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.

Meco Wade | Salon Owner & Stylist

I pursued an artistic career because I could not live within the conformity of a day to day 9-5 job. I had done so for many years and always found myself seeking a creative outlet after work. The beauty/hair industry gave me the opportunity to express myself on human canvases and help to create something special for myself as well as help the community I serve to feel special as well. Read more>>

James Koenig | Children’s Book Illustrator & Character Designer

For my entire life, I’ve loved drawing. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t do it. From an early age, I could be found doodling at my desk in my room, at the kitchen counter, in the car, or while sitting in church service. If I could find a paper and pencil, I’d be drawing. I remember having a love specifically for characters very early in life. My grandmother talked about a Mickey Mouse drawing I created when I was three. My passion for cartoon characters kept growing from there. All throughout elementary school, I would draw my favorite cartoon and comic book heroes. Read more>>

Mitchell Meech” Manley | Photographer & Videographer

My pursuit of artistry, and specifically photography & filmmaking, can be traced back to my early days as a child, as well as my education. My parents bought me a Flip Video Camera when I was about 5, and from then on I just started to make home videos, recording and capturing the world around me with excitement. As an elementary school student, I was one of only a few students involved in the after-school film club and would make ‘documentaries’ that I entered in state-wide contests, some of which won awards at the time. When I moved on to a liberal arts middle and high school, I was not as technically involved on the artistic side of things, such as working with cameras and making films, but it was here where my foundation and appreciation for true artistry and beauty was built. Read more>>

Tristen Click Stone | Art Director & Educator

I grew up very poor, on food stamps, sometimes living with friends and I knew I didn’t want to end up that way as an adult. I put a huge amount of effort into my education by first graduating high school with my associates degree, and next getting into the competitive University of Washington for architecture. I had spent way too many hours as a teenager customizing my MySpace profile and always loved looking and designed band merch at concerts. I knew I wanted to do something in the creative industry and after researching stumbled on the career path of graphic design. Read more>>