We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Katie Rothenbury | Director of Social Media

Creativity, for me, is the ultimate form of self-expression, a way to bring ideas to life, and a means to make a meaningful impact on the world. It’s the path that allows me to blur the lines between work and play, where every project is a new adventure, and where I can inspire, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression through my work. I chose a creative career in digital marketing to help businesses because I believe that creativity is a catalyst for innovation and growth. It allows me to see problems from unique angles, devise innovative solutions, and craft compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences. Read more>>

Erick Janen | Videographer/Photographer

I know reality best through a Lens. Imagine you are on a walk through the woods. You feel the dirt below your feet, and you hear the birds above. You stop to take it all in, but you fail to see past the noise. You don’t know where the beauty is. Not having a goal can sometimes leave you overwhelmed by the scene, and you end up feeling less than you expect from what should be a beautiful experience. Now what if you have a goal when you walk through the woods? Perhaps you have the goal to capture a photo of a local bird. You studied the birds habitat, when its active in the day, and what the birds call sounds like. Read more>>

Christina Allen | Corn Crib Studio & Publishing, and Allen’s Heirloom Homestead

I didn’t choose an artistic life, it chose me. I started college in pharmacy, switched briefly into engineering, considered medical illustration, but finally decided to pursue a career in art, because I missed making things. I knew if I stayed in the science fields there would be no time for my artwork. I had been painting and drawing my whole life, with no push from anyone; It’s just the way I understand the world. When I was making my decision, a smart 96 year-old woman told me “(I) might never be rich, but (I’ll) sleep well at night.” She was right. Read more>>

Megan Feighery | Host and Producer HumaNature Podcast

There was a time in my life where I thought pursing a creative career wasn’t the right thing to do. I told myself that getting a more stable, 9-5 job was the way to go because it felt safe. That didn’t last long, but I still wasn’t sure what to do with my life. I had always been creative. I spent long hours creating intricate and elaborate stories for all my dolls and toys. I wrote stories and plays and told everyone I knew that I was going to be a famous actress someday. Somewhere in my childhood home is a long Oscar’s acceptance speech that I worked on continuously until middle school. Read more>>