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.

Saddaf Yusuf

I pursued an artistic and creative endeavor because, for me, creation has been both an act of self-liberation and a form of healing. My jewelry brand, Hera Jewels, was born out of a deeply personal healing journey, full of a lot of struggle, growth, and transformation. As someone who has battled mental health challenges throughout my life, I’ve always been drawn to objects that hold meaning, energy, and protection. Read More>>

Melissa Erker

Because I needed to. Creativity has always been part of who I am, and I knew early on that I wouldn’t thrive in a traditional office setting. I tried it, sitting under fluorescent lights, answering emails, staring at a computer all day, but it drained me. I wanted to create, to work with my hands, to bring ideas to life in a way that felt meaningful. Read More>>

Sativa Minerva

I choose the creative career to create lol. As a creative you need to be free to express yourself and your art however you see best represents it in that moment. As a free spirit, being a professional creative gives me the freedom to work anywhere in the world and move as I please. I also found music to be the way to reach the masses and really be of true positive influence. Read More>>

Jan Domacena

Growing up in Guam, I was deeply influenced by skateboarding, punk, hip-hop, graffiti, and streetwear. After high school, I moved to San Diego and attended MiraCosta College in Oceanside, unsure of what I wanted to major in while taking general education courses. At the time, my sister was studying graphic design, and though it didn’t immediately click for me, I remember seeing her work and thinking, I could do that too. Read More>>