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.

Gregory “Seth” Harris

Actually, the career chose me. I had a talent for writing and found increasing joy working with language. I was also a voracious reader and the reading I loved best were novels that increased my understanding of the human animal and this world we occupy. I contribute my own mental health and emotional stability to the many authors I devoured. So when it came time to decide what I wanted to do with my life, the choice was easy: to understand the world as honestly as I could, and reflect that understanding in everything I wrote such that readers might gain a greater understanding of their world and consequently heal themselves. Read More>>

Laura Vonkampen

I firmly believe that every person on this earth has beauty, value, and a story worth telling. I also am constantly in awe of the beauty of the world around us, and I always feel a drive to create photos. The concept of documenting special moments for so many amazing people, in the amazing world we live in, has driven me to pursue my artistic career as a professional photographer. I truly love what I do, and I feel so blessed to have the ability to pursue this career. Read More>>

Courtney Cashon

I would say I ultimately chose an art career because of my love of the process of creating art itself as well as the satisfaction I get from turning an abstract mental concept into something physical and tangible. There are career concerns with the introduction of AI, but that won’t stop me from creating art. AI replacing artists was never even on my radar when I was in art school (SCAD) from 2008-2012. I was leaning heavily into pursuing digital art because of the graphic bold colors, the popularity and demand, and the eco-friendly nature of using less art supplies, not knowing AI was just around the corner. Read More>>

Scarlyt Prewitt

I grew up watching my mom make so many amazing and beautiful one of a kind jewelry and mask pieces. She started to show me how to make jewelry and I fell in love with all the wild and intricate designs we could create. When people would see her work and how their attention would be caught so quickly by all the unique pieces. I was shown how to make one small tail about 6 years ago and ever since I have loved the process of making tails. I hand sew every piece and it takes a long time but I find it most relaxing and therapeutic. Read More>>

Dominic Martella

I’m a fan of independent cinema, from the works of Giuseppe Andrews to Jeff Leroy to Joe Castro. When I watch films from these filmmakers, I feel inspired to make some of my own. I remember seeing Andrews’ film “In Our Garden,” and I was blown away by it. It was one of the lowest budget movies I had ever seen, but it was hilarious and memorable. It showed me I didn’t need a million dollars to make something entertaining. There’s a whole market for low budget films too, especially horror. You can make something inexpensive and have it stream on Tubi for people across the country. It’s a very inspiring time for independent film, and I find making movies to be a lot of fun. It’s a blast to bring a vision to life, and you don’t need to live in Los Angeles or New York City to make it happen. Read More>>

Jessica Worster

I chose to pursue an artistic career because it allowed me to combine my passion for creativity with my love for helping women feel beautiful and confident. As a mother, I also wanted a career that offered flexibility, so I could balance my work life with my family life. Being in the beauty industry gives me the freedom to create while also being present for my children and spouse, which is incredibly important to me. It’s the perfect blend of artistry, connection and flexibility. Read More>>

Teevee

It was about the freedom. I had the freedom to do whatever it was that I wanted to and when I wanted to. Something about that feeling of freedom gives me a massive rush and at the same time it gives me clarity.

I also felt that the world needed another voice for emotion. The emotions that we all keep locked away and that we don’t tell anyone about. That’s why making music is so important to me. It’s a diary of my emotions that I know people out there can relate to and there’s no better feeling than being understood by somebody. Read More>>

Ras Moses

Everyone is born with gifts and as we all know that it is better to give then recieve! Some years ago I had a wonderful job as an consultant for a large medical marijuana start up in Jamaica. I was hired by an affluent American doctor and scientist to be an liason and consultant for a medical marijuana hotel in Negril, Jamaica and a a large scale grow operation for export. The goal was to create medicines to help heal people with cancer. This was a passion and in my wheelhouse as I had spent a great of deal of time in Jamaica over the years and having a corporate background in sales, healing arts and being Rastafari I was uniquely suited for such a dream job! Read More>>