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.

Renee Becher | Bookseller, Business Owner, Death Worker

Until I was about 15 years old, I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. Then I cut my finger open while chopping some carrots and promptly passed out on the kitchen floor. After that I started re-evaluating my career decision, thinking someone who passed out at the site of blood would not make the best veterinarian. Read more>>

Zoe Moff | Professional Musician & Audio Engineer

I decided to pursue music as a career because it was, and still is the only thing I could see myself doing for life. I grew up in a musical household where both my parents played instruments. My first memories of games and activities were related to music. Music as a creative art has that little “something” that affects us all in a different way and connects us as humans through it. It’s like a super power that the art has that heals, unites, expresses, claims and represents society’s words. Read more>>

Dr. Theresa Ferg

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career? When I was about ten years old I saw a picture of a child in a magazine. I decided to draw the picture and the drawing looked very much like the picture. Then I had a picture of my Grandfather and I drew him. Before then I would make small drawings that were undefined blocks or shading as I was trying to picture in my mind how something might look. No one paid any attention to those early drawings. Read more>>

GB Gadd | Writer, Actor, Non-Profit & Educational Executive

I graduated as the Valedictorian of my class in high school. The only thing that scared me in terms of picking a career was picking one in the arts, but I knew it was what I had to do. I started writing when I was in third grade, but I had the spirit of a performer long before that. These were the gifts I was given…that felt closest to my soul’s calling and that continues to be true even when my main job is not necessarily a creative position. Read more>>

Grayson Reed | Photographer/Videographer

I found my passion for photography and videography on my third combat deployment to Afghanistan. I am a prior Sergeant of the 75th Ranger Regiment and filmed/photographed our combat missions. After finishing my 4 years of service I went to Colorado State University to become a computer science major. Read more>>

Mia Marina | Actor & Dancer

I’ll be honest, choosing this career path wasn’t an easy choice for me. In fact, it wasn’t my initial path early in life as a young adult. Initially, I took what I deemed the “safe” route for a career in the sciences. Truth is, I was hiding behind skills that I was good at and that would give me some sort of financial security and prestige. Read more>>

Shay Guerrero | Artist & Owner of heART Dog Art Studios

Art has been my safe place, a thing of peace and sanctuary since I was as young as I can remember. It is as essential to me as food or sleep. I cannot remember a time in my life when I was not creating or did not consider myself an artist. I was lucky enough to have a family that completely embraced my creativity and celebrated it. Read more>>

Eric Carne | Sales and aspiring Photographer and small business owner

I lost a son to suicide in February of 2018. Having four other boys to push forward for, I have tried several things to help cope with the grief and nothing helped as much as the outdoors. One thing that is just become normal for me is lack of sleep, or waking up far too early, the benefit to that is I got to enjoy the sunrise. It became a simple reminder that I made it another day. Read more>>