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.

Brenna Valdez | Photographer

I have always had a creative heart ever since I was little. I loved doing arts & crafts; painting, coloring, drawing, d.i.y projects. My dream jobs were to be a hair and makeup artist or an interior designer. I worked in healthcare for about 9 years and although I loved the interaction with patients and worked with some amazing people, I was mentally drained and wasn’t feeling fulfilled.
I’m a bit of an introvert, I don’t like being told what to do, and I don’t like being on anyone else’s schedule. I have always had this desire to create something and to be my own boss. So when I started learning all things photography I knew that this was for me. Photography has given me creative freedom, freedom to be myself, and freedom to go at my own pace. Read more>>

Andrew Busch | Artist

were central. I ended up making my living with math but always enjoyed art. Once my children were old enough I started dreaming about what it would look like to become a professional artist. I’m only a couple of years in at this point. Going full-time as an artist is the dream but it has to work financially for my family as well. Read more>>

Heidi Fry | Integrated Digital Design & Branding

I started out in a technical vocation, working in a science lab for a chemical company on the gulf coast. I always knew it wasn’t for me, but I was coerced over and over again to pursue something ‘practical’ that would make decent money and not leave me hunting for the next gig. This was completely unfounded advice as a job like that comes with its own risks, typically to life and limb. I realized within a year that I was not cut out for it and that I had to go back to school for a degree that made sense for my own motivations and I’ve never had that hard of a time finding a job in my creative field. Read more>>

Sharpie J | SharpieJ.com

I feel like music chose me for as long as I can remember music has always drawn me in and helped me come out of my shell . I always loved the way music can make you feel like it can make you sad it can make you laugh and it can even make you want to kick a@! And I thought I want to do that. Ever since I was little everyone who heard me rap loved it, my family had always supported me and because of their support I pursued music and never looked back. Read more>>

Chiara Berrugi | Illustrator and concept artist

In truth, I didn’t grow up with the idea that one day I would be an artist, but in the end I can’t deny that in some respects it was a bit of a question of fate. Since I learned to hold a pencil in my hands, I have always loved drawing and coloring. I had an inordinate obsession with dinosaurs, also increased by the Jurassic Park movie that came out in those years, and I practically only drew them. I have always cultivated this self-taught aspect of mine, but relegating it to a hobby to which I dedicate myself in my free time. Read more>>

Zeno Matsumoto | Artist & Musician & Entrepreneur

During the pandemic and war times, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue an artistic and creative career rather than an information, technology career. Growing up, I have always loved Computers because when you’re impoverished and come from generational trauma, sometimes that you’re only friends when you’re bullied, beaten and harassed and so the IT career I thought would have made the most sense, but due to the United States of America and its political racial and extreme sides, I have decided to utilize my independent beliefs and rationale to start something that’s more aligned with my personality. In other words I am pursuing an artistic and creative career because I’m in search for the Japanese term: “ikigai”. Read more>>

Erin Lee McCallum | LifeStyle Designer & Seamstress

For as long as I can remember, I have always been creating: crafting, puff-painting, bedazzling, knitting, knotting, boondoggling, sewing & experimenting with wearable body art; jewelry, accessories & clothing mostly. Functional, practical & useful art brings a deep satisfaction to my soul. Read more>>

MJ Jeffords | Hairstylist and owner of MJ.HairCo

Early on, I knew sitting in a cubicle for 40+ hours a week wouldn’t be an option for me. I thrive when working and connecting with my community, so becoming a hairstylist was an ideal route for me. Doing hair is a passion of mine that started early on in my life. It has turned into a career has allowed me to express my creativity as well as take that leap of faith out onto my own to start my own business! Read more>>

Lynn Read | Glassblower

I can say it simply. My life guided me here. The main skills I gained along the way serve me still. Read more>>

Megan Kaple Afansev | Artist & Educator

I’ve always known that my career would revolve around the arts. From a young age, I’ve always found joy in making and creating. It’s a part of who I am, and I can’t imagine spending my life doing anything else. My grandmother, who is a skilled seamstress and owns a business that creates custom bedspreads and window treatments has been a major inspiration. I’ve always admired her ability to create all day, every day, and it’s something I wanted out of life. Ultimately, my decision to pursue a creative career has been driven by a lifelong passion and a genuine desire to create things that make people happy whether that’s designing socks, painting landscapes, or teaching. Read more>>