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.

Crystal Tadlock

I thoroughly enjoy entertaining and curating a fun atmosphere for people (and dogs) to kick back, relax and have a memorable evening. Read More>>

Connor Robinson

My passion for photography was actually spurred by an injury. I was yearning for a way to stay connected to nature and snowboarding while taking a step back from the physical aspect of mountain sports. My relationship with adventure changed when I realized there was a creative way to capture the feelings that these activities gave me. Read More>>

Chandra Thomas Whitfield

It’s one of my favorite stories to tell. When people ask me how long I’ve been a journalist, I quickly respond: “since 11th grade!” Of course they usually respond with a look of bewilderment. My English teacher in high school ,who I lovingly refer to as “The Great Mattie Murray,” literally MADE me become a journalist. LOL! She recruited me for the high school newspaper staff and being every bit the know-it-all teenage girl I was at the time, I scoffed at the idea, mostly because I would be the only 11th grader in a senior class, However, I quickly learned that you don’t say no to a proud, strong-headed Southern Black woman like Mrs. Mattie Murray. She ganged up on me with my mom and let’s just say the fight was over before it started. I was completely outnumbered. Little did I know that Mrs. Murray’s daughter was a professional journalist and she saw something in me that even I didn’t see.  Read More>>

Caitlin Tongish

Creating is a part of me. Whether it is making a card for a friend of painting a mural. When I’m not creating it feels like a part of me is missing and I have nowhere to put all of my ideas. It was a no brained decision! Read More>>

Emma Wooters

I pursued a creative career because I have always been drawn to storytelling through visuals. Photography allows me to capture moments, emotions, and stories that words may not always be able to express. I aim to capture the authenticity of each moment and focus on engagement photography because there is truly something special about documenting those in-between moments–the laughter, the stolen glances, or the excitement of a new chapter. To me, photography is more than taking pictures; it’s about making memories and preserving emotions, and that’s why I love what I do. Read More>>

Patti Murtha

I deeply and dearly believe that at our core, humans are storytellers. Our lives are a collection of the tales of our experiences and art is a way for us to express and share those. My primary artform has always been theater and I do that because I can’t not do that. I’ve always felt most at home in a rehearsal room, and over the last twelve years or so I have discovered that I feel much the same way about my clay studio. My creations, whether plays or pottery, allow me to connect with other humans and that is where, in my opinion, meaningful conversation begins and that brings me true joy. Read More>>

JAMØ

I got into a creative career to bring people together and help them feel part of something greater than themselves. It’s never been about me—it’s about creating real moments that move people. Music naturally connects us, and I want to use that power to not only unite people, but also point them toward God in the process. Read More>>