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.

Jaclyn Carles | Macramé Artist & Maker

Art has been the biggest constant in my life growing up through childhood until now. There has never been a time in my life that I haven’t sought out some sort of creative outlet, whether it be playing musical instruments all throughout middle school and high school, acting in the community theater’s plays, to now being a macramé artist. I’m a very hands-on, do-it-yourself type of person and I think that’s what helps my passion in art grow and thrive. Not only does art bring me joy, but I love the joy my creations bring others. Read more>>

Kelsea Little | Senior Manager of Brand Content at GoFundMe

Creativity has always been a huge part of my life. I studied harp and music from a very young age, and majored in literature and writing in college. It was always my dream to find a career that could combine creativity with helping others, and that’s exactly why GoFundMe has been such a dream. Hosting and producing our podcast, True Stories of Good People, is endlessly creatively fulfilling and it also helps amplify the stories of community change makers and everyday heroes whose voices deserve to be heard. I feel thankful everyday for having the opportunity to combine all of these passions at once at the place where I work. Read more>>

Alexandra Kacha | Boudoir Photographer

I have been taking photographs since I was 16 years old, I am now 33. I never believed it could be a full time career, or better yet, a good career. Photography was a artistic expression for me, something I always wanted to do for fun, but as I got older, I realized it is most definitely a job & I wanted it to be mine. The beginning was rough, I was not doing basic boudoir most people saw around, I created my own- I think that helped me keep going. Read more>>

Teresa Tran | Digital Designer & Fashion Stylist

Pursuing a creative career is always a daunting concept. But never more daunting than feeling uninspired, not having a sense of purpose, and/or no longer growing in your craft. I wanted to pursue a creative career primarily to obtain better control over the type of work I create and the type of people I would like to surround myself with. Some of the most important factors that I value in a career path include; learning opportunities, space for autonomy, and a sense of ownership. These values have really led my decision to transition into a freelance creative and in turn, has pushed me to feel more driven, passionate, and curious in my craft. Read more>>