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.

Chance Leigh | Singer-Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist

I have always used music as a way to get through hard times. However, I never thought to pursue it as a career until I started writing and recording music. It quickly became a sort of therapeutic ritual where I could reflect on my past and try to express my emotions through my music. Sharing my vulnerabilities through the creative process relieved me of the burden of keeping my feelings secret and allowed me to be truly honest with myself. Read more>>

Lauren Russell | Artist, Tattooer & Esthetician

I pursued an artistic and creative career because it allows me to explore the boundless realms of imagination and expression. Creativity fuels my passion, providing a means to communicate ideas, emotions, and perspectives in unique and captivating ways. There’s a profound sense of fulfillment in bringing something new and meaningful into existence–whether it’s a story, a piece of music, a painting, or any other form of creative expression. Read more>>

Busy Lizzie

Honestly, I never thought about pursuing a career in the arts. I’ve always had an artistic and creative outlook on life—it was like second nature. Maybe that’s why I never thought about it as a career. The day I decided to do art full time as a career was the day I realized I couldn’t bear to live without it. The thought of waking up in the morning and going to a job where I couldn’t practice my creative abilities made me fearful. So I guess I didn’t choose art; it chose me. Read more>>

Venus Gilliam | Entreprenuer | Artist | Influencer

For as long as I can remember I have been creating! from having sketchbooks full of fashion designs at 7 to modeling and walking balls at 15. Being an artist has always been a part of me it was just about having the space to express and showcase it. Read more>>

Spitfire Sparks | Rapper, Producer, Entrepreneur

It all comes back to the love of music. Everything I do in life tends to somehow revolve around music. I feel the beat inside at all times, rhythms and vibrations in everyday life. I always knew I wanted to do something music related, and for most of my life I thought that was going to be just playing drums, which I’ve done from a young age. Read more>>