident I wanted to feel like I could accomplish something on my own despite have my left arm gone. I have used many mediums acrylics, resin, alcohol ink and I love them all. After I’ve finished something I’m a little surprised that I actually did it! If anyone were to take away anything I do it’s to not let limitations limit you. Read more>>

Abby Biberstein | Photographer

When I was little, I took pictures of just random things such as flowers, sunsets, my pets, etc. with my point and shoot camera. During high school, I took a photojournalism class and that is when I learned more about photography. My mom got me a DSLR camera so I could practice outside of school. After my photojournalism class, I decided to join yearbook. Yearbook made me realize I have a talent for photography and that I wanted to continue to pursue it. This is when I invested my time in going to the school events to capture those memories. After graduating high school, I took a break from photography because it was a new transition and college was stressful. Read more>>

Jay Visuals | Photographer/Videographer

Growing up, I watched my cousin Larry Servin make films through a home-video camera that my family cherishes to this day. These films were just an entryway into his career and is now a professional in the industry. In addition to watching Larry, I watched so many movies that inspired me to make people feel extraordinary through my own medium. There’s something about helping people bring their stories to life that makes me feel fulfilled at the end of the day. Read more>>