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.

Nicole Endress | Wedding & Couples Photographer

I graduated college in 2017 with a bachelors of science in nursing. I worked as a nurse after graduation and didn’t have a lot of hobbies. Photography was always something I wanted to do from early high school. I loved taking photos and freezing moments. My husband and I moved from Central Illinois to Texas in August of 2020 and I was working as nurse in downtown Fort Worth. A few months went by and in November of 2020 I told him I was finally buying a camera after talking about it for a few years. Read more>>

Stephen Odunlami | Professional Photographer

Creativity is one of the important things I look for in anything I do, especially at a job. I enjoy exploring different ways to accomplish tasks and to make complex things easier. This is one reason why I enjoy photography. I look for how to make my photos look different from most photographers. Photography allows me to think outside the box, and make the best use of the things around me to create art. Read more>>

Sarah Cartwright | Photographer/ art teacher

The reason I wanted to pursue an artistic career is mainly because of all the traveling I have done. It really all started when I was in the 5th grade and we where traveling to Tanzania, Africa. My dad had his Dslr camera and I picked it up and just started taking pictures. I loved how anywhere you went you could capture a moment in time from your perspective. It was also the coming home at the end of the trip and uploading your photos and going through them and editing them to your own style and vision. Read more>>

Keyona McCrea | Business Owner & Carpenter

I tried out a few different career options before I decided to go the artistic route. Once I realized what I could do, there was no turning back. No other job has made me feel more fulfilled then owning my business. I’m able to wake up everyday and feel excited to go do work that I’m proud of. Read more>>

Hannah Bing | Florist

I first started making floral arrangements as gifts to my girl friends or family members and enjoyed creating unique pieces to fit their individual styles. 2020 came and the world shut down and I was a new mom at home with my son full time. I was missing working outside of the home and needed a creative outlet. I decided to poll my friends on social media to see if anyone would be interested in unique floral arrangements like the ones I’d made in the past. Read more>>

Channelle Colbert | Nail Technician & Underwriter

Here are more lengthy responses to the questions. My process to become a Nail Tech has been a crazy ride because I didn’t choose nails at first. Since I was a kid I’ve always been creative. From making Barbie clothing, decorating rocks, to the way I dress or do my hair. Growing up I’d visit the nail salon frequently with my cousin. At that time I was too young to get mine done, but I was infatuated with all of the different possibilities. I’ll never forget these particular nails my cousin had on. They were so different and pretty. From that day I’ve been obsessed with nails. I’d go to plenty of places to get different color polishes. Read more>>