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.

TaiReikca L.A. | Actor, Stage Manager, Poet & Writer

Why not?! Being artistic/creative is freedom. When I’m creating my own work, I have to follow no ones rules but mine. And I don’t have to make it follow what the world is; I can create my own world, my own universe and it’s a beauty that is unmatched. Similarly when I work with other artists. We collaborate to bring into life the reality of the creation. Not only is the end result something to be proud of; the process, or the journey to that point is equally as beautiful, if not more. Read more>>

Jeanette Lilliane | Designer & Fine Artist

I never really considered anything else because nurturing my creativity is an essential part of maintaining a healthy mental state for myself. My well being depends on having a creative outlet where I can work out my problems, and that outlet has always occupied an outsized portion of my life. Additionally, I’ve found that being a creative professional puts me in the best position to discover other people just like me, who have similar professional goals and personal interests. Seeking out and forming those connections with others is vital in the creative world, and it’s one of the things I find most rewarding. Read more>>

Zairre Wright | Photographer

I believe being creative keeps you alive and more alert. Being in the creative mindset makes you notice things that many people overlook. I didn’t want to be bored everyday with the same routines so with art it is a lot easier to keep yourself entertained. Read more>>

Jackie Harvey | Photographer

I truly loved seeing how people light up when in front a camera and thought to myself, “Wow! How amazing would it be to do something I love as a serious matter?” I love being able to capture people’s special days and moments and give them something they can look back on indefinitely. Photography was something I have always enjoyed because it allowed me to bring out my artistic side and capture people in ways they have never seen themselves before. It truly felt like something I could pursue and enjoy at the same time. Read more>>

Alex Kayes | DJ & Producer

Pursuing an artistic career is what gave me the most joy. I noticed myself enjoying everything about the process and getting lost in the creative process and just being so overjoyed when I’d finish something. It allowed me to express myself in a way that I just wouldn’t be able to in any other way, and sort of channel my emotions and feelings into something that I felt would represent me. Even though I’m still a small artist, just when even one person tells me that they enjoy my music or my music helped them get through their day, it makes all the hardships that come with pursuing an artistic career worth it. Read more>>