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.

On-Tour Bar OTB | Mobile Bar and Event Planning

An artistic or creative career is something most people choose right away per say, in a lot of cases it comes to you, and then you’d have to make the decision of sticking with it. The possibilities are endless. What’s truly unique about creating something is that there won’t be any other like it. It’s one of a kind. Creativity can be interpreted in an infinite amount of ways, its just like art. Not everyone will see or feel the same. Read more>>

Vanessa Montilla | Sound Engineer, Producer & Healing Music Recording Artist

I would have to say: it chose me 😉 As much as I liked science when in high school and the first years of uni, the right hemisphere of my brain is very present in mostly everything I do: I enjoy cooking with no recipes, for example, I was always interested in learning from other cultures and philosophies, I’m more comfortable not following a perfectly-timed schedule —so more spontaneous, in a way, I can fly really high in my own mind just by being present in my breath… Read more>>

Erika Caiaffa | Floral Designer

I pursued an Artistic career to have the ability to express my creative vision, have self expression and create an individual identity through my designs. Each bride is unique in their taste and style. Therefor, I get to express their uniqueness in different selections of flowers, color and texture. Yes, the job remains the same but its always with the freedom to express my individuality designs for each bride. Keeps my career exciting as not one centerpiece is ever the same. Read more>>

Mikki and Fatima Clarke and Rojas Paniura | Choreographers, dancers and performers

There was no other option. Pursuing our passions is not a choice, but a necessity. To put it simply, it was our calling. Working a 9 to 5 office job would be torturous and we would love to have an artistic career. We have always been surrounded by supportive family and friends that al so helped us feel the love and confidence to pursue what we actually wanted to do. Read more>>

Pierre Lenis | Men’s Luxury Fashion Stylist and Personal Shopper

My father and mother are both artists. They expressed their creativity through glass design and painting. I was encouraged at 6 years old to sketch which led to my desire to be an animator. This led me to pursue a degree in screenwriting and film production. A part-time job at The Gap in NYC had me helping actors, newscasters and people in fashion. A chance sale with a buyer led me to the most famous store in the world : Bergdorf Goodman. My attention to detail, passion for fashion and love of customer interaction helped jump start my luxury retail career. Read more>>

Tom Hill | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

Ever since I could remember, I’ve only wanted to live a life where I could be creative. My earliest memory was when I was super young I would watch a television show called “Pappyland” and the host was a prospector character that you could draw along with. Kind of like Bob Ross for kids. That was a huge impact. That mixed with a family who was incredibly supportive of Me being creative. I feel I can only function in a career where I can be artistic. Read more>>

Silas Willis | CEO Artist Producer

It was a hobby at first but then it turned into a passion. I love creating music with my team the vibe the environment the energy it’s the best feeling in the world Read more>>

Elianet Guerra | Small Business Owner & Teacher

Work life balance has always been somewhat difficult for me, but I truly believe over the past 2 years I’ve come to master it. I started my small business right after I graduated high school in 2020, and immediately had to juggle college, my job and my small business. At first, it was extremely hard, especially during the holidays when I wanted to craft my heart out but had to be awake at 6 a.m for a shift and by 3 p.m be in a college classroom ready for the days lecture. Read more>>

Brooke Levin | 7th Grade Science Teacher & Digital Creator

I believe that work/life balance is obtainable, but tricky to navigate. I think that a major factor in this is enjoying your job. It is mostly Monday through Friday, which is 5 days of the week. So you only have two days where your life is not succumbed to your job. I think it is important to do hobbies regularly, to be able to feel fulfilled with some activity that gives you purpose. If you are lucky, your hobby will be your job. Someone once told me that in order to get through the week, you always need something to look forward to. Read more>>

Steve Dubbz | National Director of Hip Hop and R&B Branding for iHeartRadio. Voice actor and freelance producer.

This is a big one. Probably the most important issue I’ve faced in my career. With success comes that craving to always achieve more. Enough is never enough. Work was life for a long time. 12-13 hours a day at my actual studio and then another hour or so of work at home. I work in an industry that doesn’t shut off and one where personal boundaries aren’t always respected. As a creative, it’s very easily to burn out and I was well past that point. Read more>>

Big Wyno | Entrepreneur || Emcee || Dot Connector || Net-weaver

I believe we all have the characteristic of a creator. Some of our creativity gets stifled by others disbelief or fears of failure. My spirit made it impossible for me to believe I didn’t have something to give the world. I was born at a moment in time when I got to be raised by Hiphop. I was able to draw from it’s strength, learn from its lessons and gain wisdom from it’s perspective. Read more>>