Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Mireille Nashimoto and Phil Free | Holistic Health, musicians in the Phil Free Band, sustainable building and landscaping

Both of us have been ones to think outside the box. Neither of us could be contained by anything conventional. Both extremely imaginative and creative by nature, it only makes sense that our projects have been an extension of the way we see the world. This world is magnificent and complex and we both imagine what is possible and have dedicated our time and energy towards what we see is possible, even if those around us doubt or want to say otherwise. Read more>>

Jordan Kownacki | Artist & Entrepreneur

To put it simply, it’s the only thing that has ever really made me feel fulfilled in the working world has been art. Looking back, every job that I’ve ever had, I always found a way to incorporate some kind of creativity and my art into it. From painting and blinging out a headset when I worked in customer service, to being able to have my canvas art hanging up at California Sock Company, to making sure that every kid that I ever nannied for knew the basics of painting… that was just the tell tale sign that it needed to be my number 1! Read more>>

Gretchen North | Professional Artists

Pursuing an art career was a very easy and obvious choice for me. I am from a very creative and artistic large family. When I was just ten years old, I would go with my dad to art shows and draw portraits. Once I drew eighty portraits in one day. I’ve always been drawn to anything creative and artistic. Many years ago, I worked in a bakery and loved the creative side of cake and pastry design. I also had started a business sculpting and painting Santa’s and other Christmas related items. Read more>>

Takatoshi Osada | Surfing Wave Artist

Because I had nothing. Ever since I was a child, I have been clumsy, indifferent, and insensitive. not good at talking to people I think there were many misunderstandings due to a lack of communication skills. Even so, I was really happy that the people who cared about me were happy to see my work. And even if I didn’t win the competition, I was able to continue until now because there were people who were happy even if I wasn’t evaluated by many people. Read more>>