We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Laura Burkhart | Fine Artist / Painter & Woodworker

From the moment I could hold a crayon I was making art. Being an artist was always the dream for me, the obvious answer to what I wanted to be when I grew up. There were certainly several moments along the way when I tried to pursue more marketable skills, more practical lines of work, etc., times when the societal pressure and compounded with my fear of failure and made me doubt it all, but I always found my way back to Art. Read more>>

Faith Marlow | USA Today best selling author

Writing has always been something I loved to do. Taking the leap to share my work with the world seemed like the natural next step. When I received the validation that people enjoyed reading my stories, there was no turning back. Read more>>

Larry Hanelin | Physician and Photographer

I think that it chose me. My father set up a darkroom in an old wood shed in our home when I was 8 years old. Watching a print develop was one of the most fascinating things I can remember from my childhood. Over time I became enamored with making photographs of all things that I wanted to record and share. Now at the age of 80 nothing has changed. I am still following my heart. Read more>>

Michele Naylor | Painter and Greeting Card Designer

I’ve been making things ever since I can remember. I have always been creative even if it’s just coming up with a solution to a problem. Although I did not study art, I have always been interested in it. In the past several years I have taken some art workshops which have spurred me to create. Read more>>