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.

Lauren Frihauf | Singer, songwriter, musician

I grew up in a household where creativity was heavily encouraged- my dad an avid music lover, and my mom an artist herself. I was interested in music from a young age after observing my older brothers as they took up lessons and worked at their respective instruments on a daily basis. Music has been with me all my life; It’s given me an Avenue to express myself and my emotions, and I feel most at home when I’m writing, performing, recording, or working with other artists. I could never see myself pursuing any other type of career! Read more>>

Rosina Revello | Artist, Illustrator, Poet, Crafter

Like for many of us, my love for expressing myself through art started in my childhood. I was raised in a home where fortunately, art and creativity were encouraged and celebrated. Art supplies were always handy around the house, and I enjoyed helping mom with her dolls, dad with his multiple creative projects, while making my own textile collages, or writing poetry. Later on, I did ceramic, paintings for children’s rooms, children’s book illustrations and stories, collages, poetry, interior design… Read more>>

Johanna Mueller | Professional Artist, Printmaker and Co-Owner of Wonderhand Studios

I was always a creative kid, drawing, painting, beading, and doing other crafts, but I quickly learned to capitalize on my talents. I used to paint rocks with extremely detailed designs and then started painting other found objects like bottle and cans, and soda can tabs as necklace charms. Instead of lemonade, I set up a retail stand of my painted goods in front of the house. Read more>>

Liz Ferron | Media Personality & Stand Up comedian

I’ve always been awkward! I am completely right-brained, funny & entertaining. I realized, after many career choices that this would be the ideal business for me Read more>>

Ally T | Photographer & Elopement Planner

For me, art in all forms has always been a way to escape anything going on around me. Art has also continually been a time for me to reflect and grow. But let’s be real: Art Careers are hard. They’re hard to start; to find a niche in; to find community in at times and to actually get paid in. But man, oh man is it worth it. Doing photography (and a few other artistic side gifs) has given me life in a way I didn’t think possible. It’s broken me out of a shell I spent most of my life in. It’s let me meet incredible people with incredible stories and continue to learn about cultural in all different styles. Through all the hardships I’d choose this; 10,000%. Read more>>