Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Erik Otto | Artist

For as long as I can remember, I found the act of creative expression to be a fundamental aspect in my life. From watching my parents stress over money, I never wanted to feel locked into a career for the sole purpose of working to pay bills. Having a sense of purpose was important to me and I was fortunate enough to realize early on how I could serve others with my creative work. Read more>>

Courtney St. Amant | Advanced Esthetician & Lash Technician

I chose to be an esthetician because I’ve struggled with my skin my whole life. I was bullied in school for having rosacea, and that destroyed my confidence. Being an esthetician, I get to help others feel beautiful in their own skin. I encourage everyone to truly learn their skin and how to care for it, embrace it. Read more>>

Austin Heitzman | Woodworker

I don’t believe I chose an artistic career, rather it chose me. I have always possessed a drive to create things, which eventually lead me to attend art school for drawing and painting. I soon discovered wood and became absolutely fascinated in it as a material. Every tree is an individual and produces its own original grain pattern much like a painting. Different species have different colors and textures, regional soil composition can affect grain coloring, taking all factors into account there is infinite variation in lumber. I am always on the hunt for something new and interesting; in my furniture nature is as much the artist as I. Read more>>

Raquel Pennington | Professional MMA Fighter

I have been an athlete my whole life. I feel it was the cards destined for me. I always dreamed of being a WNBA player never would have guessed a pro fighter but I absolutely love my job. MMA is truly and art and always gives a challenge and room to grow as a person and as an athlete and I love that. Read more>>

Lizzethe Medrano | Artist

When the pandemic hit on March 2020 I was pregnant and bored at home. My husband bought me some art supplies because I had some ideas for painting rocks for our garden. It was just what I needed as a distraction at the time. Then I painted an art piece for my mom, she loved it and I loved the feeling of making people happy with my art. For this reason I decided to give art a try. Over time making art and trying to make different styles of art has become something that I love doing. It has given me a great happiness to see how people love and appreciate my art. Read more>>

Kristin Killtastic | Cosplayer

Creating for a living is a dream for most artist. It is a sincere happiness that often spreads genuine joy to others. I wanted to be a part of a beautiful circle. I want to use my art to inspire and motivate other creatives to never give up and keep chasing their dreams. Read more>>

VanityZo | Recording artist , actor , choreographer, creative director, college professor

My parents met doing “The Wiz” musical at Howard university in the early 80’s. That was the foundation of my life before I came to this earth. I started training in tap and ballet at the age of 1 in a half followed by Jazz at the age of 5. By the time I was 12 I’d consistently studied Jazz , Ballet , Hiphop , lyrical , tap , African , character & Horton more than 10 times a week. I also trained heavily in acting and vocal at all 3 of my performing arts schools from the 2nd grade through my senior year. Read more>>

Sofia Avery | Composer, Musician, & Bandleader

Easy. ​​I only feel alive if I’m habitually generating art. Read more>>

Ksenija Komljenović | Musician

Because nothing else kept my curiosity as vibrant and as challenged as music has. Music is an art form that permeates everything in my life – and apart from being a vehicle to developing a better understanding of the world it is also just so bloody fun. Read more>>