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.

Joshua Matthews | Writer, Director & Producer

I think every storyteller has a similar story. There’s a film or show, a book or comic that got them hooked at an early age. Mine was John Carpenter’s Halloween. Read more>>

Divine Che | Artist and model

Growing up in Akum, Cameroon, creativity became my lifeline against boredom. My hometown’s tranquil setting sparked my imagination, pushing me to explore the world through artistic endeavors. From a young age, I found solace and inspiration in the rich tapestry of musical icons spanning diverse genres. Read more>>

DreSean Tripp | Photography

I mainly chose to become a photographer because I’ve always liked taking pictures since I was in middle school. Once I learned how to edit I knew that I could be a photographer because I got a lot of people saying they are really good. Read more>>

Verena

Honestly, this question has always been a bit challenging for me to answer, because pursuing an artistic career felt like an inevitable path for me. From the time I was about ten years old, I knew that this was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Read more>>

Madison Gartside | All Aboard Animal Rescue Director & Animal Welfare Advocate

I always went by “you are art, create a masterpiece” which has always encouraged me to continue to open my mind, think outside the box, and take action to create reality! I pursued a career in rescue because saving animals gives me purpose. Since childhood, my interests have centered around animals, nature, reading and art.  Read more>>

Zo 303 | Independent Music Artists

At first I was more into American Football and Basketball, but that didn’t go the best my last two years of high school. So the only other thing I loved besides those was music. Back then I would listen to a lot of music but never thought about trying it until my senior year. Read more>>

Rebecca Abraxas | Sound Therapist, Vocal Energy Healer & Vibrational Wellness Mentor

For me, and I think a lot of sensitive creative types, I chose a creative career because the calling was so strong and I could not ignore it. I tried other paths of employment and business but it left me feeling blah and a sense of heaviness within. Read more>>