Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Mark West | Artist, designer photographer and all-round creative

I discovered quite early in my life, that creativity and expression were exciting to me, and came relatively easy (with some practice of course). visual art and music seemed much more exciting to me than any other extra-curricular activity, and quickly grew outward to include all kinds of visual and musical variations—so it was never just one thing that got me. Read more>>

Audrey (she/her) Baunez | Creative Lead – Photographer & Filmmaker

From an early age I’ve been fascinated by images, movies and story telling. A passion that kept growing with time. I started making little videos and taking photos as a teen, I experimented with different topics, tried to reproduce perfume ads, film shots, the main goal was always to tell a story, whatever the media was, I wanted my audience to feel something. Read more>>

Mariah Manuelito | Indigenous Baker & Decorator

Growing up food was definitely a symbol of love, the women in our family would cook big meals and make sure every mouth was fed. Knowing that food could have that type of impact on a person I knew I wanted to pursue a career in that industry. As I learned and took courses I realized my creativity was better suited for the baking & pastry world. Read more>>

DEL HENDRIXSON | Global Founder – Bajito Onda Community Development Foundation Charity

The summer I graduated HS in Arkansas, I found myself with never before free time I spent many hours in parks with a black India ink, a pen and a blank paper from a sketch book. I never thought of my self as being creative, more than anything I was ‘curious’ about everything from psychology to fishing to just kicking back and letting my parents support me. Read more>>

Jeremy Sisneros | FaceRipper Guitarist Jeremy S.

I’ve always enjoyed creating something that people would enjoy. I’ve tried many things before setting on music. I tried doing sports or getting into stuff other people liked but non of it was really for me. It wasn’t until the end of my first year in middle school till I figured out I had a passion for music. Read more>>