We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Cash Branson | Cosplayer and Nerd

I think everyone needs a creative outlet. Some find it in full time employment some find it in their hobbies, but exercising creativity is what makes us all human. Read more>>

Ryan Ebaugh | Saxophonist

I’ve always loved music and remember using limewire to get albums like “Live at Folsom Prison” when I was around 9-10 years old. Turning 14 I started going to local shows in San Diego and that’s when I realized I wanted to play music and perform live. I’ve had several phases growing up such as skating, dancing, etc but I was really bad at all of them. When I started to perform, even though I was nervous as hell, It sorta clicked with me and now I’m grateful to say I’m still doing it! Even if it is for 3 people on a Wednesday night and I’ve made no money, it is one of the best feelings in the world for me to play music. Read more>>

Jonald Green | Rapper, Voice Actor, & Landscape Designer

Creativity has always been a huge part of my life. Its been a lot of figuring out how to integrate all my creative endeavors into my work in a professional sense. Either in ways that pay the bills, or feed that need all artists have to create things that move us. Career or no career the ability to create art will always be one way out of the dark for me. Read more>>

Franck Pedretti | Director of Film

Since I was little, I’ve always felt the need to be creative in everything I did. I fell in love with the camera when I was around 15 years old. Back then, there was no editing software—you had to shoot your film “à la gachette,” meaning if you messed up a shot, you had to rewind and record over it to make it work. I started skateboarding when I was about 10, and watching all the skateboard VHS tapes from Bones Brigade gave me so much inspiration. When snowboarding arrived, I was fortunate to jump on my first board (which was not really a snowboard at that time) in 1983 thanks to my dad, and this moment completely shaped my life. Read more>> 

Cc Blue | Blues Guitarist Singer & Songwriter

Music has been a part of me since I was a kid, watching my older brothers play the guitar in their band. Seeing them, I knew deep down that one day I’d be up there too. But I never took the conventional path—no formal lessons. Instead, I taught myself, figuring it out as I went along, which turned into a lifelong journey of exploration and expression. Read more>>

Jett Miller | Registered Nurser and UGC Creator

Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved being in front of the camera. My dream was to become a star youtuber. In middle school, I made music videos with me lip syncing to trending songs and lots of quick jump edits. I would work for over 8 hours editing just one 5 minute video! I taught myself all of the steps and how to use an editing software. I gained about 2K subscribers, but then when I started high school, I didn’t have the time anymore and stopped. Since becoming a nurse, I had seen many nurse influencers on tiktok and dreamt of the life they had. I saw them working with dream brands and working less hours as a nurse. I knew this is what I would do.  Read more>>

David De Anda | Conceptual Photographer

As a child, I never envisioned art as a potential career path. Growing up without a father, the one thing my mother mentioned about him was his talent for drawing. That small piece of information planted the seed of creativity in my mind. Read more>>

Julia Emeren | Influencer

Storytelling has always been a passion of mine, and influencing has given me the platform to inspire others to embrace their authenticity and pursue their dreams, just as I have. My content spans various topics including lifestyle, travel, fashion, fitness, health, motivational quotes, brand collaborations, and more. I enjoy collaborating with both local and global brands to create meaningful content that showcases their products and services. Read more>>