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.

Erica Barbo | Wedding Photographer

I have pursued a creative career because that is where I feel most energized and fulfilled. My passion for photography extends beyond just capturing moments; its about celebrating love, family, and the beauty of life’s milestones. Being able to create art while meeting new people is a dream of mine. My dedication to my craft is fueled by the love I have for my husband and family, driving me to create timeless and meaningful images that tell the unique story of each couple I get the pleasure of working with. Read more>>

Ana Szilagyi | Photographer and Content Creator

Others always considered me a creative person, but when I was younger, I did not see that as a career option. Initially, my career aspirations leaned towards the legal field, influenced by societal expectations and personal traits such as being talkative and argumentative. At the last minute, I decided to study English and French translation and interpretation. Read more>>

Hye Jeong Park | Scholar, educator, and graphic designer

When I was a child, I fell in love with drawings and creating 3D objects. Receiving positive feedback on my artwork, knowing it could impact people, brought me joy and motivation to move forward. Consequently, at the age of 12, I chose to dedicate my life to art and design. I attended arts middle and high schools in South Korea with the aim of becoming a creatively influential individual, using my art to make a positive impact on the world. My career began in sculpture, and I have since evolved into a professional graphic designer, educator, and scholar teaching college students. Holding a Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction, my interdisciplinary experience in computer science enriches my ability to envision the future of our society and contribute to the graphic design field. My educational journey was challenging yet dynamic, and I take pride in maintaining my childhood goal of solving problems in creative ways and offering broad insights to improve the world. Read more>>

Diana de Cabarrus | Music composer, performer, educator.

Honestly, I really dislike being bored, and I really struggle to make myself do things that I find meaningless. I was and am still endlessly intrigued by music, and I love that there’s always more to learn. You are never going to be ‘done’ with the layers and the depth of experience you can bring to it. In a sense it’s true of any field that there’s always more to know, but I find it easy to be fascinated by how music works and how it wokrs on people. Read more>>