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.

Bernardo Vallarino

I pursued an artistic career as a means of expressing my dissatisfaction with certain social behaviors and politics. Activism, political engagement, and philanthropy have been ingrained in me since childhood. However, I never found the idea of being directly involved in politics appealing. Instead, through art, I discovered a way to shed light on what I perceive as shortcomings in a manner that encourages introspection and potentially motivates action. Read more>>

Kern Hagley

The simplest way to answer this question is that I didn’t, not originally. It took many years but I just fell out of love with my professional corporate career. When I was applying to colleges way back in high school and choosing a major I absolutely had a plan and vision for my career early on. I knew exactly what I wanted the next couple of years of my life to look like and I was more than content with that idea. Then everything in the proceeding years didn’t happen at all like I had visioned. College started off great but became a struggle like two years in dealing with finances and health issues and underperforming in certain classes.  Read more>>

Lindsay Miller | Artist and Jewelry Designer

I have been creating art and jewelry since I was a little kid. I love working with all types of mediums. I have ADHD so the whole creative process behind a project quiets my mind. It has been a really great outlet for to stay busy and express myself since I began my journey to recovery back in 2017. Read more>>

Shanesha Scott | Boutique Owner

I have always been a right-brain person filled with creativity. As a child, I enjoyed writing stories and drawing cartoons. I was always in my own world and had an active imagination. This led me to write my first book in 2021, which not only fulfilled a childhood dream but also opened doors to new creative opportunities in my career. Prior to writing my book, I found my calling in makeup artistry. This was not just about creativity and artistry, but also about glamming up beautiful women and often hearing their testimony. As a makeup artist each encounter with a client told a story. It was always a privilege to be a part of their journey. Read more>>

Stevie Wyatt | Lead Singer

We grew up in the pop punk, emo and post hardcore scenes, and it’s always been more than just music to us. It’s a form of expression, a way to channel everything we’ve been through. Pursuing a music career was almost inevitable because we wanted to create something real and raw, something that speaks to people who feel like they’re on the outside looking in. Our music is an outlet for us, and it’s our way of giving back to the community that’s shaped us. We want to connect with others who share the same passion and give them the kind of music that got us through the tough times. Read more>>

Steven Rodriguez | Southwest Art Painter

Growing up, art was a constant presence in my life, woven into the very fabric of my family. My father, a self-taught artist, was my first mentor, guiding me into the world of creativity. Under his influence, I developed my skills organically, driven by a natural talent and an inherited passion for art. This early immersion in the arts led me to participate in various competitions and exhibitions, where I won numerous awards, cementing my reputation as a talented artist from a young age. Read more>>