We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Adrian Aguil Mallea | 3D Artist

Since I was 16, I’ve been creating imagery digitally; I kept doing that, first with some image editing software, then photoshop, and later 3D software (Cinema 4D). I believe that the creative and artistic side was always within me; also, I enjoyed it a lot from the beginning, so I went in that direction. Read more>>

Selinet Pereira | Special Effects Makeup Artist

I pursued this artistic career because it is what makes me happy. I have helped people find beauty in themselves they’ve never seen before and it’s truly an honor to be behind that artistic brush. I have also always been a creative person through painting and drawing. It just evolved into the form of makeup over the years. Read more>>

Joan Gil | Urban Promotions

Music and the arts is something that I have always had a passion for. Helping artist and seeing their vision come to light is something that I always dreamed of doing.Due to the pressures of societal norms I decided to pursue a safer career choice and to put my passion for music and arts on the back burner. Read more>>

Kendric Deleon | Visual Artist

Well growing up, I always felt like I had a different sense of creativity but didn’t always know what art and being creative actually meant for me. I used to try to draw and paint in art classes and think it wasn’t for me because I was trash at it and I didn’t have many people in my life that would help me strengthen my creative eye and try different things as a kid. Read more>>

Angie K | Music Executive

Growing up, successful representation of black women was not seen outside of my household. The only depictions I had were my mother, sisters and the mainstream black women on my television screen like Oprah Winfrey and Wendy Williams. So naturally I desired to be like them and grew a love for entertainment. Read more>>

Jela Meli | Artist. Maybe?

Gosh, so many things. I have been creating art since I was a child. I remember these little sketchbooks that taught you how to draw animals from when I was about 4. I think I just fell in love then. I took art classes all the way through high school and then stopped. I always loved creating, but I think life sort of got the best of me. Read more>>

Boiiwonderz | Artist

Ever since I can remember art has been an escape for me. Before I even knew what anxiety or coping meant, I had art. Walking into your local Toys R Us never meant getting the new hot wheels or basketball. It meant walking over to the Crayola section and wondering if I’d walk out with markers or crayons that day. Read more>>

Richard Gillins | DJ, Graphic Designer, Blogger, Event Coordinator

I’ve always loved art and music from a young age. As a child I was always drawing or trying to new ways to be creative. I sang and played numerous instruments in middle school. In high school I did a lot of painting and drawing and started to learn graphic design, even started DJ’ing in high school as well. I come from a creative family, my mom was a creative also my dad and many relatives. Read more>>

Richard Freeman | Guitar Instructor & Music Mentor

I’ve always been fascinated with music, particularly the guitar. I’ve held several jobs throughout my life, and prior to starting my guitar teaching business, there were almost zero jobs that actually captivated my personality or interest. They always felt like place holders. The closest thing to the “best job” I ever had was from 2006-2009 when I worked for Hoshino USA, which is better known as “Ibanez Guitars”. Read more>>

Alina Gobbi | Makeup & Hair artist

I want to inspire people and show that you can achieve anything you want without being rich or famous, that you can live your American dream even if right now you’re at the very bottom. Nothing is impossible as long as you’re ready to work hard and take risks. Read more>>

Sy’Moya Reynolds | Nail Technician/Artist

I’ve always had a creative touch whenever I did things…and doing nails were one of them. I used to do my own nails when I was younger, doing different designs with different polishes. Then when the pandemic hit, I said why not tap back into my younger self and further my nail journey. Read more>>