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.
Gary Ottonello | Photographer
I had an early fascination with cameras, and when I was in high school I got a job washing dishes at a deli so I could save up for a proper camcorder. Fast forward to after high school, and I was working a warehouse job for 6 years until I started thinking about pursuing freelance photography full time. It’s been over 9 years since I went full time as a freelancer photographer, and I can say it was the best decision I ever made to quit my 9-5 job to pursue working for myself. I love what I do every single day. Read more>>
Kristin Bruce | Painter and illustrator
Partially because my mother was an incredibly talented artist, seamstress, and basket weaver; but also because it was one of the few places I could find solace in what was at times a very lonely childhood. Read more>>
Kiefer Strong | Event Coordinator, Writer, & Music Producer
We pursue an artistic and creative career, because it gives us the freedom to do what we love. It gives us a platform to reach people on a broader spectrum. Not just in material ways, but in the sounds we create, and events we host, we are able to spread love and peace through music, bringing together a community of artist of all realms. Read more>>