Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Maddie Lord | Interior Designer

I have always naturally found myself in need of creative outlets, I spent a lot of my time drawing and participating in theater from a young age. As I got older, I found the same joy and happiness in designing and I was able to continue my love of drawing and creating in my career. Read more>>

Andrew Shoemaker | Photographer/Gallery Owner

What was your thought process behind starting your own business? Well first we had to find the right space for an art gallery and it all just kind of happened very fast. We had a bit of remodeling to do and luckily I had a contractor friend who was eager to help out. After a few weeks we were ready to open and I brought 20+ years in gallery experience with my business partner and gallery director so I felt confident that we would succeed. Read more>>

Greycen Ferguson | Brand & Web Designer

I’ve always been someone with many interests and have never done well when my options are limited. My creative career has allowed me to explore different passions from photography and illustration to graphic and product design. Read more>>

Mandy Tom | Owner & Designer of Happy.Crafted

I’ve always loved designing and creating new products as an engineer and product manager, and I was particularly interested in the design aspect of product creation. But, having a more technical background in math and science, I find myself having a hard time shaking this imposter syndrome feeling that’s tugging at me now that I’m nose deep in this new creative career. Read more>>

Thomas Stanley | Multimedia Artist

I pursued the artistic path toward photography and evidently going into film editing because growing up I have always had a keen eye on images or anywhere I am. To be quite frank I was like a walking camera lens cause I always want to have that right angle rather if I shoot with my camera or do video editing. Read more>>

Lily Junker-Gregson | Photographer

I have loved art ever since I was a little kid and growing up, I thought I couldn’t make it as an artist because everyone is an artist. I still took art classes, photography classes, drew with charcoal and color pencils, wooded burned, and I also danced as well, art never left my life. Read more>>