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.

Alexis Janae | Artist, Singer and Songwriter

I always knew that I was going to pursue something artistic whether it was dance, theater, or music, it was just something I was naturally good at. Almost 2nd nature so it was definitely a no brainer that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was exposed to Art at a very young age, I went to an arts school, all of my Internships were art related. I have yet to find anything that I enjoy more than making music, its so rewarding. Playing a song that I wrote, being able to network and travel to work with other creatives to build something magical and the audience receiving that in a positive way theres really no better feeling. Read more>>

Tyler Rathjen | Owner/President, Decibel Blue Creative Marketing & PR

I chose to pursue a creative career because my upbringing provided me with a unique perspective on the world. I grew up in a household where my father was in the banking industry. It exposed me to the analytical and structured nature of that profession. However, I realized from a very early age that my brain didn’t want to follow in the family footsteps. My strengths and passions where always in the realm of creativity. I have always found myself drawn to the artistic expressions found in film, video games, and design. These mediums allowed me to explore and appreciate the power of storytelling, visual aesthetics, and the emotional impact that creativity can have on individuals. Read more>>

Avery Raquel | Alternative Soul Singer/Songwriter and Billboard charting artist

My name is Avery Raquel and I am an Alternative Soul Singer/Songwriter from Toronto Canada. Music has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember. I started singing at age 4 and soon after began performing professionally when I was 10. I have always been drawn to a creative and artistic lifestyle/career. I have 3 solo records out and a new EP on the way for 2024 and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Having a career in the creative field has been so inspiring and has allowed me to change peoples lives with the power of music. I have been an award winning songwriter for many years now, and it is so special to be able to connect with people through the things that I create. Read more>>

Sami Lange | Paper Dye Artist

I have always been immersed in the world of making. Ever since I was young, I have constantly stitched, painted, sewn and made art. I got a sewing machine at age 8 and proceeded to make small quilts, pants, pillows, anything I could come up with. We moved around the country when I was younger because of my father’s job and art was always a constant theme. My mother, an amazing artist herself, taught me early that art was always forever changeable. There was never fear of making something beautiful or being perfect with the work because it could be cut up, painted over, or edited. Starting young with this mindset allows me to be experimental today. I consistently build on my art skill set which gives a feeling of control, while still allowing me to be creative and explore the possibilities. Read more>>

Mark Crockett | Writer/Producer

Lord…in my case it was a slow progress of doing something that I really loved (I’ve been writing since I was a kid) that eventually trapped me in the dopamine rush of seeing my creations (essays, stories, articles for magazines/newspapers, screenplays and finally books) enjoyed by other people. Read more>>