We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Ashlee Hayden | San Diego Newborn and Maternity Photographer

I find that I have always been a creative person and have been drawn to various artistic outlets since I was a child. Photography was something I fell in love with and always went back to. Being a mom to, then, two small kids meant that I was doing what I could to keep providing for them. I started professionally capturing photos in 2011, and my life hasn’t been the same since. Being a photographer allowed me the flexibility to be active in my rapidly growing children’s lives and pursue work that I was incredibly passionate about. Read more>>

Condor Matador | Rockstar

I think music chose me to be honest! When I was a kid music lit my brain up like fireworks. Nothing has ever seemed more important to me than music. When I was 5 years old, I set the Mother Goose poem “Hickety Pickety My Black Hen” to music and choreographed a little dance to it. It just became something that I did. I started playing violin around that time as well. I was also singing in church on Sundays and eventually I started guitar at 13 years old. I wrote my first song when I was 10. Read more>>

P.J. Riley Sr. | Sound Mixer for Film and Television & Sound Engineer

I choose a creative career, because I love the creative process. Being apart of the film industry is such a rewarding feeling when the final cut is put together. Even though I am a Sound Engineer, piecing the puzzle of a film, podcast, or album has this awesome rewarding sensation that keeps me going. Read more>>

Fefe Mae | The Artist

I believe it’s because it was always calling me. Since I was young I was always creative. I just never realized how creative I could really be. With my song writing it was like I would escape into this other deminision and I felt free. It was always a form of therapy for me. When I write I am telling parts of my life story, just in a creative way. When I realized it’s what I wanted to do as a career It changed my mindset in a way. Now I make it a mission to pursue my creative career. It’s not easy, but it’s been worth it so far. Read more>>

Michael Lawrence | Composer, Producer, Keyboardist

I don’t think I really had a choice. It’s in my blood. I was born a musician. Every time I forget this and try something else, it never really goes very well. So I have learned to stick to music no matter what. Read more>>

Velour | Band

Music has a been important throughout our lives. We all started as fans then gravitated towards our instruments. Writing songs and playing them live for an audience is a thrill like no other and is still the driving force behind the band. If we were a cover band, I doubt we would have stayed together this long! Read more>>