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.

Richard Trujillo | Artist, Ideator, Arts Education Professional

I started riding bulls in competition when I was five years old. My dad and I were members of a Mexican Western rodeo club called the Vaqueros in South Phoenix, Arizona. I rode in Phoenix Jaycees and Scottsdale Rodeo parades and did trick roping on a parade float. Read more>>

Mia Nelson | Dance Teacher & Dance Team Coach

Since the beginning of my life, I have always been surrounded by artistic creators and mentors. I could not see my life without dance. it has been there for me through the best of times, and the worst of times. The people I surrounded myself around really helped shape me into the person I am today. Read more>>

Derek Waldmann | Musician/Violinist

I’ve always wanted to push the boundaries of what music can be and what the violin can do. That’s what art is about to me, creating something that hasn’t been born into this world yet. After recording violin and singing on over 40 released songs with some of the biggest artists in reggae over the last 5 years as a professional musician, I feel like I’ve really hit stride in my artistry and my ability to pull magic from the aether of creation. Read more>>

Luca Flores | Aerial Acrobat

When I was younger, I used to do gymnastics. It was a lot of fun being able to perform tricks in a routine in front of judges and I really enjoyed the competition aspect of it. However, once I was finished with level 7 at the age of 11, I was too young to move up to the next level. Read more>>

Laura Cheadle | Professional Singer/Musician

I was born with music in my soul. I grew up with musician father and saw what an exciting life it was. It surely didn’t ’push me’ into it as I organically found my own way. The most amazing part of an artistic career is the people you meet and how different every experience is. I would go crazy doing the same thing over and over again with my personality! Read more>>

Xenia Smith

Pursuing a creative career just felt natural, my interests have changed and grown but I’ve always been a hands on kinda gal. I have a lot of memories as a kid being very artsy, especially with my grandparents. My dad’s parents had a closet with every single art supply you could possibly need from paints and crayons to beads and clay. Read more>>