We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Cancion Franklin | Songwriter, guitarist, singer

I have a little bit of trouble with authority, so I knew early on that I would have to work for myself if I was going to be able to do something for the long haul. Little did I know, I would end up having to answer to so many more people than I ever would have if I just got a job somewhere. Read more>>

Dylan Doppelmayr | Owner of Doppelmayr Photography

I started my journey as a creative from a family friend. It was the summer after my freshman year in high school that I got interested in photography. Read more>>

Jada Willis | Personal Stylist

Because I had worked in analyst/managerial role for so long, I was ready to fill the space in my life with what I felt was missing—the opportunity to impact people with the other (creative) side of my brain. Read more>>

Rick J. Delanty | Professional Fine Artist

Early on I realized, in creating my own artworks as a young person, that Art has the distinct capacity to communicate beauty, wisdom and love from one person to another. Read more>>

Oksana Marafioti | Author, Romani Activist, Teacher

There are several reasons for this. 1. My family has worked in artistic and creative fields for generations. 2. I’m an out-of-the-box thinker. Read more>>

Monty Daniel | Photographer

Growing up, I always had a camera in my hand. My family couldn’t afford to get me a nice camera, so I had disposable cameras for a long time. Read more>>

Jodi Richards | Owner and lead photographer for JK Richards Photography

I’ve had a love of art from the time I picked up my first crayon. Art gave me the freedom to express who I was in a way that exceeded any other facets of my life. I have always been creative and art gave me confidence and joy. Read more>>

Alina Dolmon | Cosmetology

I’m motivated but the moment; spontaneity is what drives most of my decisions. I’ve been through the dead end jobs and even worked my way through a technical career but I felt unfulfilled and it usually left me miserable after work. Read more>>

Chantelle Fulce | Abstract Artist and Graphic/Web Designer

I’ve been in the creative field for over three years now and it all happened by accident. I remember the first time I begin doing anything creative, it was like a new dream awakened within me. Read more>>

Torin Floyd | Artist, Singer-songwriter, Humanitarian, & Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

It has been said throughout the many generations amongst the many tribes of humanity all over the world that All is mind and the universe is actually us All experiencing our mental energy in the physical over what we call a lifetime. Read more>>