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.

Darya Golubina | Artist, Photographer & Beacon Open Studios Director

From as far back as I can remember, I found it hard to socialize. There is a photo of me at 4 years old using the bench outside our apartment building as my drawing table. I can recall the neighborhood kids playing around me. My family immigrated to the United States from Kiev, Ukraine when I was 8, we didn’t speak the language, and had nothing but the items in the duffle bags my grandma sewed herself. I was a super introverted kid, and the experience of moving to a foreign country did not help me out of my shell. Read more>>

Bravo Marandure | Actor & Model

I’ve always had a passion for arts and entertainment since i was a child. Growing up I would perform in plays and write songs to perform. In school I participated in theater, choir and sang in an r&b band. I got to experience acting in church and school plays. I was raised by immigrant parents and never thought I could pursue acting as a career, I was always told to do what was practical and consider a career choice that provides financial security. Read more>>

Rachel Wold | Artist

I was an artsy kid and always assumed I would lead a creative life. My family was incredibly supportive, but a college education seemed financially impossible so I focused my energy on something more stable. I worked multiple jobs throughout high school and enrolled in the Graphic Design program at a local community college through Running Start. An unfortunate experience derailed me and I never completed that A.A., but I continued drawing and painting for myself when I could. Read more>>

Odette Khoudari | Art Director & Graphic Designer

From a young age, I have always been drawn to aesthetically pleasing visuals and would always find ways to make everything and anything look *prettier*. I knew I had a ton of creative ideas in my brain, and throughout the years I have figured out various mediums and outlets to express them and share them with the world. In my early 20’s I pursued a degree in Art Direction and since that moment I have been experimenting with my creativity and the millions of ways I can express myself artistically. Read more>>