Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Byron Stanford | Creative Director and Artist

Art and design were my hobby while I was in highschool and college. While graduating in International Business I would do design jobs on the side to make money. By the time I was done with my sophomore year it was clear to me that I had no interest in pursuing business, as being a creative was what clearly made me happy.  Read more>>

Asieh Hoffmann | Artist

My main drive for pursuing an artistic career is to bring a bit of light into what can often feel like a very dark world. Growing up during the Iran-Iraq war and experiencing the turmoil in the Middle East, I was constantly surrounded by the harsh realities of conflict. Read more>>

King Kalypso | Tattoo Artist

Even when it was uncertain, I knew I would become an artist someday. Growing up I loved to draw but was encouraged to go into the medical field, so I went to university for Biochemistry. However, each passing day was a reminder that I wasn’t passionate about medicine, and the feeling grew stronger that I was truly passionate about art. Read more>>

Joe Reardon | Custom exhaust technician

When I was 15, my mom bought my first car for $100. It was a 1976 Chevy Nova. I asked my dad how to work on it and he told me to go to school. I started going to school for Automotive Technology. We took my car to the exhaust shop down the street and talked to the owner about a job for me. Read more>>

Stu Fransman | Paradox: Rapper, poet, actor, short story writer, and comedian. Find me on Instagram at @Paradorapp

Sometimes we choose what we pursue, sometimes we just have fun doing things that interest us and that turns into a pursuit. When I started writing poetry and music, it was an enjoyable experience. It was something to do to exercise my creativity and feel productive. Read more>>

Rosalie Kelley | Hair Stylist

When I was in high school I was considering attending the police academy with the ultimate goal in mind of one day joining the FBI. As a young 17 year old senior about to graduate I received the best piece of advice, “do what you love so that you never have to work a day in your life”. Read more>>

Amy Schmidt | Owner ~ Art and Soul Kindred Spirits Events

I have always felt that the creative path chose me. As far back as I can remember I have always been drawn to and inspired by art, creativity, and making things to sell. I have always enjoyed the freedom of owning my own business. It’s been a lifetime of feeling the soulful, powerful urge to immerse myself into ways of bringing my ideas to life. Read more>>

Michelle Trujillo | Bridal Makeup Artist

It’s definitely in my blood. My mom is a hairdresser and former salon owner, my sisters pursued careers in beauty and fashion so I grew up around strong women who made their passion into their careers. Creativity was definitely something that came naturally but makeup artistry was not something I ever saw myself doing. Read more>>

Shane Rodriguez | Visual Artist and Playwright

I had grown up in deep, dark East Texas and I did’t want to work in the oilfield. I wanted something more for myself. I like putting pencil to paper to begin figuring things out. I also love disccusing ideas and collaborating with other creatives. I find that to be increadibly energizing. Read more>>

Alina Navarrete | Adventure Photographer and Filmmaker

My dream growing up was always to be a photographer and travel the world, exploring far off places and learning about local environments, wildlife, and people. As a kid, my mom would take me and my two sisters to the public library where I would spend hours reading through copies of National Geographic. Read more>>

Cameron French | Illustrator & Designer

Being an artist has been my dream since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until the pandemic when we were all working from home that I allowed myself the time and grace to get back into creative practices – and I’m so grateful for that opportunity to do so. Read more>>

Diego Valerio | DJ, Producer, & Audio Engineer

Since childhood, I’ve always had a deep love for music. I had a giant music collection on my iPod growing up, and by the age of 11, I was learning to DJ as music technology evolved from vinyl to CD DJ-ing. This quickly went from being an after school hobby to my deepest passion – as my interest in DJing expanded into music production and eventually audio engineering. Read more>>

Shane Williams | Electronic Ambient Music producer/composer

I chose a creative career because of my passion for creating and my love of music. Creating music allows me to express my influences, thoughts, and ideas. My perspective is derived from years of travel, living in Nepal, and the diversity of cultural influences. Read more>>