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.

Monica De Armas

Since I was a little girl, I found comfort in stories. Something about escaping reality and reading about worlds where magic and dragons existed felt incredibly comforting. George R.R. Martin said, “I have lived a thousand lives and I’ve loved a thousand loves. I’ve walked on distant worlds and seen the end of time. Because I read.” Writing became my lifeline. I created my own world, a realm where adventure, magic, and dragons intertwined with real emotions and struggles. Read More>>

Michael Vitovich

I started my career in the death care industry where I worked for over 20 years. I performed autopsies, investigated crime scenes, and created community based education programs. Working with the dead can be depressing and at times an unrewarding career. This led me with the desire to pursue any avenue that would give me the opportunity to express myself in a healthy way. I decided to seek out a career in acting and writing. I’m excited for the opportunity to work on creative projects that give me the chance to create a character from a vision or create a story from an idea. Read More>>

Nel Vila

For me, pursuing an artistic career was never really a choice—it was a calling. Growing up in a creative household, with my sister and brother playing instruments, I naturally fell in love with music. At just four years old, I started playing the violin and painting, and from that moment, art became an essential part of my life. Expressing myself through music and visual art has always felt instinctive, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Creativity fuels my passion, and I love the way it connects people, tells stories, and brings emotions to life. Read More>>