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.

Ancira | Drew Stone-Vox/Songwriter Jimmy Brooks-Drums Rob Bonham-Bass Rich Hatfield-Lead Guitar (Rock Band)

Drew- Coming from a very dark childhood with a family that revolved around mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism, and everything that is a product of that; I struggled to find healthy ways to cope with these struggles. I did unfortunately fall into some of these crutches myself at a very young age but as I grew a remembered that my music was the one thing that was always there to help me through dark times. I wanted to be able to be real with the world and accept my personal demons and help others that are or have gone through similar situations or emotions. Read more>>

Mikaela Wilson | Children’s Book Author

I have always enjoyed being creative and considered myself an artistic person. In my career as an IT analyst, I don’t get to use my creative lens very often. I missed being creative and becoming an author has allowed me to tap back into my artistic side. I thoroughly enjoy the entire book-making process. I love doing the storyboards for my books and designing how I want every page to look from top to bottom. Read more>>

Shiva Honey | Satanic Priestess, Author, & Artist

I decided to go all in on a creative career after spending a decade in the corporate world believing it wasn’t possible to be a professional artist. I was the first person in my family to go to college (let alone obtain a graduate degree), and growing up without many resources, finding a ‘stable’ job was valued over all else. Years into that path, I could see my future in these corporate roles and knew it wasn’t what I wanted. Read more>>

Natasha Papousek | Henna Artist and Painted Paper Collage artist

I was always a creative soul, but I had no idea that I could have a creative career. I was told by my family and career counselors that I should be practical, and do something that has health insurance and a pension. So, I tried to be “practical” I got a degree in International Studies and planned to become a journalist. But the jobs weren’t there when my student loans arrived, and I ended up doing data entry and later became a secretary. I was always the one in the office to design the flyers and create the posters. Read more>>