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.

Jake French | Singer/Songwriter of Drive Safe

I think I could speak for a lot of creatives by saying it’s this deep rooted passion that overtakes your whole being when you’re in the “zone”. A lot of people will hear “there isn’t much money in the arts”, but that’s not what the motivating factor is. The passion that comes out when you give yourself enough time to create…It feels like that’s what you’re meant to do. Read more>>

Rebecca Miller | Letterpress Printing Pre-press Specialist and Customer Service Lead

Art allows me to braid both my interests in creative expression and helping others speak their voice as well. Working in letterpress as a pre-press and customer service has been a blessing in this arena Read more>>

Geri Wright | Arizona Theatre Company Executive Director

It was actually my nonprofit career that naturally moved me into the artistic field. I have worked in the industry for more than 25 years and the arts found me! I started in the human services nonprofit field and made the jump to the creative side when I started at the Heard Museum in 1998. I’ve been here ever since and love the joy that the arts bring to peoples’ lives. Read more>>

Ashley Gevon | Cosmetologist

Growing up with three sisters, you can imagine how crazy getting ready in the mornings would be. My oldest sister was the braider in our family and my mom went to her for all of our cute little hairstyles. Read more>>

Hanh Bui | Independent Artist & Model

I sold my first painting in Kindergarten and was awarded high rankings in local competitions. Every year I improved on my skills and picked up different experiences to add to my way of life. Pursuing creative work encourages me to have confidence in handling the challenges life throws at me by practicing patience, acceptance, mindful awareness, and decision-making to create what I called art. We can make our lives works of art. Read more>>

Teresa & Charles Foster | TIKTOK Positive Vibe Couple

Honestly we both were introduced to Tiktok a couple years ago during Covid. We are just an old couple enjoying life together.. We unfortunately lost loved ones in our past and feel they put us together here on earth to take care of each other. Read more>>