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.

Olivia Castaldy | Owner & Marketing Consultant

I went into marketing because I never wanted to do the same thing every day, and I saw marketing campaigns as a way to achieve that. Growing up, I didn’t enjoy art or see myself as an artistic person due to limiting beliefs, which steered me away from majoring in graphic design, even though I enjoyed it. I always had a love for general business because my dad worked in business, and when I was about 8 years old he had a “bring your kid to work” day at the AARP data center he managed that changed my way of thinking. I still remember how cool the break room was! Read more>>

Diana-Marie Haddad | Art Gallery Owner and Director

I have been an artist since a really young age and have always seen art as an outlet for daily challenges that we all face. I am very much a believer in art being able to say what words cannot. Art allows me to express myself in ways i never could through conversation. With that however, the art-word has always been criticized for being closed off and a tough business to break into. I wanted to create a space that felt inviting because art is for everyone. My gallery is designed to bridge together artists and viewers in a way that steps outside of conventional supplier/buyer mentality. Read more>> 

Jared Judge | Violinist

I pursued an artistic and creative career because I have always been deeply passionate about music and the way it can connect people and evoke powerful emotions. From a young age, I was drawn to the beauty and complexity of orchestral music, and I found immense joy in both playing and analyzing music. The ability to express myself through music and to bring joy and inspiration to others through my performances has always been a driving force in my life. At Extreme Strings, we strive to push the boundaries of traditional string music, blending classical techniques with modern genres to create unique and captivating performances. Read more>>

Cailin Ellis | Muralist, Digital Marketer & CRM Strategist

Growing up, creativity was an integral part of my life. Every Sunday morning, my dad would bring out a box of craft supplies, giving my mom a chance to sleep in, and we would work on projects for my grandparents. This tradition sparked my passion for creativity, leading to countless room painting adventures and a deep exploration of artistic expression throughout my education. My parents were incredibly supportive, encouraging me to try new styles and make time for art as an outlet. High school further cemented my love for creativity, thanks to my inspiring art teacher, Mr. Haft, who continually pushed me to explore and grow. Read more>>

Sarah Hayley | Photographer & Small Business Owner

In many ways I think a creative career of some kind was inevitable for me. When I was starting college, I thought I would probably go into some sort of STEM career because it was practical, but I wasn’t happy with the work I put in towards that kind of path for myself. Most adults told me growing up to be a teacher but I didn’t vibe much with that idea, either. A lot of my family were teachers, and I have a lot of respect for them, but I see how much of their work is thankless. I wanted whatever I did with my life to be able to be seen clearly by anyone who looked at it. I didn’t want to do thankless work, and art is never thankless. Read more>>

Kenya Mahogany Fashaw | Creative Teaching Artist

I chose a creative teaching artistic career because it’s deep-rooted inside me to explore my passion and expression and I want to pass my knowledge to others. I’m a Spoken word poet, playwright and actress. I have a desire to connect with others through art by using education and awareness in all that I create. My art provides a unique medium to convey thoughts, emotions, and perspectives that might be difficult to express through words alone. I feel a natural inclination towards my craft. Art has the power to influence culture, provoke thought, and inspire change, which can be a compelling reason for someone to dedicate their life to it. Read more>>

Divine Martin | Hip-Hop Artist – DVNEHPPY

Music was something that I’ve always gravitated to, even at a young age. When I started making it myself, it just felt like I found the final piece to the puzzle that I had been looking for in my life and I never looked back. Music has taught me patience and has given me purpose and the DVNEHPPY project has allowed me to experience things in life that I didn’t think were possible. Read more>>