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.

Erica Pantoja | Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer

I decided to pursue an artistic career because creating art is the thing that scares me the most. Through my photography, I have an opportunity to put forward my interests, passions, and a reflection of myself. However, with this comes great vulnerability and risk. Art has caused me to have high highs and low lows, and because of that, it ignites passion in me. It pushes me to think unconventionally, challenge myself, and pursue that fear. Read more>>

Matthew Bodfield | Photographer

Photography really started at a point in my life when I was trying to figure out what to do after I graduation, I was in a terrible place mentally. I lost the little opportunity I had and ended up leaving the job that I thought would help start my career. In between interviews and just trying to figure everything out, I’d go back the University of Miami every other week and rent a camera from the library. Read more>>

Federico Bertele | Gallerist, Music Manager, Studio Owner

The importance of good art and good music seems to have fallen by the wayside as the rise of technology and social media has spiraled upwards. It’s all too convenient, it’s all too cheap. I decided to put my efforts to help advance cultural importance in art and music to help advance the careers of creatives who I feel really deserve more than their communities give back to them. Creatives are taken for granted, if we do not allow them room for their expressions to cultivate, the world will become a sad and dark place. Read more>>

Melissa Mastrangelo- Diaz | Art Instructor

Art has always been an outlet/therapy for me… As much as I love to create for myself, I wanted to share that gift with others. After working for an art studio, teaching paint classes, I decided to venture out on my own and start Mobile Masterpieces. It’s a beautiful thing hearing people at the end of class excited they were able to find their inner creativity. Read more>>