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.

Autumn Dominguez | Saxophonist, Vocalist, and Composer

I pursued an artistic and creative career because it’s exciting, and I believe it takes a special kind of individual to dedicate his/her life to being in that creative space. I don’t know if there’s another career that would bring me the amount of joy, sadness, and challenge that playing music does; and that’s the exciting part! Read more>>

Ariel Carrillo | Published Model & Content Creator

I pursued more of a creative career because I felt like it made my soul happy. My full time day job is more business professional, stressful, and fast paced. It doesn’t allow me to express myself. Read more>>

Miki Rose | Illustrator

I would be lost doing anything else. Being an artist is who I am at my core. I see everything through the lens of my work. I have so much to say, and I want everyone to be able to see what I see. I would even say that’s my purpose, and if I waste my precious time on this earth ignoring it then I’ll most definitely die with deep regret. This life would be all for nothing. Read more>>

Joseph Salmon | Digital Media Specialist

When I was younger I used to think that I wanted to be an engineer. I loved the thought of being able to build something with my hands and be proud of it. As I got older and developed a disdain for mathematics, I started to explore film-making as a hobby. When I was about 7 or 8, I would make stop-motion Lego videos with my family’s camcorder and Windows Movie Maker. Read more>>

Adrieanna Gaston | Model, Creator & Event Planner

It’s difficult to say exactly why I chose to pursue a creative career other than it makes me happier than anything else I’ve done. I have always been a naturally creative person, from drawing, to makeup and fashion, to event planning. There is something beautiful about taking a dream or an idea and bringing it to life before your eyes. So when I finally realized I could create a sustainable and fulfilling career doing what I love, why not put everything into it? Read more>>

Michael Takla

I’m 36 years old, living in Los Angeles with my wife of 14 years and our 4 beautiful children. My story goes all the way back to 1998 at the age of 12 when I was able to try sushi for the first time, well I wouldn’t really call it “sushi”, as it was just a California Roll but it instantly became my favorite food. Read more>>