We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Brooke Barnes | Photographer

I chose a creative career because it just felt right. I’ve had a camera in my hand since elementary school. I love capturing those moments that may have been missed and freezing it in time to be cherished forever. I get a rush of excitement when I know I’ve captured such a perfect moment. Read more>>

Frances Chew | Mermaid Myriad

As a child I’ve always been fascinated with bodies of water, perhaps to the point of giving everyone heart attacks. My mother and grandparents cannot swim and often times they’d take me to the pool and tell me that I should stay in the shallow end where they could see me and when standing my head would clearly be above water. Eventually I’d become bored of this and make my way to the deep end where I found it much more exciting but it also felt like it was always a part of me. This lead to me getting swimming lessons at the local pool in Walnut Creek, CA, I started later than most kids my age, but I quickly caught up. Read more>>

Tiffany Huang | Truffle Dealer & Caviar Peddler

I am inspired by so many things in life, so pursuing a creative career really allowed recognition of my uniqueness and identity. It enables freedom to explore with constant curiosity. There is also something tremendously satisfying about bringing a vision to life no matter what obstacles come along with it. Read more>>

Aleik Maddox | Singer/songwriter & Instrumentalist

As someone who was raised by a musician, I realized early that music was much more than just a job or a means to make money. To me, it’s a responsibility. When people come to shows they are looking for something and it’s my duty to be authentic and open enough to give what is needed. Through that process I’ve likewise been able to supply for my own needs emotionally. I fell in love with the exchange of emotion between the band and the audience and I wasn’t able to see myself wanting to do anything else at that point. Read more>>

Jake Beauchamp | Abstract/Mixed media Artist

When I decided what I wanted to be when I grew up it was definitely not an artist. It just kind of happened one day, my dad brought home these “how to draw books”, and I started looking at them and imitating the drawings in my own interpretations and styles. That was when I was 7 years old. Art has been the constant in my life, always there always fun, and always evolving. Read more>>