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.

Judah & Sarah Drummond | Musicians, Singers, Songwriters, Naturalists, Herbalists, Health Consultants, Holistic RN

Thank you Shoutout MI for this interview! It is always an honor and pleasure to share with the people. We are grateful for the platform you provide. An artistic, creative career chose us. We are artists by nature, from nature, for nature. Connection with self, with Source, and with each other is natural and innate to being human. Our art and creative expressions take on several manifestations and are based in health, healing and wellness. The point of our story is holistic wellbeing, and helping the world and the people in it, to be empowered for Goodness. Everything we come with and bring to humanity, comes with this intention. Read more>>

Ernie Markers | Artist and Creative

I strongly believe that I was put here to build and create. Knowing that there are many people who have built an entire career out of just doing what they love has always moved me. I have family members who started their own businesses from the ground up. My father started his own construction/landscaping business in 2004, and my uncle started a tattoo career after college. These 2 men are my prime examples of what it means to make a career out of yourself and to go out there and hustle for it. Read more>>

Eprell Williams | Singer/Songwriter

That’s a very good question, but I never pursued it. I only embraced it. The reason why I say that is because I believe that my Heavenly Father gave me a purpose to sing and love music at just six years old. In so many ways, God wrote my vision, like one of my favorite scriptures says from Habakkuk 2:2–3. And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Read more>>

Paula Muñoz | Content Creator, Photographer, and Lifestyle Influencer

I pursued an artistic career because it allows me to express myself creatively and connect with others in a unique and meaningful way. Art has always been a part of my life, and I realized that following this path would give me the opportunity to explore my passions and share my perspective with the world. The freedom to experiment, tell stories, and evoke emotions through my work is something that truly excites me. Read more>>

Bert Cornielius | Stand Up Comedy

Well I guess you can say I was born into it. My family is The Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose. Treat her like a lady, Too late to turn back now and Since I found my baby were 3 of their biggest hits and they’re music was always featured by Kanye West and the movies Anchor Man and Black Kkklansman. Since I was a kid I was groomed for the stage. A weekend at my grandma’s house was literally a school talent show between me and my cousins. I had it in my heart to be a singer but then one day whole out with my wife she convinced me to join a sketch comedy group, then one day a comedian was running late for the arm up and my wife volunteered me to do stand up. Read more>>