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.

Quentan Mcguire | Film & Tv Producer

Pursuing a creative career allows me to amplify diverse stories from communities of color, enhancing representation and access for underserved audiences. This work is meaningful to me as it helps uplift and share the experiences of Black and Brown communities, ultimately contributing to a shift toward greater equity for these groups in society. Read more>>

Clynt Costley | Professional Body Art Practitioner and Multifaceted Creator

I have been an artist since as far back as I can remember. Over the years the creative process has been instrumental in my mental health as I have been fortunate to uncover the therapeutic benefits of being a creator. Choosing a career that allows me to exercise and exploit my creative side was strategic from an early age though I never knew what these choices had in store. When my father passed away I was only fifteen and this is when I began the search for what I would call my career. He always seemed to struggle to make ends meet and the financial stresses he wrestled led me to understand I wanted a fulfilling job that paid in happiness. I was always different from the people around me in that I wished to be myself and to remain a fully expressive example of character and personality rather than conform to the expectations of others. Read more>>

Megan Warren | Writer & Editor

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, but I’m also very practical and risk-averse. I remember my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Sanchez, asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I responded, “Well, I really want to be a writer, but I know it’s hard to make a living at it, so I’ll probably be a veterinarian.” Spoiler: I did not become a veterinarian. And it would take decades before I was secure enough in my life to take the risk of becoming a full-time writer. Read more>>