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.

Mandella Eskia | Rapper/Songwriter

As a kid, I was always into the arts. I used to draw comics, I played the piano a little bit and I did improv comedy. Music/rap was just the only thing that stuck with me. I started doing it because I listened to a lot of rap as a kid and just wanted to see if I could write my own and to my surprise, it wasn’t bad. Read more>>

Kelly Goggin | Newborn and Birth Photographer

Well, that’s a funny story- I used to be a kindergarten teacher. While that could also be seen as a creative career, I began to feel stuck and it was harder and harder on my heart. There was a deep need to create and photography has always been an interest to me. When my niece was born, I shot her newborn photos and while they were terrible, felt a deep draw in my soul. I LOVED it! Upon reflection, I realized I have always felt drawn to the connections in life. Most particularly, those between parent and child. Motherhood is by far the most incredible experience I have gone through in my life and the drive to capture that emotional connection between a new mama and her precious baby is the chief inspiration behind my work. I believe each of us has a need to create things in our life and the career I have built allows me to fill that constantly. Shooting brings me such a deep joy and fulfillment, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else! Read more>>

Stephanie Cunningham | Artist/Designer & Professor

It never occurred to me to do anything else. Creative people have a compulsion to make, whether it’s a song, writing, visual art, or another discipline. It is so satisfying to solve a creative problem that either you invent or is presented to you. The best part is when you are so deep in the process that it is the only thing you want to do. Similar to when you were a kid and discovered some activity that consumed you—you just can’t wait to wake up and do it again. The problem as an adult is carving out the time for that type of focus. Read more>>

Monique Kidd | Illustrator & Muralist

Art has always been a part of my life whether it was acting as a release or a useful skill to assist my sibling with homework . As an adolescent I saw a market that needed to be filled with my skill and I leaned all the way in hoping for the best outcome . Read more>>

David German | Fine Artist

I chose to pursue an artistic and creative career because creativity is the compass that guides my life. Whenever I go through a stretch without engaging in artistic expression, I feel a sense of disconnection and loss. Creativity is not just a career for me; it’s an intrinsic part of who I am. It brings purpose, fulfillment, and a unique way of expressing my thoughts and emotions. Through art, I find a profound connection to the world and a means to communicate ideas that may be difficult to express in other ways. It’s a journey of self-discovery and a constant source of inspiration that adds color and meaning to my life. Read more>>

Carolyn compres | Founder & Creative Director of Olette

I have always been drawn to the power of self-expression and the ability to convey emotions and stories through fashion and style. From a young age, I found joy in exploring different artistic mediums and experimenting with my creativity. The process of bringing ideas to life and making a meaningful impact through visuals has always been incredibly fulfilling for me. Read more>>

Hezekiah OBIDARE | Visual artist

Because of my passion and love for art Read more>>

Virgil Erb | Songwriter singer pianist

As a songwriter and performer i did many other things beside music but really did not enjoyed it.
so this could be a good topic to talk about Read more>>

Chika Nishiyama | Hair stylist

Since I was younger growing up in Japan, I always had an admiration for beauty salons and the creative works they produce. I always had short hair and played sports, so I wanted to Lear to be creative with my own hair one day. Read more>>