Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Gregory Keefer | Bicycle Builder & Mountain Biker

There’s really something rewarding about making something with your hands that you love. To take and shape these 9 or so little tubes and turn them into a vehicle that people will go out and embark on their own adventures with–that truly makes me happy and fulfilled. Also the hope that I get a chance to make it better the next time. I am my worst critic. I see every mistake I make, but then I get another shot to do it all over again. Read more>>

AJ Blu | Musician

Choosing an artistic career music specifically just seemed natural to me because it’s always been around me. My older brothers all used to rap and write music, music always played in my house, and I always liked to learn and recite the lyrics since a very young age so music has always just played a huge role in my life. Read more>>

Eva Aridjis | Film Director, Writer

I grew up in a creative household and much of my childhood and adolescence was spent reading, listening to music, going to museums and watching films. Whenever I would feel inspired and stimulated by other people’s work (which was often) I would then take that inspiration and write stories, poems or songs, draw and paint, take photographs, or make videos of my own. Being creative was always a need for me rather than a choice, but I did have a hard time figuring out which medium I wanted to work in. I loved writing, I loved music, I loved the visual arts. So ultimately I chose film, because it allowed me to combine many of my interests and felt less limiting. Read more>>

Brette Robertson | Wedding Creatrix & Florist

I pursued an artistic and creative career, because ever since I was little I always would gravitate towards the arts. Art was my saving grace, and was a way for me to express myself. I was a late talker; I didn’t really speak until I was 5 years old. So, art was always a way for me to show who I was when I couldn’t find the words to do so. It wasn’t when I was 12 years old when I developed an interest in making movies. I’d write scripts and direct my friends in my neighborhood. We all had a lot of fun, but for me it was more serious. Read more>>

Paul Marcotte | Photographer

I feel a sense of purpose in using my Photography to inspire and connect with other people. I have met so many people through my photography that I have inspired and that have inspired me. Read more>>