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.

Shannon Foster | Nail Tech & Artist (drawing/painting)

I believe that in my heart being creative brings so much to the world. I knew I was an artist in 3rd Grade, and it just stuck with me. I had many people throughout the years who encouraged me to keep at it with my artistic abilities. Read more>>

Kayla Strack | Independent Hairstylist

I have always had a creative mind. I knew I couldn’t do something that I would get bored of. This industry is hard! Not just in the sense of everything you learn in school and with experience, but turning it into a career. Read more>>

Vivian Stearns-Kohler | Visual Artist

My earliest recollection is that I always was a creative, expressive individual. Even during my professional career, I always found time to take art classes and create. In retirement I have developed my artistic repertoire to include fused glass, oil and acrylic paintings, pastels, watercolor, pottery, wearable art/home décor, jewelry making and painting with paper. Read more>>

Lauren Gabriel | Cookie Artist and Instructor

I always enjoyed art from an early age. I used to love to draw and I found it to be therapeutic. I would spend hours in my room, sitting at my sketching table with my headphone on, getting lost in my drawings. As I got older and went away to college, I didn’t really have time for art, and I feel like I lost a part of myself. Read more>>