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.

Lauren McLeod | Fine Art Photographer

From a very young age, there were two things I knew I wanted in my life. I wanted to be a mother and I wanted to create art. While art has always been part of my life, I first entered the professional world as an educator. I earned a Masters and National Board Certification in Early Childhood Education and taught for over a decade. Read more>>

Kessel | Photographer / Director

I don’t really choose a career in being creative. However, I found that I was given a gift, and people resonate with my work, which makes me happy. I intend to keep creating work. Its been in the last handful of years I have been developing the work I really enjoy. Read more>>

Mista Doesha | Hip Hop Artist

I was always told my writing was creative in school. Doing book reports was always super fun for me. To take a good story and explain the way it makes you feel is an amazing experience. I also had a knack for changing the words of songs to express a situation or experience. Read more>>

Grace Gioiello | Photographer & Artist

I pursued a creative career because it is something I have always been interested in and passionate about. Ever since I was a child I would always spend my free time drawing, painting, collaging, experimenting with needle arts or taking photographs. My grandparents on both sides have a collection of really well photographed family photos that I think should be in a book. Read more>>

Caroline Beidler | Author & Recovery Advocate

I believe that every human being is created for a purpose. My purpose, God showed to me very early on in life. It was two-fold: to help people and to write. One of my favorite memories is of when I was four or five years old and I was with my grandpa. Read more>>