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.

Zianne Cuff | Multimodality Artist

I pursued an artistic career because creativity has always been an integral part of who I am. Initially expressing myself through writing, I found immense joy in crafting stories. However, over the past four years, I’ve transitioned into using painting as a medium to visually depict these narratives. This shift has been incredibly therapeutic, allowing me to translate my emotions into tangible forms on canvas. The process of painting has been transformative, serving as a means of healing and self-expression. Read more>>

Connor Clement | Rapper, Songwriter and Entrepreneur

I honestly felt like I had to. I think most creatives can relate to that, it’s like there’s a little voice deep inside your gut that almost forces you to create. I have no idea if that’s ego or your spirit or what – but mine was strong, I remember writing songs as a 5-year-old and singing them so much my family would tell me to shut up haha. So I always knew I had to pursue music, I just had to create a sustainable way of living out that dream and those ideas. The same goes for my business/investing interests. I’ve been fascinated with business since I was about 12, I’ve always felt so much more passionate and connected to something when I’m responsible for the outcome and the image and brand. It’s the only way I’ve been able to get my brain to slow down and focus. Business is my passion, building and creating is my dream and I’m working on marrying the two. Read more>>

Laryssa Birdseye | Singer/songwriter/creative director

I know it’s pretty cliche to say it, but I think it chose me. I started my music career a little later than I wanted. After dropping out of college, working in a myriad of fields ranging from burrito wrapping to street canvassing to being a financial recruiter and interviewing former CEO’s (hungover af might I add), I could never shake the quiet voice in the back of my head that asked “is this all there is?” Read more>>