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.

Dillon Andrews | 3D Modeler & Digital Sculptor

I chose an artistic career because it has literally always felt like the path I was meant to be on. Creative expression has always been incredibly important to me, and I see it as an opportunity to never stop learning. Read more>>

Zelda Morning Star | Tattoo Artist & Spiritualist

For me, pursuing an artistic career was something I never actually questioned. Though I definitely questioned what artistic medium it was that I wanted to pursue the most, the more artistic and whimsical side of the world was something I always felt extremely connected to. I have been in awe with the magic of nature since I was a child, and my love for the Earth inevitably led me to finding a very spiritual relationship with life itself.  Read more>>

Heather Mckeown | Costume Designer/Cosplayer

Switching into an artistic career path was one of the best things I have done. I originally wanted to get a degree in marine biology solely because at the time I didn’t realize what that would mean. I felt I was going to grow bored, and hate my job. I made the decision to switch career paths and pursue costume and fashion design. Making the switch allowed me to improve on my craft, get opportunities and connections to showcase my work, and best of all I’m doing something I love doing. Ultimately, the reason for pursuing a creative career was for my happiness. Read more>>

Corey Davis | Cre8tor & “Legal Process Server” (currently retired and may go back)

To be a creative person and homing in on your own creative abilities are something that can break me away from societal norms. I feel like that all the jobs created are only to uphold societal needs and not our own needs that leave people empty and lost due to them not chasing their own needs of fulfillment. I felt that working a 9 to 5pm career left me empty and lost. Jobs offered are only to hold up a person’s need to fit into society and do what they do type mentality. Where we are just trying to keep up with the joneses. Read more>>

Rachel Camacho-mckee | Illustrator & Graphic Designer

I tried the non-artistic career route and realized that my brain chemistry wouldn’t allow it. I couldn’t handle striving for metrics that didn’t matter. In hindsight, I can’t believe I even attempted to be in customer service! I have to do sometime creative with my life, there’s literally no other option. Read more>>

Srika Donthu

I pursued a creative career because music has always been the most authentic way for me to express myself. It allows me to channel emotions, tell stories, and connect with people in a unique way. I’ve always been inspired by artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo, and seeing how they could touch lives through their art motivated me to do the same. For me, being an artist is not just about creating; it’s about sharing experiences and connecting with others who might feel the same way. Music lets me explore my potential and constantly grow, which is a journey I’m excited to be on. Read more>>