Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Sage Goodwin | Digital Marketing Specialist

I have always been curious about creating, and I have one of those personalities where when I’m interested in something, I want to try to do the same thing. So when I started getting really into watching videos, I wanted to make my own, or when I got really into listening to podcasts, I researched as much as I could in how to make them. And ultimately, being able to do the things for myself and hone my skills, that led to others wanting me to create content for them. Read more>>

Shaemara | Multimedia Artist / Singer Songwriter

Music and art is my therapy, it is a lifestyle; it was not a choice, creativity and art chose me. Artistic expression has been a consistent part of my life, especially growing up with artists for parents, so it is natural that this has been my main pursuit. There have been times throughout my life when I tried to suppress my creative calling, for various reasons, however I always found my way back, and one day decided to embrace my creativity fully. I have a natural drive and motivation to pursue my artistic endeavours and push them as far as I can. Part of that drive is the pursuit of happiness and freedom, by living my authentic self. Read more>>

Barrett Kowalsky | Photographer

I distinctly remember the first time I got a flip phone with a camera on it, and I even remember the first photo I took with it that got me interested in photography. It was a picture of a lifeguard chair at a beach, and although it was extremely simple, I immediately became obsessed with the act of taking photos. I still have that first picture I took back in 2008, taken on a little flip phone, and that moment really launched an interest in learning more about photography, Read more>>

Tricia Soderberg | Mixed Media artist and Printmaker

I was introduced to fine art at a young age. After attending the Unitarian church in what is now referred to as Midtown in Detroit, Michigan our mother would take my sister and I to the Detroit Institute of Arts for lunch. I remember these visits as an unhurried time when I would roam around the museum taking in all the wonders including the famed Diego Rivera court. Read more>>

Jessica Ruiz | Jessica Ruiz | Front Row Moments Photographer

Perusing photography as a career was very natural for me. I’ve loved photography ever since I was 16 years old. When I got my first camera, a Canon Rebel XS, I took photos of anything and everything. My friends, my little brother, his tricycle in the field, water droplets… literally, anything and everything! It was so much fun seeing and connecting to the world in a new way. Read more>>

J. PARTYLORD | Tattooer/Maker

Compulsion? I don’t think it’s ever been anything outside of just going with what feels like the right thing to do at the time. I say my parents lean away from “safe” careers to instead follow their passions and do the things that felt most in line with what fed and motivated them. They followed along with the things that inspired them to progress and be better people. That carries a heavy weight. It’s a demonstration of value that I think is different from what culture pushes and I think it’s a hidden value that exists outside of monetary ideas. Read more>>

Nick Waters | Automotive Photographer

It serves as an escape for the different emotions I go through, but also as a method to express who I am. Through the art of photography, I am able to demonstrate and express the different emotions and styles of creativity that I possess. Read more>>

Audrey Schaffer | Photographer

In every job I have worked there has been no room to be creative. It was mindless work with one way to do it and the same outcome every time and I lacked a sense of purpose. I wanted to do something that would cause someone to feel emotions, whether that’s a photo I’ve taken that sits in their house for years and they smile when they see it or a video showcasing someone’s best moments that they can rewatch with pride. Read more>>

Holly Kempkes | Holly Kempkes; Photographer & Floral designer/instructor

I have always been a person who enjoys the arts. As an artist myself, I find myself looking for the “fresh” look, or a different perspective on the everyday. Creating something that is meaningful, unique and can help someone feel something is the ultimate goal to success. I find comfort in viewing and experiencing art, I hope others do as well. Read more>>

Ciara White | Freelance Photographer

The long winded answer to this is I have always felt wildly misunderstood and the best way for me to express my true emotions was through art. When I was a teenager, I spent a lot of time drawing with charcoal or pastels until I was handed my first camera as a Christmas gift from my parents. It was a simple little sony point and click camera. No fancy lens, No attachments. Just a little digital camera. My friends and I would set it up on a timer and pose ourselves and have so much fun, but that camera went everywhere with me. Read more>>

Debbie Barbarita | Owner/Artist

I sort-of fell into it. I have always loved drawing, but my younger sister was more of the artist in the family. Unfortunately, she passed away. After her death, I started drawing again in her honor. A few friends asked if I could put my art on notecards for them, which gave me the confidence to pursue other products for my artwork. I don’t think I intentionally set out to have an artistic or creative career, but once I started I became so passionate about what I do, and love every minute. Read more>>

Kaela Smith | Home Baker

*It is important to note that Yellow Couch is only half of what I do. I also coach lacrosse at Capital University and Co-Own Tempest Lacrosse, a lacrosse club based in Columbus, Oh.* I had always been drawn to the creative world and luckily my family was more than supportive toward that adventure but getting further into traditional education I found that it was less than fostered (by fault of my own, I came to realize). Read more>>