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.

Adriana Magallanez | Baker’s Confectionery & Artist

If I am being 100% honest, I never thought that I would be where I am, today. I am 29, and grew up with the mind set that, in order to be a successful adult, you had to go to college, earn your degree and start your career. Although, yes, I did graduate college, and started my career as an elementary teacher, the universe had other plans for me. I have always been artistic, creative and loved anything hands on. Baking has also always been a passion, because, who doesn’t love sweets?! However, combining the two together, really intrigued me. The challenge of bettering my artistic skills and creativity challenged me even more! However, things really shifted for me upon having my first child. I was determined to make birthdays extra special. That’s just the type of person that I am. Read more>>

Piper Blake | Photographer

I never really thought of myself as an artistic person growing up. I was the kid that colored inside the lines, didn’t have much interest in drawing, and rather had been reading a book than playing or looking for something to craft. However, l always enjoyed looking at pretty things, whether it was a beautiful painting, an untouched landscape or a well-composed photograph. It wasn’t until high school when I was accepted into the Academy of Media Arts and Technology Academy–now known as the Creative Media Production Academy– that I became passionate about a career in photography. I was lucky enough to have a teacher that gave me access to a studio equipped with strobes and other photography equipment that I had never used before, which ultimately helped guide me and hone my skill. I would have never been able to afford the equipment that I was able to use, let alone learn how to use it without his help. Read more>>

The Artist Dub | Paint Artist

I am naturally a very creative and artistic person. I started drawing, painting and writing while in elementary school. It has always been a way of life for me. GOD gave me this gift to share with the world and make a difference in not only my life but others as well. Art is relaxing and therapeutic. It gives one a chance to express themselves. It gives others a chance to view things in their own perspective. Read more>>

Kristen Steenkamp | School Teacher & Soap Maker

This is one of those questions that I read and was immediately drawn to give an answer. My life has always been splattered with art and different creative outlets for as long as I can remember. My mom told me that as a kid I always chose the colorful option for anything! I mean why choose a plain folder when you can have Lisa Frank rainbow-glitter dolphins to stare at during class? Why choose a plain black RAZR phone when you can get the hot pink one, am I right? With that said, I am always looking for ways to feed that creative outlet. I have a long history in photography and even ran my own photography business at one point, and I still dabble in that! When we moved back home to Texas I put my photography aside and pursued other things because building photography clientele takes a lot of time, though I still take photos ALL THE TIME, its my thing! With that said, I am always looking for new creative ideas, and that brings us to the best part, SOAP! Read more>>