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.

Shari Phoenix | Barbadian Contemporary Artist

I always wanted to become an Artist from a very young age. It was either that or a veterinarian. However after a crushing defeat by the sciences, i decided to fully commit to being an artist and took steps towards that goal, such as completing both my Associates’ degree and Bachelor’s degree at the Barbados Community College. Connecting with my passion for creating complex and intricate pieces of art. Read more>>

Luis Guerrero | Artist (Illustrations and Character Design), Music Composer, Story Writer, Streamer, Student for Family Therapy

As a kid I always loved creating and seeing different worlds and characters. From the 90s filled style of Sonic the Hedgehog, to the grandiose adventures of The Legend of Zelda, I’ve always enjoyed seeing these worlds. As a kid, I began drawing to try and replicate my idols’ work and then as that grew, I began developing my own characters, stories and worlds, which required my artistic skills and narrative skills to evolve. So in a pursuit of becoming more capable in creating the stories I wanted to create and reach the same level as those who inspired me, I took it upon myself to work myself onto my current artistic standing. Read more>>

Pritha Muneswar | Salon Owner – Hairstylist – Makeup Artist

When I was graduating high school and beginning college, I wasn’t sure what the future held but I definitely didn’t think I would be a hairstylist – much less a business owner. One day my father told me, “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”. I always loved hair and makeup so I took his advice and a leap of faith deciding to enroll in beauty school. What started as a love of hair and makeup quickly grew into so much more. Years of hard work has brought many amazing experiences, from working the 24hr Cotton Show (which was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records) to the first ever Dior show in Miami. I was also able to show off my skills at NYFW 2020 last February. While I love the rush of backstage, there’s no better feeling then making someone look and feel their best. I love making people feel good about themselves. I can’t explain it but it makes me happy to see clients happiness through my craft. Read more>>

Loni Elizabeth | Communicator, Connector & Creative

I chose to pursue a creative career because of the unrivaled power in evoking expression. One work or piece of design can speak volumes more than a speech or saying can because it’s not limited by words, but emoted by movement, melody or color. I also chose the creative field because I had a hard time expressing myself otherwise. The standard job made me feel limited and compressed, and then eventually DEpressed. Thus I found refuge in establishing my own project where I empower others to craft their interpretation of the bigger picture of my organization’s mission & vision. Read more>>

Laura Di Lorenzo | Comedian

I pursued an artistic career because it was the only thing I knew I could do really well, I knew that I really enjoyed doing it and I knew I could make a career of it. It made me extremely happy and it made other people happy. As a comedian, I LOVE making people laugh. Ever since I was little, my whole family encouraged me to act, dance, paint and be silly. They never questioned my decision of wanting to become an actress and that really helped. My family is also made up of incredible artists. My grandfather is painter, my grandmother was seamstress, my aunts and uncles were all either musicians or painters and my dad is also a musician so it wasn’t too hard to convince them to let me do my thing. I knew I could be a successful comedian and so far I have been. Read more>>

Eli Cantillano | Visual Artist

As a child, you always get asked “what do you want to be when you grow up”. For me, I never really cared much for the question and if I was forced to give an answer, I’d usually say the first thing that popped into my mind like Veterinarian or Teacher. It wasn’t until I was a senior in high school where I was forced to come face to face with the question and was placed in a position where “time was up” and I needed to make a decision now and fast. To be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to pursue. When I turned towards others around me for answers such as parents or family members, they’d suggest I pursue traditional careers such as a Doctor, Lawyer, Nurse, etc. I decided to pursue Biology with the intention of becoming a Veterinarian. However, I was never happy and I fell into this cycle of dropping out, switching collages, and starting again with the same degree. I spent four years in this cycle. It wasn’t until I was sitting in biology class one day that I realized that instead of paying attention to the lecture, I was searching up art schools near me. Read more>>

Christopher Marciano | Singer & Songwriter

My love for music started with my love for writing. As a kid, I had difficulties communicating verbally and don’t get me wrong…I was a pretty bright kid, but didn’t feel comfortable expressing myself and on top of alllll that I had a lisp! So I am sure they thought something was wrong with me, because I was pulled out of class for speech therapy several times a week thinking it would help. It just made me feel even more secluded. That’s when I turned to writing. I wrote how I was feeling, short stories and poetry. Fast forward, I began writing lyrics. Songwriting stole my heart. I began writing and posting on Youtube and got the attention of a rising A&R. He exposed me to another world and had me in studios with Nicki Minaj’s producer writing lyrics. I was in Atlanta and Miami…it was an exciting experience for sure. I went on to helping several artists release their albums. One thing about Songwriters…we find ourselves playing several roles. Read more>>

Gabrielle Wilson | Yoga Instructor & Artist

I have spent most of my life admiring art, the emotions it is capable of producing, the messages that can be brought to anyone who sees it, its peaceful ability to transcend differences. Having lived in the North East and the Caribbean and traveling to many countries I have found that the uniqueness of an area is derived not only from people and culture buts its reflection of architecture and natural resources. I try to make each piece of art I create a story, whether it is an architectural piece, or my translation of human character, or the beauty of our environment and all those that we share this earth with. I enjoy exploring and being a visual artist is a perfect way to expand my horizons. I love to experiment with different media and learn new techniques that I can apply to my work with my voice. Everyone is creative, it is creative expression that allows us to grow. Read more>>

Celeste Morton | Artist/Painter

One of my mentor’s in graduate school, Abby Donovan, said “I know plenty of people who say they regret not being an artist but I have never heard anyone say they regret being one. ” I think about this a lot and it makes me remember that being an artist is always worth the risk. I pursued becoming an artist because it felt and still feels like the most rewarding way to live my life. Read more>>

Tank McCoy | Hip-Hop Artist

God has put a certain passion inside of me that I can’t deny. Music has been my life force since I can remember and I was always captivated by the allure of the music industry, though you come to realize it ain’t all partying and loose woman. It takes a certain work ethic and dedication that isn’t found in everybody BUT can be instilled in ANYBODY. To be a artist is to be ok with perceived “failure”. What this world would have you believe is failure is actually progression. For every stumbling block there is a lesson, in every lesson there is progression. Music is science, every action produces a reaction and while the world may react in a manner not conducive with perceived “success”, if you are to be truly successful you will see said “failure” as just another opportunity to learn, grow and try again. The race is not won by the swift or the strong but instead by those who endure. Read more>>

Richard Gary | Photographer

My family always exposed me to art. When I was about 12yrs of age I thought about architecture, although I had no idea of what that entailed. Luckily I stumbled on photography in my middle school years and it was a love. I am definitely much more of a visual person than anything else. Read more>>

Sarize “Smoonie” Perez | Artist / Graphic Designer

I decided to pursue my childhood dream, pretty much. I was never good at anything else besides writing, but writing never stuck out to me as a career, at least not like art. Art is something I feel like I owe to myself and I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. Read more>>