Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Oliver Gosling | Artist, Painter

I had been gravitating towards this since childhood. It wasn’t a decision I made, but a decision that was made in me. A need to touch base with, visualise, manifest and explore an emotional truth, as a way of connecting and being. Read more>>

Andrea Magwood | Film Producer/Director and Beauty Coach

I grew up as an only child and a latchkey kid. When I came home, if I wasn’t doing homework, I was watching TV or reading a book. I used to love when we watched movies in class, I got to see “Gone With the Wind” and “The Princess Bride.” In middle school, we used to rotate into various vocational classes – sculpting, woodwork, mask making, theatre makeup, home ec, etc., and I enjoyed that too. There was this show called “Movie Magic” in the 90s that showed you how movies were made; I thought that was amazing. Read more>>

Elizabeth Frank | Artist

I honestly think that I didn’t have a choice about whether I would be in artist. It was just something I did since childhood. For me making art is right up there with eating and sleeping. That said making a living as an artist is not an easy path. It is always a challenge to balance the creative practice with the practicalities of running a business and ultimately selling the artwork. Read more>>

Kristen Arias | Film Editor & Videographer

I began having an interest in the entertainment industry from a very young age. I originally fell in love with the animation field and had dreams of working for Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, but as I grew older I transitioned away from animation as my passion for film editing, producing, and media began to grow immensely. I firmly believe I’ve always had a natural talent for creativity when it comes to visual storytelling and I love to create films and edit in a way that tells these stories for audiences. Read more>>

Leilani Leilani | Marker Artist

I think a better way to word this is, an artistic career chose me.. I chose to pursue nursing but I never quite felt right or settled. On the outside I had everything, a great career, good money, but whenever I wasn’t at work, I was creating art. Weekends, at night, whenever I could… It was as if my higher self knew all along that this was not my story. And that inner voice got stronger and stronger until I was no longer able to continue working as a nurse. Read more>>

Matt Minsky | Barber

The work life balance is tricky. I left the restaurant industry to pursue barbering. Which in a way gives you more freedom, working as much or as little as you want, but you also are constantly on trying to work around your own life and clients schedules which can get tricky. You have to learn to set boundaries for yourself. As much as you want to be “the dude” its ok to not respond or sacrifice your mental health or your free time you need for yourself to squeeze every single client in, no matter how much social media says differently Read more>>

Chris Jones | Real Estate Professional

Work-life balance is a topic I’m passionate about and it was a significant factor in my decision to enter the real estate industry. I believe maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for my well-being, and it’s equally important to my clients. We connect on this level, I know they appreciate seeing me lead a balanced and fulfilling life, and vice versa. Read more>>

Megan Lange | Mom, Gallery Owner, & Artist

I actually try not to use the word balance. As I find balance is an unattainable mark, as things are always skewed one way or the other. Instead, I gravitate to the term “harmony” and the idea that your life can have a melodious flow. Read more>>