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.

Esther Czyrski

As a child I loved doing crafts and I loved spending time with other people. When I was in high school and it was time to decide on what I would do as a career, I honestly had no idea. There was nothing that I was really interested in besides doing crafts and at that time it did not seem like an option. I decided to become a legal assistant. It was through this job that a coworker asked if I would come and do a birthday party for her daughter because she knew that I made jewellery. From that it just kept growing and growing until I was able to leave that job and pursue this business full-time. So I did not pursue an artistic career, it just happened, but I believe that things are meant to be and this job is what I am meant to be doing. Read More>>

David Mastikosa

I chose an artistic path because it resonates with me—as a force that shapes society, sparks dialogue, and bridges cultural boundaries. Music is more than sound; it is a medium of discovery, innovation, and connection. Through writing music, I explore and seek to expand the language of contemporary classical music, while my work in cultural management and education ensures its vitality and broader reach. Read More>>

 Noam Friedlander

I wrote my first book when I was six. It didn’t get published but, even at that young age, I enjoyed watching my family read it and laugh. I started writing more books, for birthdays, for friends, some of them had illustrations and cartoons, and I realized the only thing I wanted to do was write. I’ve been a journalist, a best-selling author, a columnist, an award-winning script writer and poet. Even though I’ve pivoted away from my creative career at times, putting words on a page has always been my calling. Read More>>

 Buddy Zapata

I’ve been insprired by the creative mind and life since I was a child. Artistic endeavor is a part of everything I have done throughout my adult life. I have pursued creattivity as long as I can remember; from music as a teenager, architecture through college and 38 years of practice while also playing and writing music. I feel as if I’ve had no other choice. It’s what I still do to this day Read More>>