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.

Oddity Odysseys | Video Creators & Urban Explorers

We have always had a fascination with the art of Storytelling. Starting careers in video and content creation allows the two of us to pursue our passion daily for capturing stories and being able to share these stories with others. Read more>>

Israel Maldonado | Musician, Music Instructor.

I actually was going to be a translator for either the courts or the medical field, I just started to get better at my music skills and I figured out how to make money on my own, it all just came pretty organic I wasn’t doing it for the money at first it just happened. Read more>>

Joseph Szymanski | Photographer, Artist, Educator

I suppose it was never really a choice. Making photographs and creating art are all I’ve ever wanted to pursue if I’m being honest. The idea of getting a job and making someone else money, shuffling paper, selling paperclips, whatever… just seems too depressing and unfulfilling. I’d like to think I have something to contribute, I’d like to think I’m leaving something behind, I’d imagine that remains to be seen. Read more>> 

Tommy Lucero | Independent producer/comedian

The pursuit of an artistic career is both gratifying as it is challenging. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with fulfilling an evening as an entertainer can fill you with the confidence you need to keep pursuing your dreams. As someone who’s been continually working as a producer and an independently touring comedian for over 10 years, I feel I’ve been able to achieve personal landmarks within my field. If not for the capability of keeping good business relationships with various venues and fellow producers I feel I’d have not been fortunate enough to tour as I have. Read more>>

Cody Boone | Architectural Photographer and Cinematographer, Drone Pilot, and Supervising Producer at SERHANT. Studios

I have always leaned towards art and the creative field ever since I was a kid. I remember making videos with my friends early in elementary school with my dad’s VHS camera, and saving up to buy the iPod Touch (remember the ones with the silver backs?) when it first came out. Going into high school, my passion for photography and videography was still a large part of my life, and when the time came for all of us to start thinking about colleges, Read more>