Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Caitlin Kelly | Brand Expert & Dog Lover

From day one I always knew I wanted a career in the art field. Growing up I attended art school and acquired my skills with each lesson. By the time I was a junior in high school I decided I wanted to be a graphic designer. Graduating at 17, I wasted no time and started to study for my BFA in Graphic Design before I turned 18! I went to school all year around and managed to graduate with my BFA in Graphic Design in 3 years. I absolutely loved it! After I graduated I spent time working at consulting offices and print shops to acquire the knowledge I have today in the print and design industry. I always wanted to be my own boss, so in 2016 I started my design business, Copper Theory Creative. We offer branding, design and print services to small businesses. It was the best decision I ever made! My version of changing the world is making your brand be seen in the best way possible, so you can change the world in your own way! Read more>>

Ron Placone | Comedian, Writer & Podcaster

There’s nothing quite like being on stage and performing live. It’s one of the absolute greatest feelings in the world. From the first time I got my first laugh on stage I thought, “yes, this is what I want to do.” For a long time I needed a day job to make ends meet. And it killed me. I remember this one time I had a gig on a Thursday night, and I had to be back in the office Friday morning. I was lamenting to the headliner, who was a full-time comic, and he said, “hey man, it’s all good. Right now, you’re Superman. Tomorrow, you just gotta go be Clark Kent for a bit, but it’s not forever, and don’t forget, you’re Superman.” That was solid advice. I mean, I’m definitely not Superman, I’m just a comic, but I dig the metaphor. When I have the inevitable bad day (which happens, especially in these times), I remind myself there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing. Read more>>

Imagine Threads | Clothing brand/streetwear

The path for my career was initially in many different mediums of work, but most were just positions held without any passion or love involved just a “job’ to make money. At a young age I knew I had a love for fashion, clothing, design, etc. as most do during a young age but for me it was almost an escape. Just as my passion grew, the road ahead was not following. I’ve had to take a different route to get where I wanted now. In present time I’m following my aspirations of that young kid who had so much passion for fashion, pursuing and following the business plan I set for myself during my college years. The “why”.  Read more>>

Ashley Ambrosio | Artist, Educator, Yogi

My business Spring + Vine has been constantly growing and evolving over the past two years. I initially started this creative endeavor because I had just moved to Tucson by way of Canada and was looking for an artistic outlet to dive into. Before I made the move here, I had spent the last 12 years as a dedicated high school Math teacher and a school counsellor in Vancouver, and although supporting and empowering young people will always be my driving force, I knew I needed a break from the school system and was looking to explore new and uncharted horizons. Art and creativity has always played a central role in my life, whether it was endless doodling as a kid, or my lifelong love of music and singing, as well as dabbling in a few different mediums.. it’s always been close to my heart, but no formal classes or training to speak of and really no intentional time or space devoted to engaging in it.. Read more>>

Casper Artistry | Multimedia Artist

Throughout my life I felt an urge to create and it became my biggest passion and my therapy. I wanted to continue creating and to move people with my art. Art with no restraints, only captivating and heartfelt no matter the medium being used. My wish is to give something beautiful to this world and to break through our barriers and walls of stigma. Something that touches a spirit and reaches the soul. Art is a way to dig deeper if we pay attention. It is a way of viewing the world and being curious to all aspects of life good or bad. Read more>>

SkRUFF ZONA | Hip-Hop Artist & Entrepreneur

It gives me an ample amount of ways to be myself and show off my creative artsy side. I get to be in my own bubble, set my own schedule and show off in my own way, shape, and form. Read more>>

Roxy R Gory | Hair Artist

I grew up in a private catholic school from kindergarten to 8th grade, very conservative, uniforms, the whole nine yards. You weren’t allowed to color your hair, paint your nails, we couldn’t even wear colors that weren’t part if the uniform! After getting in trouble for having a French manicure once, and another time being sent home because my Mom colored a blonde highlight in my hair I realized my only way to express myself and be a little different was how I styled my hair. Read more>>