We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Casey Daron | Bassist, Afterimage

Casey: I have always been drawn to creation my whole life, whether it be drawing, writing, making movies, or writing music. In high school I started listing to music with a more fanatical passion, and very quickly started playing and writing my own. The next natural step was forming a band. Afterimage is the second band I have been in, and by far the most successful. For me, it is an outlet to express my creativity and pay homage to the bands and musicians I love, while still maintaining my own sense of originality. To put it shortly, music is fun. Read more>>

Bailey McVicker | Artist & Entrepreneur

Growing up, I always loved to create in any way that I could. Whether that be through drawing, coloring, painting, dancing, or building things, I always found the most joy when I was creating. As I went through school that passion always stayed with me, and it became my biggest goal to one day become a full time artist. Like many other creatives in this world I was told by peers that it was not a smart path, and that I should keep the art as a hobby or to “have a backup plan”. Read more>>

Laura Thurbon | Artist, muralist, art instructor, art therapy coach

I absolutely loved art since I was a child I was mesmerized by the artwork created by renowned artists. I use to carry around my art books instead of fairy tales. I loved creation, so I had no doubt when I chose to pursue an art career. It was slways my passion. Read more>>

Miwa Keys | Cosplayer & Content Creator

I always loved Halloween, and going to my first convention where I saw people wearing cosplays even when it wasn’t Halloween was really cool to me. I wanted to do that, I wanted to bring to life characters that gave me and others so much joy! My family was very supportive and after making my first cosplay for Medli from The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, I felt like I could create anything I put my mind to. I have continued to prove that true these past 7 years since starting. Read more>>