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.

Grinneli Sandoval | Dance Teacher / Professional Dancer

My creative career started at a young age, I have many memories of being a child, dancing, acting, using creative costumes and committing to the character. Later I discovered that I didn’t do it just for fun, but to entertain my audience at parties and family gatherings. It all started there in my childhood. Growing up I kept active in dance but at the same time studying a business degree for the peace of mind of my parents, which I also recognize contributed a lot in my life to be able to make a bridge between my creative and dreamy part and my rational and realistic self. Read more>>

Shanika Scarborough | Artist & Tattoo Apprentice

Pursuing a career in art is honestly just what made the most sense to me. Art has always been a constant in my life. I have been drawing all of my life and then picking up as many other creative hobbies as I could along the way. I’ve always been the type of person that wanted to be able to do a little bit of everything, and this path was the only one that would allow me to do as much of that as possible. Nothing else would have been as fulfilling. Read more>>

Preston Swirnoff | Musician, Artist, Educator

It wasn’t really a choice…I think I’ve been making art and creative projects since I was a small child. I don’t know why but it just came out of me from as far back as I can remember. A lot of us run from what we really should be doing because it’s hard or scary or isn’t popular with our family or doesn’t have a prescribed path to success. I’ve realized that the more true one is to themselves, the richer their life becomes and the more they have to offer others. Read more>>

Jack Kennedy | MMA Island Podcaster

For me, I have been into creative things my whole life. From a very young age, I would make stupid movies on iMovie or film short videos just for fun. When I lived in California, my best friend and I loved all things sports. So, when I had to move, we created a podcast and called it JT Media. I kept up with that podcast for a while even though it didn’t go anywhere. Read more>>