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.

Jandi Burkett | Metalsmith / Artisan Jeweler

I guess you could say it’s in my DNA. Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, my art career began in my teen years with my family. In 1988, my mom began designing and creating hand-painted wooden jewelry and traveling to art shows. Soon, this turned into a family affair: my dad would cut the wood in his shop, the kids would base coat, and Mom would paint the details. (Eventually, I got to do detail-painting, too!) We’d go to art shows on the weekends and sell the jewelry we had created together. Read more>>

Aaron Michaels | Hunnie Bun Hunnie B. LaBeija | Drag Queen | Makeup Artist | Actor | Model

I chose to pursue a career in Drag because it felt right. I kind of feel like it chose me! I always knew I was “different”. From as early as I can remember I loved the glitz and glammer of hair, makeup and fashion. Then I discovered DRAG! I started drag at the age of the 13, with my first time ever in drag being on my 13th birthday. I remember feeling so strong and empowered. Read more>>

Nyasia White | Aspiring Photographer/Military

All my life, I have always been in love with art and creativity. I dipped my toe in the different types of art like painting, digital art, fashion design, but what stuck out to me the most was photography. There was always something about capturing moments in time that stuck out to me. Taking the best picture to look back on and have my mind flourish with memories. At first it just a hobby for me, but other people other people started taking a liking to my photographs. Read more>>

Emilie Jimenez | Freelance Writer & Book Coach

Writing was in my bones!! I vividly remember writing (and unfortunately also illustrating) a short book when I was in elementary school. I was captivated by the process and loved seeing the final product. I received so much encouragement along my journey—my high school English teachers, my college writing advisor and professors, my family and friends—that it was almost impossible to ignore the call to write. Read more>>

Christopher Marszalek | Producer & Co Founder of Each Day

We are pursuing an artistic career because we feel called to it, and it gives us fulfillment. Waking up, and knowing it is your job to create something meaningful to the soul is a fantastic way to start the day. It’s daunting sure, but great to know that our work doesn’t just make life easier, hopefully it can impact people in a deeper way that grows them as an individual. Whether that is because they have new perspective, were able to cope with something, or are just simply in a better mood. Read more>>

Jordan Armijo | Musician, Nutrition Coach, Mixed Martial Artist

I always admired musicians and artists growing up for their ability to spill their heart out on a stage in front of strangers. However, I became enamored with Bob Marley at a young age when I learned that his music had literally helped liberate Zimbabwe, and how he impacted Jamaica politically during his career, as well as his ability to unify people that were otherwise not allies. When I realized music could impact lives in these ways I decided I wanted to write impactful music. Read more>>

Diana Care | Professional Synchronized Swimmer and Creator of Wet Swim Show

I pursued a creative career because I couldn’t imagine doing anything else other than what I love. I grew up in Las Vegas in the 80’s and 90’s and was always around eccentric entertainers and performers that just fascinated me. I recognized from a young age that these creative adults were able to able to make a living being their authentic selves following their passion and it had a lasting impression on me. I knew what I wanted to do at a very young age, I started performing at age 6 and began synchronized swimming at age 11. I never wanted to do anything else and after graduating college with a degree in Theater having a “normal job” wasn’t an option. Read more>>

Ancient Echoes | Rock band

To be honest, it wasn’t really like I had another choice. I was never great at holding down day jobs, following orders, being on time to a job I wasn’t passionate about and collecting paychecks was never really my thing. I always felt like every time I got fired it was the universe saying louder and more bluntly that I should be doing what I’m passionate about. Music is just what I’ve been drawn to my whole life, there was never really any other option, learn to make money off of music or starve to death haha. Read more>>