We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Mystix Mercury | Singer, Producer, Painter, Graphic Designer and Mentor

I was an only child and the first and only African-American grand-daughter to my cuban grandparents. There weren’t any other children around and I had to figure out ways to entertain myself and playing with dirt can only entertain for so long. I was very inventive, creative and colorful as a child, no prodigy, just someone who loved to curiously create. From repurposing my old jeans into birthday cards, singing made up songs and real ones and drawing on whatever I could possibly touch. This enthusiasm transcended into my grade school and once I graduated I knew I was going to focus on art or music. I focused on both in different ways and ultimately dropped out of uni and pursued a freelance career as an artist. Read more>>

Brittney Coke | Fashion and Shoe Designer | Beautician | Content Creator

I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer and intended on pursuing a degree in Fashion Design. I then decided to pursue a degree in Business Management instead because I felt like it would allow me the option to be an entrepreneur as well as pursue a career in corporate America as well. I then completed my masters degree and I currently work as a Human Resource Professional. While I enjoy working in Corporate America nothing is more fulfilling like what I do as a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle creative. Since I got started as a blogger back in 2017, I have found such a sense of fulfillment in my own life. I was selected as an official delegate for the 2019 Miss Florida USA pageant. Read more>>

Kat Riggins | International Blues Singer, Songwriter, and Recording Artist

As “cliche” as it may sound, I know that this career pursued me. I have always been the creative type. I grew up singing, dancing, acting, painting, writing, and being expressive in the most colorful ways that I could find. Even my schooling was art focused. My Spirit has been guiding me toward a career in the arts my entire life! It has been relentless in its pursuit of me, regardless of my resistance. I personally haven’t always had the confidence in my own artistic capabilities that one would need to even consider building a life from them. While art has always been my love, my passion, my escape… and music has especially been my sanctuary, I haven’t always understood my voice. Read more>>

Tori Angeline | Artist and creator

Im committed to xploring various ways of expressing my creativity and experimenting with a variety of mediums. Beyond this, I enjoy connecting with other creatives and seeing how my artwork resonates with collectors. Sometimes my least favorite artwork is something that resonates highly with collectors. My view and the audiences view can be so polar, I always find it intriguing when i get a glimpse into that. Read more>>