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.

Sabrina Silva | Digital Marketing Specialist

Growing up I was always creative. It was my hobby 24/7 to draw, paint, craft, anything. When I went to college (for science) and I never seemed to be happy about the direction my career was going. It was my last year in college and my friend’s aunt approached me to sell skincare. I agreed however she didn’t have a website for me to send clients too. After months of waiting, I got impatient and told her I’d create her a website. Next thing I knew, I was designing marketing material, creating social posts, and assisting with any other business needs. That when I felt that could be my career and that’s exactly what happened. Read more>>

Michael Thomas | Musician/ Songwriter

I had no other options really. To function without making music would just lead me down a road that isn’t healthy. Read more>>

Hilliard Meeks | Actor, Writer, Director

Honestly, I always felt that our art is what lives on in our place, here, after we pass. I know It sounds a bit preachy, but I have always been fascinated by the way art out lives us. That’s a beautiful gift that we get to share with our Creator. I think during the pandemic, we all saw how valuable creatives and art were to ease tough times. I don’t know if we will have to incur such times again, but I do want to help bring entertainment and comfort to anyone and everyone no matter the season of life that they are in. Read more>>

Leatea | Local Musician & Artist

Music is one of those things that has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I began learning to play the violin at age 4, which I still play now; in middle school, I learned guitar and clarinet, and in high school, I began writing music. In 2020, my friends pushed me to publish my music, and in 2021, I performed as Leatea for the first time. Music is a creative outlet for me; I feel that I can reach people (and therefore parts of myself) in ways that I might otherwise be unable to do. Read more>>

Emmanuelle Schena | Visual Artist and Community Heath Nurse

I would say that it happened naturally and gradually. I didn’t put any pressure on myself to create my own business, because I only posted photos for fun and to share them with the people close to me. Then I got into the game, and I published very regularly. As a result, my visibility has increased, among other things, on Instagram, but also thanks to the power of algorithms to reach people with an interest in photography in particular. Read more>>