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.

Beth Moore | Photographer + Empath

Ever since I was a little kid, I can remember finding myself drawn to little details that evoked some sort of feeling. The warm feeling of watching the evening sun hit the grass and turns the tips golden. The way that shadows cast on a wall when all of the lights are off inside can make you feel pensive. When I got my very first Polaroid camera I would take a picture of whatever happened to catch my eye, be it dry, yellow leaves covering withering grass or the hundreds of family heirlooms enveloping the walls at my grandparents’ house. Read more>>

Sabrina Shabica | Sabrina Shabica Photography

I never would have thought that I would be a photographer. I remember my husband dropping subtle hints about how creative I was, how good a photographer I could be, how I should pursue photography, etc., but I never truly listened to him. I did not have any experience in photography, besides taking the occasional photo with my phone or Polaroid camera. Read more>>

Thomas Watkins | Fine art nature photographer

My pursuit of a career in the arts is centered on nature photography. The beauty and fragility of nature is incredibly important to me. It’s vibrancy, symmetry and ever changing qualities that exhibit all that is beautiful in this world. I want to capture that beauty and show others exactly what is being taken advantage of. To show them that this is the only world we have and that it should be taken care of. Read more>>

Ridhi Patel | Event Designer & Planner

It’s not worth trading your time for money if you’re not doing what you love. My father always said this to me and growing up, but I rarely took the time to understand what that meant. I love creating things and always have as far back as I can remember. I have memories of making bracelets and opening up my own little shop instead of the usual lemonade stands. Through the years I had small knick knacks I made but it was never a consideration as a career path. I just remember being so proud of each piece. All of those crafting sessions, with my parents often by my side watching, molded my future self. Read more>>