Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart.  Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice.  So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Silvia Nogales Barrios | Guitarist, creator of interdisciplinary shows and composer

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been surrounded by art. In my family there are several artists: dancers, actresses, painters, etc. I think I breathed that atmosphere from the beginning. I always believed that music was a way, a means to reach the audience and transmit experiences and emotions. So, before finishing my music studies, I started creating interdisciplinary music shows. Shows where music merges with other arts to create a total audience experience. Read more>>

Gabrielle Fludd | Visual Artist and Illustrator

I come from a creative family. My father and his siblings can all draw and their sister, Marcella Welch, was a well-known dollmaker and artist. I didn’t see my grandmother’s art until she was in her 80’s. I had no idea she had a talent for drawing too. My mother loves art and her mother was a writer and knew artists so she was always supportive of my interest in art. Read more>>

Rob Elba | Podcaster/Human

From a young age, like many kids, I thought about ‘performing’. When we’re young, we soon figure out that putting yourself out there in front of your family – telling jokes, singing songs…etc – will usually get you a positive reaction. Or at least a reaction. Sadly, as they get older many people close up this part of themselves because they’re self-conscious or afraid of rejection. Luckily I never really developed that filter. In middle school/high school I started performing in school plays and singing/playing guitar in bands. Read more>>

DJ MADAM MAJ | DJ & EVENT PLANNER

I love music and as a child was always in a musical creative space, from the church choir, learning to play keyboard, dance, recording studios…sheesh I can go on. So pursuing djaying was like a calling, I kind of feel I answered too late but its better late than never! Now I’m earning while having fun and doing what I love! Read more>>

Sierra Lane | Musical Artist

I chose a creative career because music was really the only thing I felt a true connection to. The thought of doing anything that isn’t creative doesn’t feel like me and hasn’t even been considered as an option. I love creating whether it’s with my music or making something with my hands. It’s what i fell in love with! Read more>>