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.

Rebekah Crawford | North Texas Motherhood and Lifestyle Photographer

I have always had this love for photographing people but I believe it began when I was in middle school. I remember my friends and I would always have sleepovers and make a point to dress up and walk around the neighborhoods so we could take photos of each other. The photos are honestly quite embarrassing to look at now, though I think they overall sparked my interest in photography! As the years went on I was always trying to find people to model for me. Read more>>

Constance Avey-Byers | Graphic Designer & Concert Photographer

I don’t really think it was something I necessarily “chose,” technically. I am constantly overly passionate about learning new things. There isn’t a single day where I’m not working with my hands, designing, building, painting, making something. I’ve been that way for as long as I can remember. Creative outlets weren’t always financially available for me in my childhood, so I made do, and learned how to make everything from nothing. I think creativity, and a creative career, wasn’t an option that I chose, per se, it has always been a persistent drive, internally, that I’m fueled by. There isn’t really another option but to feed that fire. Read more>>

Vincent Clark | Owner of TX Barber Cartel

I’ve always been into art ever since I was a kid. I was interested in anything that let me express my artistic creativity. With barbering my clients are my canvas and most of my clients give me the freedom to bring their look back to life. Read more>>

Lauren Samonte | Keyboardist & Music Teacher

What initially drew me to pursue a music career was the serotonin-inducing experience of live music. I grew up listening to music of different genres and cultures, but regardless of whatever I was watching or listening to, I always had a feeling of sheer bliss overcome me. I love how one song has the power to make me feel sad, angry, and excited all in 3 minutes. Moreover, the messages a musician can send their listeners are extremely powerful. I couldn’t help but go after this experience and learn what it was all about. Read more>>

JoAnna Duke | Photographer and Graphic Designer

I chose to pursue a creative career because I see things in an artistic way, even when staring off in thought and looking at my textured walls, I see art- almost like when seeing the clouds make different shapes. Creativity gives me a sense of fulfillment. I am somewhat of a shy person but when I am in my creative zone, the walls and barriers I may have go away. I love the excitement that photography, graphic design, fashion, and other creative avenues bring me! Nature is often my inspiration. Read more>>

Yadhu Krishnan | Filmmaker

As I started my filmmaking journey, the process from having a vision to executing it and connecting with the world as an audience was exciting. I realised this is what I want in life and this is what gives me hope,excitement and happiness. Read more>>

Angel Dickholtz | Producer & Celebrity Hair/Makeup Artist

I pursued a career as a creative because I love the balance of working with my hands and getting to utilize my ideas & visions through to execution. Getting to build looks & characters of all walks of life while making a living doing it is what I set out in this industry to do. Read more>>

Rachel Flores | Candle Maker & Momprenuer

I have always enjoyed working with my hands and making people or things beautiful. I have ventured in cosmetology, painting and art, refinishing furniture, just any project that allows me to work with my hands. Being able to sit back and enjoy any finished product is the best feeling. When I decided to start making candles, it just fit. The joy doesn’t come from just pouring the candles, but designing the labels & marketing material for my workshops, creating content on social media and then knowing that someone gets to enjoy my products in their home. Read more>>

Tammy Daniels | Artist & Barrel racer

I have always had the gift to draw from a child. I dabbled with it from time to time as an adult. After retiring from a 32 year career in the rail industry, I finally had time to pursue my dreams of painting for others. I was getting several request for commission work so ventured into making it a small business. Read more>>

Tayler “Jax” Jackson | Tattoo Artist

I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, I would pause the TV and copy what I saw in a particular scene of whatever cartoon was on. However after growing up and away from art a bit, I went of to college to be a doctor. From there I joined the National Guard, and got my EMT license. At that point I found myself at an EMS agency, then into the emergency room as a tech. I got word from an apprentice to purchase a tattoo machine kit online. Read more>>