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.

Shirish Villaseñor | Artist/ Muralist

The desire to create is a part of me as a person and it has been that way since my youth. I attended college to be a costume designer, but was discouraged from pursuing art as a career when I had to drop out due to financial hardship. Even after all the struggles, I continued to create artwork privately as a means of self reflection and expression. During the 2020 pandemic, the time waiting gave me a chance to reevaluate what is important to me, and who I want to become. Read more>>

Brea Menees | Boutique Owner & Personal Stylist

Choosing an artistic or creative career is often driven by a deep passion for self-expression and a desire to make a positive impact on others. For me, the decision to pursue a career in fashion and personal styling was a natural progression, as creativity runs through my veins. Through fashion, I found a medium that allows me to communicate emotions, thoughts, and personal flair. Read more>>

Jeremy Guffey | Artist , Musician , Podcaster & Landscaper

I decided to pursue my career choices due to the fact that everything I do has a heavy influence of art influence . I have always found that im most comfortable and productive when im using my mind as well as my hands . I luckily was able to find a path that lead me into music and that eventually lead me back to what makes me feel the most fulfilled which is landscaping . With a day job and earning a living , I have been able to expand my artistic endeavors and create opportunities to fulfill my need to create . Read more>>

Cheska Navarro | Film Composer

I’m pursuing a creative career as a film composer because I believe it brings out the best in me. My creative side as an artist and problem solving side as a scientist both get to work together and it’s just a lot of fun! Life has become a great adventure since I decided I wanted to become a composer and I just love it. Read more>>

Myrna Avitia | Photographer

I have always known I wanted to pursue a creative career. Since I was little, I immediately fell in love with creating and how I would perceive people enjoying what they do. However, I didn’t find my particular interest for Photography until college and during the pandemic. I grew up feeling frustrated due to me not finding my particular artistic interest. All I knew is that I wanted to work with art and I somehow had to make it work. This process was not fast, I tried pursuing drawing, painting, screen printing, amongst many other art works (which I still enjoy) but nothing felt like it was my “thing”. Read more>>