We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Au’mon Wyatt | Fashion Stylist

Honestly, initially I didn’t pursue it. I just enjoyed doing it for myself and you know helping friends and family. I was a freshman in college and I was asked to work a photo shoot for a friend who is an artist and ever since then doors started to open for more opportunities to style and work with amazing individuals. Read more>>

Drew Brandt | Playground and Toy Designer

I pursued this specific creative career, (a toy and playground designer), because it turned out to be a reflection of everything I was as a kid; artsy, with a knack for math, and loved playing outside. When I was little I thought I’d be a painter (because that is what all artistic kids become right?), but I didn’t totally fit in with all the art kids; I thought math was awesome and loved figuring out how things work. I found out those passions could meet when I went to college and studied industrial design. By the time I finished school I had this portfolio full of products for children; die cast cars, tree forts, and action figures. That’s when I thought “maybe I should look for design jobs that serve kids!” Read more>>

Author Untamed | Author, Ghostwriter, Screenwriter, and Podcaster

This may sound a bit cliché, but I didn’t choose a creative career; it chose me. My pursual of being an author and with all of my endeavors in the literary industry was sparked by an inkling that would not allow me to be comfortable or complacent. My writing was private and leisurely, so much so that only those closest to me knew that I wrote. Read more>>

Paulina Ho | Designer & Artist

It’s strongest urge I’ve had since as a kid. Read more>>

Virginia Elwood | Fine artist and tattoo artist

I pursued an artistic career because I’m not cut out for anything else and didn’t know any better lol. I left home at 16 and became a beauty school drop out by 17. My life was chaotic and unconventional. I was bartending to support myself and didn’t go to college (although I did take some continuing education art classes over the years). It was in an architectural drafting class that I realized with clarity that a creative career was the only option for me. Read more>>