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.

Dr. Eve Monrad | Doctor of Physical Therapy, Pelvic Health Specialist, and owner of Renew Pelvic Health, LLC

I come from an artistic family and upbringing, and I really enjoy bringing my creativity into the field of Physical Therapy. When I was 9, I started dancing flamenco, which led me into an early life career as a performer and dance teacher. I studied at a professional flamenco dance school in Sevilla, Spain in my early 20’s and developed a curiosity for how the human body works. When I returned to the United States I decided to become a Certified Massage Therapist and after working in massage for several years I realized I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the body. I went back to school and obtained my B.S. in Kinesiology and then my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Going through PT school with two small children made me realize the importance of addressing pelvic health, and how it’s often the overlooked missing piece in your recovery. Read more>>

Finn San Agustin | Musician at Mannequin, GM at Icons

There have been so many phases of my life where I’ve tried do something else or get a “real” job. I tried coding so that I could make better money, I thought for a while I wanted to teach or do marketing or a dozen other things… but nothing has brought me the fulfillment and joy that performing has brought me. To be honest, I was no good at any of those other career paths, and I feel so confident on a stage.

I also found that no matter how long I tried to stray away from performing, I would always find my way back to it. I had a band before COVID, we were starting to play around the country, but with the pandemic members left. The disappointment of “failing” with that venture and the fear of trying to pursue a career in music when it felt like such an uncertain profession kept me away for a couple years. While I was working on a different career path, I found myself joining a little local singing competition at ICONS, and the joy and purpose that gave me pushed me to jump back in. Read more>>

Jordan Claassen | Leather Artist

I chose to pursue an artistic career because I felt like I was given a gift that I needed to use. I have always loved art and growing up in the western industry, leatherwork was the perfect fit. There have been so many doors opened to me through leatherwork, before and after I started my business, that there is no doubt in my mind I am on the right path. Read more>>

Lexie Haney | Interior Designer

I’ve always been a daydreamer, constantly envisioning grand, wildly ambitious ideas so I knew very early on that a more analytical/data-driven career path wasn’t going to be for me. While I’m not a great painter or sculptor, design felt like a form of creativity that expresses itself in a more attainable way. I find fulfillment in creating spaces where people truly feel seen and understood, a place where they can connect with themselves and with others. For me, pursuing a creative career was a natural extension of this desire to make others feel at home, to help them find their own sense of peace and identity within their surroundings. Read more>>