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.

Leah Lopez | HairArtist- Salon Owner

In choosing an artistic/Creative Career. I became highly self motivated very quickly, Becoming competitive and eager to learn all the tricks of the trade in the Cosmetology Industry. Not only do I love a good challenge and to learn. I was also curious about all the different avenues and skills, I could aquire and gain experience in. Read more>>

Nyajuok Kueth | Model & Entrepreneur

I decided to pursue a creative career for many reasons. The main ones being my want to do what I love, and to make a change for those wanting to pursue those fields. This is something I felt only a creative career could offer me. Read more>>

Margarita Cruz | Margarita Cruz received her MFA in Creative Writing from Northern Arizona University.

When I was younger, I really wanted to be a writer because my family was full of storytellers but I only saw people who didn’t look like me become writers…and I think that kind of pushed me to keep trying to write and publish work. The community I grew up into were not writers, and so when I was in my undergraduate program I really looked for that community and found it in Flagstaff. There were writing events, readings, poetry slams, and people meeting everyday of the week. Read more>>

Cecilia Taylor | Photographer

Pursuing the art of photography as a career was a bold choice for me. Growing up, I was taught to value desk jobs, working 9-5 for a salary or hourly wage. This lifestyle never really appealed to me. Being creative is part of who I am, and if I can turn that into a career I will love then I will do everything I can to make that happen! It started with playing the flute in band when I was younger, and turned into loving the arts! I felt that if I could make a good or even decent living off of photography then I have accomplished something, not only for myself but for my family. I want to show my daughter that you can do anything and be anything you want if you believe in yourself and work hard. Not only that, but being your own boss definitely has its benefits! Read more>>

Caroline Young | Asian Artist

From an early age, external forces have guided me in that direction. My mother’s belief in my artistic ability, the mentorship of my art teacher, the appreciation of my collectors, my “discovery” by a leading art publisher who put me under exclusive contract, the gallery successes, none of which was sought by me. All just kind of lined up as if it was the natural order of things. Read more>>