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.

Matthew Torres | Rapper (1/4 of The Varos)

Music has always been more than just a creative expression for us, it is a passion, a reason to keep going, and brings us all together. Read more>>

AHMED ABDELHALIM | Promotions Producer & Photographer

I have it since the beginning since I was born because my father was an actor and director and He graduated from High institute of Cinema, and I remember that He had a very big and great international movies library from all over the world on VHS, so I grow up watching many movies, feeling all details like music soudtracks, editing, pictuer, etc. So I made my decision when I was 17 to study like my father in High institute of Cinema and I chose Animation section as my main study. Read more>>

José Luis Ramírez | Contemporary Visual Artist

I chose painting because it is my way of life. Read more>>

Petra Albar | Singer &Songwriter

After my apprenticeship as a retail saleswoman I worked 17 years in this branch of industry. Alongside I always worked as a singer and songwriter. Later I realized that I wanted to concentrate on my music wholeheartedly and that I had different goals. Read more>>

Renzo Gonzales | Music Producer & Audio Engineer

We pursue the creative career because it’s what drives innovation it’s what drives new ideas and keeps the world evolving in ways that are beyond what we see so black and white Read more>>

Lis Rafailedes | Artist & Designer

I think I have always been restless in my careers. When I started college I pursued a Culinary Degree. I wanted to do something artistic, but didn’t have the money or resources at the time to attend art school. I found a college in Florida that let me in on a scholarship. While pursuing a degree Culinary Arts, I worked various part time jobs that allowed me to be creative. Read more>>

Jose Luis Garcia | Visual Artist & Educator

I pursued my career as an artist primarily due to the support and guidance from influential local artists and teachers – Tom Virgin, Ania Moussawel, Rose Miller, Maria Martinez-Cañas, Kathleen Hudspeth, Carol Todaro, Joseph Tamargo, Mirta Gomez del Valle, William Maguire, Peggy Nolan, Pip Brant, and Bill Burke. Read more>>