Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Erica Jones | Fashion Blogger and Style Inspo

It was my time! It was my time to share my story and my creativity with the world. For years, I was sitting on so many great ideas and influential experiences that could help other women. I had a very unique upbringing with being bullied due to the complexion of my skin. I suffered from self doubt, insecurities and the lack of self worth because I internalized the nasty comments people would make about me. However, once I graduated college I changed that narrative and took control over my life by doing things that made me feel worthy. Read more>> 

Jimena Arroyo | Singer-Songwriter & Author

Thanks for having me! It’s indeed an honor!
To answer your question, I don’t really think I chose music and my artistic career. Rather, I believe it chose me. I feel this is what happens to most artists. From the outset, we know we’re not going to get rich and famous through art. Instead, we are going to become more fulfilled, complete human beings. Art is an expression of our souls, of our essence and one definitely can’t choose that. It just happens. Read more>>

Evelyn Politzer | Visual Artist. Communicating with yarn, thread and fab

Being an artist doesn’t feel like a choice I made. It feels rather like an ingrained way of being. I realized that I was serious about pursuing art as a professional career when I would constantly daydream about what to make. On nights when I can’t sleep, I stay up thinking about art- things that inspire me, things I want to make. Read more>>