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.

Kelly Johanna Ibarra | Artist | Branding Specialist | Real Estate Agent

The reason I pursued an artistic career is because arts and entertainment have always been a part of my life; it’s my passion and drive! As a young girl watching my dad making paintings, going to dance class, acting and being in the music industry, I always wanted to follow his footsteps. Being creative has always come naturally to me, and I always find myself being creative in every aspect of my life. From my Real Estate business, to my personal businesses, I always find myself being and artistic for every single one of my businesses to flourish! Read more>>

Casey Farah | Artist & Founder of Rally Bird Brand

When I was 16, I was the passenger in a car when another driver ran a red light- texting- driving over 65 mph and t-boned the oncoming car, directly hitting me. Doctors in the hospital were amazed at my survival, but prepared my family and me for a future where I might never be able to walk again. Being confined to bed rest and a wheelchair, my doctors told my parents to find me an “artistic outlet” to take the place of my dance classes, play practice, skating competitions… My mom grabbed all the paint she could find and crossed her fingers that this outlet would be therapeutic, distracting, and motivating. Read more>>

Donnell Moses | Music Producer

I pursued the passion of becoming a Music Producer because when I was a little I was around my family a lot, especially my Mother. Whenever I was her she played tons of R&B, mainly Mary J. Blidge which intrigued me with groovy and soulful type music. Around my grandmother, I was always playing with my cousin who lived with her, and my uncle who also lived with her would always play rock music which intrigued me the most because it seemed way different than the other types I listened to and I loved it, my favorite artists were Phil Collins, Bon Jovi, and AC/DC. Read more>>

Sasha Jolie | Singer/Songwriter, Model, Actress & Nursing Student

I’ve always had an interest in music and fashion. When I was 8 years old, I had taught myself how to harmonize. I would be in my room just singing and learning lyrics to many different songs. My mother had bought me one of those cassette recorders for Christmas and I would sing on it. I mean, I would spend hours just practicing and writing. I knew that I wanted to be an artist. With fashion, I grew up watching my mother sew a lot. You’d think that part of my house had a fabric store in it haha there were patterns, fabric and vintage fashion magazines. Read more>>