Are artists born or made? To help answer this question, we asked some of the most artistic folks we know to tell us about how they knew they were going to pursue an artistic or creative path. We’ve shared highlights below.

Alivia Knight

I grew up in a creative household. All four of my siblings and my parents were all creatively talented. After Highschool I was meant to go to an art school, a really expensive art school. For what? I had no idea. So there I was freshly 18, about to graduate and sign my life away to paying off a house sized student loan to a school I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go to. I remember not being sure about a lot then, the person I was dating, the people I hung out with, the choices I made, but I knew I was not ready to go to college.  I knew spending four years creating on someone else’s time schedule was not going to be ideal for my art career. I also knew, dedicating my life to something I wasn’t a hundred percent sure of was not going to be good for me. So, I didn’t go. I spent the next two years working at dead end office jobs.  Read more>>

Dj Butch

My mother played piano in church. I have had a love for music since I was a child. Read more>>

Madelyn Rose

I first knew I wanted to pursue music when I was 14 starting to record,, produce mix and master my own EP. At this point I had played piano and sung all my life however I never thought it would be possible until I got hands on myself! Read more>>

Ashley Hajimirsadeghi

I always tell people that one of the best ways to figure out that I wanted to be a creative was to go to business school. It seems like a paradox, but when I was a business major at a college in New York City, I quickly began realizing I wanted nothing to do with the industry I was studying to go into (fashion). I went to an arts high school for writing, but never thought this could be a professional career. Because I was feeling so behind on my creative life in business school, it pushed me outside my comfort zone and forced me to look for opportunities and fellowships. It took a bit, but I started attending workshops, getting scholarships, and building up that creative life. Read more>>

Nancy Junkin

The love for color has always been a large part of who I am — recognizing its impact on mood and feelings. At a young age, I was busy re-arranging furniture, designing doll clothes, painting everything I could find — paper, furniture, walls — doodling, drawing and creating. Harmonious surroundings have always given me great satisfaction as I work diligently to beautify. From childhood to today, from decorating my youthful bedroom to re-imagining homes and furnishings as an adult, from grade school art class to painting in my studio, my passion to create art in many ways has always defined me. Read more>>

Ashia Sui

After heart surgery June 30,2023 and realizing that surgery changed me in ways I didn’t understand at the time due to my life being planned after I graduated high school I never settled for the stars is the limit I have always been willing to go to the moon and back I believe was blessed with a gift from god to not just be creative but to bring everything I dream of come to life. It’s a force within that just yearning for a breakthrough a part of me that doesn’t believe in being normal every move have to be iconic and it have to be beneficial after overcoming heart surgery because there wasn’t no backup they all failed but being a model was the only plan Read more>>

Sage Kent

Around 12 years old I knew I wanted to pursue a Creative/ Artistic path professionally. I recorded my first song around 12 years old and I loved being a Artist and recording music ever since. Read more>>

Hannah Mathews

September 6th, 2014 – my 20th birthday at a restaurant-bar in Bangalore, India called The Humming Tree. It was my first ever LIVE performance singing with a 10 member band with a brass section. We performed disco funk, retro music & the energy of that night was nothing like I’d ever experienced before. I came alive. I was nervous and there was fear, but funnily, the fear worked in my favor – it drove me to perform, to put myself out there, to dance, to sing & challenged me to let go. It didn’t cripple me but challenged me in the best way. I still remember the feeling. I’ve been known to thrive on live, impromptu music sessions ever since. Read more>>

Caleb C-mo Morris

I knew I wanted to pursue all that I do as a professional venture once I realized it was a possibility. I think the first time I took a creative/artistic path seriously was when I first released a poetry book. I’ve been writing poetry for a few years now, probably since the beginning of 2020. Poetry got me through a lot of rough times in my life, and writing in general got me through even more. I wrote enough to the point my friend Alander Pulliam encouraged me to write a book. I laughed initially because “I’m not an author, I don’t know how to get a book published.” Then Alander showed me his books, which were available for order online. He showed me how to self-publish my books and get them into online markets, that revelation changed everything about how I approached any self-made projects. I was able to widen my scope and see my creativity as a product I could bring alive, in addition to an outlet that I would naturally express. Read more>>

Nazahn Warren

I knew I wanted to be an artist at a young age. My dad used to do music, and would take me to the studio, sometimes. Also, I used to be around him and his friends when they were writing these songs. In fact, one of those writing sessions were when I wrote my first song. Ever since then, the only thing I’ve been truly passionate for is music. Outside of music, I’m not genuinely passionate for anything else, music just doesn’t pay the bills, at the moment. I’ll keep grinding, though, until it does. This is my dream! Read more>>

Robin Burgin

It’s a question I’ve pondered often, and the answer is both simple and complex. As cliche as it sounds, I’ve always known. Yet, like many of us, I was influenced to pursue a more traditional career path. Art has been a constant companion throughout my life. It’s a space where I’ve explored, experienced, and expressed myself freely. Through art, I’ve developed a deep connection to my intuition, reflected on my boundaries, and navigated significant personal losses. The power of art to offer new ways of exploring, experiencing, and expressing myself has been invaluable. It’s a tool that allows for profound self-discovery and transformation, guiding me toward healing in ways that language cannot. Read more>>

Tracey Eman

It all started out in 1967 when I was was the ripe old age of Seven Years old! I grew up in Queens, New York- Forest Hills. My mom would take my sister and I to dancing classes. From there we also coached in singing lessons and then eventually acting classes.My mom noticed my talent and then brought me to Mahattan where I was signed by my first manager. Her name was Muriel Carl and then Selma Rubin. Popular and sucessfull managers at that time! My first audition was for for a winterstock show called Show Boat. I auditioned for the role of Kim and I remember when I had my callback. Read more>>

Nayla Saroufim

Since I was a kid, I always wanted to be an artist, this is what I love, this is my happy place, this is where I create, where I dream. The journey has not been easy, but I honestly I wouldn’t change a thing. Growing up in Lebanon is a very challenging life, I started my journey in advertising, but I always wanted to be an artist. I was curious about art and wanted to explore new materials and technique. I have the chance to travel for my art, to live new experiences and explore new cultures to a simple change of scenery and opportunity to relax and get a fresh perspective on life. Read more>>

Justine Blanchet

When I was just a few weeks shy of turning 12 years old, I was hospitalized for a burst appendix. At the time of my operation, my parents were told that if I hadn’t been at the ER when I was, I was would have passed away within 48 hours. After spending three weeks at the hospital due to complications, I was finally able to go home. The following months provided time for me to think about my life and the things I’d like to do. It was at that moment, that I chose to sing. I initially began in the opera genre, only to change to country music just a few short years later. The opera genre allowed to compete throughout Quebec and northeast USA, so I already had some stage experience. I also began writing songs at the age of 15 years. The rest is history. Read more>>

Mytreyi Shastry Aravind

Landing in America as a newlywed with no close (familial) connections nearby was intimidating. Everything, everyone seemed new and unfamiliar to me. It was a weekend sometime in April (2012) and a friend’s relative who lived in New York sent an email asking if I’d be interested in performing a Carnatic music concert at Staten Island for a religious event. I agreed and began preparing for the concert. People on the buses and trains gave glances of wonderment at my pink silk saree and smiled admiringly at the way I had draped it. I began the performance with a lot of nervousness but a lot of inner confidence too. The concert was very well received with great appreciation. A lot of people took my contact details to reach me to learn Carnatic vocal music from me. What began temporary became a full fledged school in 10 years. Read more>>

Daniel Martin

I decided when I was 13 that the only way for me to be happy or content with my life was to pursue a career that didn’t feel like a job. Being fairly new to the music thing, I quickly fell in love with it and decided that it was the only thing I could do forever. At that point in my life, baseball was the focus, so I had to make a major shift in my interests and apply all of my extra time to getting good at not only playing guitar, but writing, crafting and working with a band. Those years shaped up who I am today, and are the reason why I have been able to do it professionally for so long. Read more>>

Piper Connolly

Being a performer was never an intentional choice. I always knew it was what I wanted to do, and it’s all I’ve ever done – whether it be acting or music- since my first big live performance. I started performing when I was 5 and my first big performance was in front of about 150 people, belting out Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row… and I was totally and completely hooked. To have people sing along with you and dance and jump around is just amazing. It is as if the crowd’s energy charges me and I love it so much. Near and dear to me especially is performing at First Fridays in downtown Phoenix- having the downtown core just come alive, teeming with people and music. It’s pretty magical and I always really look forward to those hometown moments! Read more>>

Amy Winter

Art has always been the only career path I could have envisioned for myself. I’ve always loved art. I’ve always been fascinated by how it was made and how it made me feel. I wanted to DO THAT. My mom told me that I used to come home from kindergarten, rush to my room and grab my crayons. She said I would spend a half hour coloring furiously, as if I needed to get something out. Then I would sigh and put my crayons down. I still feel that way. I was always provided with art supplies and encouraged to use them. My mom would read aloud, and I would color while she read, illustrating the stories. Art was the language I chose to communicate with. Read more>>

Dylann Jelden

I’ve had a few epiphanies about my career, but the first time I knew I wanted to pursue creativity in the professional sense was in middle school, when I accompanied Annelle Gregory (a professional violinist) alongside my youth orchestra. She absolutely knew what she was doing, left no room for error, and showed you exactly how the violin solo piece (Paganini’s La Campanella) made her feel. I wanted to be just like her – a surefooted vessel for music and emotion. Read more>>

Heather Mueller

From an early age, I’ve been captivated by the world of the arts. My journey began with my mother, an artist herself, as we created art together—a bond that deepened my love for creative expression. Dance also played a significant role in my upbringing, leading me to perform with the Fresno Ballet Company. Being part of productions like The Nutcracker and various story ballets was an enchanting experience that further fueled my artistic passion. It was in high school, however, that I truly discovered my calling as an artist. Under the guidance of my inspiring art teacher, Mr. Hawks, I explored the realms of painting, drawing, and screen printing. His class opened a gateway to a world where creativity knew no bounds, and I was utterly hooked. Creating art became my sanctuary—a magical portal where I could channel my imagination and breathe life into ideas that had never existed before. The process of crafting something new brought me immense joy and serenity, as I reveled in the limitless possibilities that art offered. Read more>>

Alejandro Isasi Diaz

Here’s a more polished and natural-sounding version of your response, tailored for an interview: I’ve always had a special connection with music, particularly with sounds derived from electronic equipment—not necessarily electronic music like techno or house, but more Latin rhythms like reggaeton and dancehall. One of my earliest memories is sneaking out of elementary school classes just to listen to the school cooks play the radio while they worked. Growing up, my family’s financial situation didn’t allow me to pursue music seriously, so I focused on sports, which was also a passion of mine. It wasn’t until I moved to Berlin, more than 20 years later, that I finally had the independence and maturity to revisit my love for music. I made a few attempts, but it remained just a hobby because my life had taken many turns by then. Read more>>

Julian Szablowski

It was a wild line of thought that led me to this creative side of life. There was never any plan to pursue life coaching as a profession, and to be honest, for the longest time I didn’t even know it existed. It was July 2022. I was approaching my 5-year mark in tech sales. The hours were good and the financial return was even better. I just made the move from Tempe, Arizona to Costa Mesa, California (simply to be by the ocean). I was living my dream life, so I thought. Despite having everything that I was supposed to have, there was a growing feeling that something was missing. Soon enough, logging onto my laptop and talking with clients started to become less engaging. There was now a disconnect between my daily work flow and my overall fulfillment in life. Read more>>

Lili Wang

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was probably end of high school. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I was interested in art and drawing, thought I wanted to be a film maker at one point. I also dreamed of modeling after watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show but got discouraged because I didn’t meet their height requirements at the time. Anyways I went to college as a film production major initially, then switched to Graphic Design. After I graduated I found a UX/UI Design job at a small design agency but left two weeks later. After that, I decided to a chance and pursue modeling professionally. Read more>>

Irma Garcia

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue being a makeup artist was in my teens. Growing up my grandmother was a true fashionista and was a cosmetologist so being raised by her I was always in her stuff and makeup and in middle school she allowed me to use eyeliner, mascara and lip liner and lipsticks but more nude colors. I loved it but when I lived with my son’ family, I would binge watch makeover shows because this was before YouTube lol and so, I would study everything they did and said. I would do my son’s grandmother makeup before she would go to church. A while after that I would do makeup on some of my family members and some close friends for events. So, I always knew I wanted to do makeup and getting into my 20’s I definitely knew I wanted to be a celebrity makeup artist and work in movies, tv shows, anything and everything else . Read more>>

Crystal Storm

My “adult” career began in Corporate America as a records manager. It could not have been farther away from creativity. But, while working a 9 – 5 I was immersed in the arts. I wrote my first novel working my Corporate job. Years later, I was no longer in Corporate America, but I wasn’t fully invested as a creative yet. I worked a full time job at a small luxury hotel, and wrote my second novel. Shortly afterwards, I started writing freelance for a small indie comics company, got into podcasting, and everything snowballed from there. Read more>>

Ryan Kelln

Straight out of university, I was incredibly fortunate to land a job as a game developer at Disney Interactive, working on children’s educational games. I had studied Computer Science but had also accumulated enough credits to nearly complete a Visual Arts degree. My dream had always been to make games—a dream that wasn’t a degree option back in 1995. So, when I secured what seemed like an impossible opportunity, life felt pretty good. My first business trip took me to New York City, where a group of us had lunch at the top of the World Trade Center. A month later, the towers were gone, and the shock of 9/11 hit us hard. Not long after, I encountered my first taste of corporate upheaval; a change in leadership led to the dismantling of the game studio I worked at. Suddenly, I was jobless, reeling from the impact of 9/11, and holding a small severance package. So, I packed up my desktop computer and flew to Thailand, where a close friend was teaching English. I planned to stay as long as possible, uncertain of my next move. Read more>>

Xinyi Leng

I have been interested in art since high school. However, at that time I didn’t consider it a career. Because it is risky for me at that time. I went to America for one year to study in Pennsylvania. After that, I come back to China. I have little time to prepare for the National Art Test and National College Entrance Examination in my country at the same time. Since I do well in other subjects, to go to a better college, I sacrifice the chance to learn art as an undergraduate.  I couldn’t give up on my dream of being an artist. In college, I engaged with a group of people who were serious and passionate about art and film. I start to seriously consider pursuing an art career.  I have been lost in college about whether to pursue an art career. One day in the quarantine, when COVID-19 was severe, I walked in the garden of my dormitory. A sound in my head said, “YYou only live once. If you are not going for it, you will regret it.” After that, I make the decision. Read more>>

Anne Willson

I pursue 2 parallel creative paths—spiritual channel/mentor and artist, both of which began professionally after leaving a long career in the nonprofit arts sector. I’d done both “on the side” for years and had occasionally considered shifting toward one or the other professionally, but it didn’t come together to do so until 2016 for art and 2023 for the spiritual work. The art and spirituality are intertwined; both speak to spaciousness in form. My art is sculptural weaving using natural materials.  Read more>>

Gabriel Key

Since before my adolescent years, music has been my passion. Playing piano and the harmonica as well as singing at family events and local karaokes became a hobby. However, when COVID-19 impacted the lives of millions of individuals worldwide, including my family’s, music became more than just a hobby. An interest in pursuing music professionally arised. After my mother’s passing in 2021, and as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic, country music was my therapy, relief and escape of reality. Many people have always asked me how I chose country since I started my musical journey listening to rap and recording hip hop songs at a home studio. Line dancing with friends at local country bars was my cardio and I resonated with country’s feeling in the songs played. It spoke to my soul. A feeling I wanted to transmit to people when singing and writing songs.  Luke Bryan became my idol. In fact, his hit single “Country Girl (Shake it for me)” was actually the first line dance I learned. Today, I am known by many as “Gabe, the Cuban Country Boy”. I am proud of all the musical accomplishments I have achieved and have yet to receive.  Read more>>

Youlmae Kim

I started dancing when I was 8 years old. Since then, dance & movement art has been a consistent part of my life. From a very young age to the present (for over 20 years) I’ve trained to be a professional dancer through art schools and dance studios. During my journey, I have questioned the meaning of professionalism in my line of work. This questioning resulted from past experiences and expectations that I’ve encountered as a professional dancer in this industry; there are moments where some of these expectations can be quite challenging. After some time, I broke away from strictly viewing myself as a professional dancer and professional choreographer. Breaking away from this framework was important because I didn’t want to limit myself to those titles. This also helped me keep the joy and passion I feel towards dance / movement arts. Read more>>

Gage Robinson

I’ve known from a very early age that I enjoyed making others smile and laugh. I found entertaining my friends and family to be wildly thrilling and rewarding. While I had many endeavors in the arts as a child, it wasn’t until junior year of high school that I realized that being an actor/creative was my ultimate passion and lifeline. I can recall the exact moment in fact: I was given the honor to play the Phantom as a swing understudy in our schools production of Phantom of the Opera. That night as the show launched into its final reprise, I completely lost myself in the art and when I came to and the audience was on their feet, tears in eyes, I knew… “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life”. From there, I immediately began my search for theatre schools across the nation and wound up at my dream school: The University of Texas at Austin. From there I moved to LA and began my pursuit of living my dream. Read more>>

Essence Dvorak

I can remember it as if it was just yesterday. I was at my first ever belt test at Pinnacle Martial Arts, now up to this point I absolutely dreaded everything about taekwondo. Whether it was the fact that my parents put me in the classes, or the dojong and the environment surrounding it. We arrived at the test and as always I begrudgingly took a bow before going onto the mats. We warmed up first and immediately after had to wait our turn as I was a white belt trying for my advanced white belt. Not to high up on the Peking order. While I waited we watched the black and red belts perform their poomsae. Read more>>

Yukino Takenaka

Hello, everyone! Before I answer this question, let me introduce myself first. My name is Yukino Takenaka, and I am a music producer, composer and songwriter from Japan. I am not a professional singer but I love singing, playing the piano and doing music in general since I was a kid. Ever since I started learning how to play the piano at the age of 3, I have always been around the music. So I never really think or decide to pursue a music path intentionally, but for some reason, I knew that I would choose this path since I was younger and also, I always came back to the music path even though I got lost and tried to do something different from music. Read more>>

Presley Goode

I give my mom a lot of credit for my early discovery of art. When I was young, she was a decorative painter with her own paint and stencil business. She would bring me, in a car seat, to her projects and I would sit there and watch her paint repeat patterns on people’s walls, floors, and ceilings. As her career evolved into more fine art oil painting on canvas, I became her critique and observed her technique. I’ve always felt most comfortable in the art room or ceramics studio, able to work with my hands and let my creative thoughts take over. Read more>>

Hana Bertram

I’ve always been drawn to creativity since I was a child. Whether it was painting, cutting up old clothes to make outfits for my Barbies, or even modeling for M&M Candy at age 11, I was constantly immersed in creative pursuits. In college, I did a photoshoot for a friend, which ignited my interest in modeling, though I didn’t initially see it as a career path. However, life took an unexpected 360 when I came home from college pregnant. I was overwhelmed and felt like I was falling behind while my friends were finishing their schooling and exploring their paths. As I prepared for motherhood, I focused on creating a stable and loving environment for my daughter. Read more>>