Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Mallorie McCune | Artist & Fitness Enthusiast

Art and music have been in my family for years, so I definitely can say I was born with the artistic and creativity bug! I’d always needed a creative outlet and seemed to always make projects for myself when other avenues weren’t lining up. I didn’t initially expect textiles to be the first type of items I was going to produce for my business, but I truly just started by doing what I liked and it has changed and evolved over the years. Read more>>

Vi Sepper | Content Creator and Social Media Mentor

I have always been pretty artsy. I loved crafts and dance classes from an early age as a kid. In high school, I was in so many clubs involving the arts (dance, theater, Colorguard, etc.) I basically lived at school. Even my first job was as a dance instructor at a local studio. That is actually where I started my Social Media journey from a business perspective. I have had all sorts of jobs but mundane has never really been my cup of tea. Read more>>

Gavin Crowson | Photographer & Creative

It started with some curiosity and thanks to some classes has turned into a career. In high school, I took a few art classes and instantly fell in love with photography. Over the last six years, however, I have learned that the feeling I get once I create something isn’t the most important. Read more>>

Briana Casillas (BEC) | Tattoo Artist

I have been involved in art my entire life . Always expressing myself in some type of way. Whether it be from drawing on paper, to creating jewelry; art has always been my escape from reality. Being able to live a life where I am able to create art, freely and continue working collaboratively with others is my reason for continuing this creative career. The happiness I get from doing tattoos reaffirms daily just why I am in this career. Read more>>

Mary Lou Fulson | Interior Designer

I love the freedom of being able to create something beautiful that impacts you everyday. Your home and place of work should be an aesthetically pleasing foundation that enables you to live and work comfortably. As an interior designer I am able to walk into a space and see what could be. The process of watching my thoughts come to life is one of the best things about my job. Read more>>

Phoebe Rankin | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

I always like hearing how people answer this question; because they tend to more or less echo the same sentiment. For those pursuing creative or artistic career trajectories, typically the propellant behind their motivation is some skew of, “I am already naturally creative/artistic. I’m passionate about creating more. Why not get paid for it?” For me, it is much the same. Read more>>

Rico Jones | Music performer, composer, band leader, and educator

I didn’t have a choice. At least it felt that way. Once I found creative means of expression I would become totally enthralled. It’s been like this my whole life, from make believe, to visual art, and finally music. Once I made a connection music I developed an obsession and passion for it. Music shook me to my core, it made me joyful, it made me weep. Read more>>

Emily Martin | Craniosacral Therapist & Bodyworker

There are so many reasons people choose to start a business or to be self employed such as “being my own boss” or “making my own schedule”. In my experience, we can offer a profound gift to the world by being our most complete and creative selves. Read more>>

Valerie Berlage | Artist

Creating art makes me happy, and I have long thought that happiness cannot be overrated. And, in truth, an artist is all I’ve ever wanted to be. I come from a family of artists and makers, so being creative was not only encouraged, it was a shared experience. Read more>>

Brandon Bordeaux | Commercial Director

I realized I was compelled to create, it became a necessity in my life. There was tremendous pride watching the work improve over the years, I wanted to see just how far the rabbit hole could go. Read more>>

Marvylus | American Rapper and Producer

Ever since I was a jit, I always seemed to attract the spotlight. I was always creating whether its was arts and crafts or music. Making people smile and knowing that I gave them a unforgettable experience is what i do it for. Its rare that someone like me gets the opportunity to change their life for the better, so thats what thrive for. My music is only the beginning I plan to do a little bit of everything before I die. Read more>>

Robbie Jandik | Real Estate Agent & Aspiring Car Salesman for Content Creation

Everyone has a different angle of attack when it comes to real estate (for whatever industry you are in, replace the following with your respective terms). Some people are great at making phone calls, some are great at door knocking, and others are great at making in-person connections. Read more>>