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.

Gauri Awasthi | Poet & Educator

I went to Journalism School for undergraduate because my family didn’t especially love the idea of me pursuing an artistic career, but while I was there, I realized writing is the only thing I feel driven to work towards and do. Then I found supportive professors who pushed me to apply to MFA schools. Read more>>

Kellie McIntyre | Author, Speaker, & Traveler

In 2013, my husband, two daughters, and I packed one suitcase each and embarked on a journey around the world. While it was the best decision we ever made, I never had plans to write a book. But as we all know, 2020 wrecked existing plans and forced everyone to pivot into unexpected territories. Read more>>

Kristel Powell | Sneaker & Magnet Designer, Content Creator

I have always pursued a career that had a creative element to it. I have an MBA and the creative aspect of marketing was something I fell in love with early on in college. Being creative every day is when I feel most fulfilled. Up until December of this year, I was working a 9-5 job on top of my side hustle. Read more>>

Kristi Beattie | Artist

After spending 20 years in facilities space planning, I craved to be more creative. I received a degree in interior design because I thought I would be able to be creative and have a stable career. However, I found myself very far from using any creativity. It took quite some time to remember that my original childhood dream was to paint… to be an artist. Read more>>

Kelli McDonald | HandyWOMAN, home renovator

By the end of the school year in 2021 I was absolutely exhausted. That was the year of Covid. I was in my fifth year subbing for the Plainfield School District in Illinois and this year was definitely a year that forces you to re-evaluate your future. I did not have a degree in education, I have a BS in Geography with an emphasis in Natural Environmental Systems. Read more>>

Rebbecca Harris | Small business and creator

I kind of dabble in a little bit of everything from working on my drawing to try and become a tattoo artist to make engraved mirrors and making roserys and earing. I even have been working hard on my skills in horror make up for around Halloween. I really just like to be doing creative thing with my hands and if there something new that I find I try to master that. Read more>>