Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Michael Arellano | Photographer | Designer | Visual Artist

I have always been a creative. Since childhood I was driven to Create art, music and anything that gives me the freedom to design. From graphic design and photography to welding and metal fabrication. Read more>>

Caroline Sowers | Aspiring Ballerina

I fell in love with performing when I was about 5 years old, and my love for it has continued to grow ever since. I am choosing to pursue ballet as a career so that I can spend my life performing! Ballet brings me so much joy; it is truly my passion. I want nothing more than to dance 8 hours a day and hopefully have the chance to dance my dream roles in a professional ballet company. Read more>>

Sierra Aguilar | Collage Artist (Stardust Coyote) & Art Educator

I’ve always felt strongly that anything I am going to do as a career has to align with my values. I could never do a job just for the paycheck. Throughout my life, I’ve always been interested in arts and creativity. Through working in retail, I found that I had a passion and a knack for education. Not only does this tap into a personal passion of mine, but also aligns with my values of being of service to others, elevating diverse perspectives through creativity, and giving people a safe space for expression. Being an artist is part of my identity and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else really. Read more>>