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.

Tesz Millan | Singer & Marketing Director

In many ways, I feel like I didn’t choose my creative career – being an artist chose me. My mother is ultra creative and was very keen on me becoming a singer and performer when I was a little girl. I started taking lessons at the age of 8, and because of her belief in me, earned the opportunity to perform for some important events. As I became older, I used a lot of lessons I learned with her to continue forging a successful singing career in both Los Angeles and Germany, eventually singing around the world. When I decided to take a break from music about 10 years ago, I knew I wanted to pursue a creative profession. That’s when my marketing company, Tesz Millan * Creative, was born. I tell people I get to be creative for businesses so they can best express their brand and the value they bring to their clients. Music has now come back into my life, and now I get to use my marketing skills to help promote and share the new music I am creating for the world to enjoy. Read more>>

Caroline Iversen | Graphic Designer & Artist

Art and creativity literally just runs through my veins. I kid you not — my answer to “What do you want to be when you grow up” has been “a graphic designer” since probably the 6th grade. I just always knew. In school, at home, in my free time, I was always designing things, creating, playing pretend… you name it. I knew from the start I would end up in the creative world. And I’m so incredibly lucky and happy that I ended up being able to do it within my own company. I love to create and I love to help bring other people’s visions to life. Whether that be wedding invitations, a custom illustration to remember a special moment, or a hand-painted jacket to add a little something extra to a sweet gift. Read more>>

Gerald Lamb | Writer, Filmmaker, & Historian

The short answer is that I cannot imagine doing anything else. I feel continually propelled to make things, to learn new skills, and to grow. In what seems like a past life I had jobs assembling plasma sputtering machines, selling knick-knacks, and repairing computers, but at the end of the day I came home unfulfilled and ultimately unhappy. Creating art, in any medium, was always a relief valve and something I needed just to get to Friday. It has not always been an easy journey, but I’ve done everything in my power to focus my life and work around creating and being creative. I feel deeply that we have one short life, one brief moment to explore the universe, and all of us should take full advantage of that. You don’t have to be an artist, but I do believe you should live your life with intention and purpose. My art, my writing and filmmaking, is my purpose. Read more>>

Akisha Jenee Holland | Licensed Permanent Makeup Artist

I decided to pursue a career in cosmetic artistry because it blends two of the things that I am passionate about: art and makeup. I view each permanent makeup session as a live masterpiece that will enhance my clients’ natural beauty and add a more youthful appearance to their look. Read more>>