We were lucky to catch up with SarahKay Russell recently and have shared our conversation below.

SarahKay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

During my time at a performing arts high school I fell in love with music and art. I was very passionate about creating and I worked very well with my hands. Creating came easy to me. I knew had a passion for singing and theatre and I wanted to pursue it. However, I also felt the weight of responsibility as the child of immigrant parents who sacrificed greatly for my future. Consequently, I opted for a degree in economics, aiming for financial stability. Yet, upon entering college, I found myself surrounded by forward thinkers that pushed me to never limit myself or put myself in a box. Despite my attempts to resist, I was inevitably drawn back to the arts. I began a minor in musical theater and even started a business, which fueled my creativity further. I realized that regardless of what I pursued, it would involve making, creating, and performing. Despite my efforts to distance myself from music, art, and creativity, it remained my passion, ultimately finding me when I was trying to run away from it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey has been one of resilience and determination. I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, my family came to America on a 10-year work visa. I was the third child of four. My parents, who never attended university, had nothing but dreams of a better future for their children. When the visa expired, only my father was able to claim legal status. Witnessing my older sister’s dreams of pursuing higher education stifled by our legal situation, ignited a fierce determination within me to break down barriers and forge a path towards my collegiate education.

I am proud to say that I am the first in my family to attend college, and I did it undocumented, without FAFSA, but on a full tuition scholarship from New Jersey City University. Due to my inability to legally work in the US, I took the initiative to find an alternative income source. As a self-employed freelance entrepreneur, I’ve embarked on a dynamic career path that spans various creative disciplines and industries. My passion for creativity was ignited early on, driving me to explore avenues such as music, graphic design, animation, and creative direction.

One of the cornerstones of my creative journey is my YouTube channel, boasting a vibrant community of over 8,000 subscribers. Through this platform and my presence on social media, I’ve cultivated a following who shares my enthusiasm for art and innovation.

As a self-taught graphic designer, I specialize in creating captivating animations for commissions, infusing each project with my unique artistic flair. I seamlessly blend animation with my voiceover work. I relish the opportunity to bring characters to life through diverse voices and performances.

In addition to my digital endeavors, I thrive in the bustling atmosphere of New York City as a freelance production assistant, where I contribute to the creation of unforgettable events for fashion week, art exhibitions, and product launches. This role allows me to harness my organizational skills and creativity to orchestrate seamless experiences for clients and attendees alike.  This job has taught me how to maintain a cohesive visual and thematic style for clients and I hope to one day use this talent to become a creative director. I could imagine me working as the creative director of a company like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Chanel, or Telfar.

My journey took an exciting turn when I ventured into the world of modeling, signing with Muse Models NYC in October 2023. I used to have photo shoots in my bedroom room and design my own magazine covers. Never could I have imagined I would be signed to a modeling agency. I pray for a lot of things but this wasn’t even something I could’ve imagined to even pray for. It has been an exhilarating experience, amplifying my love for visual storytelling. I am still in the developmental stage building my portfolio and going to castings but I am so excited to see where modeling takes in the next year.

However, amidst all my endeavors, my true passion lies in singing and music. I view it as a divine gift from God bestowed upon me, and I am committed to sharing my voice and creating art through music for years to come. I hope to one day make a living off of my voice and performance abilities alone. Today I perform freelance with a Jazz and R&B band but my dream is to one day tour with a broadway show like Hamilton or the Wiz.

After an arduous journey spanning over 20 years, I proudly stand as a US resident, finally able to fully immerse myself in the workforce and embark on new ventures. As a recent college graduate, I find myself in a transitional stage, eagerly anticipating the opportunities that lie ahead. Regardless of what the future holds, one thing remains constant—my unwavering dedication to creativity and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect is simply creating art. It’s crucial for artists to recognize that we create art purely for the sake of creation itself. Not for praise, not for money, but because we are artists, and creation is inherent to our being. We shouldn’t confine ourselves to standards of what’s deemed good or bad based on opinions, but rather, we should create because we possess the innate drive to do so. We make because we are makers, we build because we are builders. When I complete performing a song, my reward isn’t the applause I receive; rather, it’s the emotions I experienced while singing and the satisfaction of fully expressing myself. Similarly, when I finish a painting, I step back to behold something I’ve brought to life—a creation born from my imagination and transferred onto the blank canvas. My ultimate reward lies in the act of creation itself and the ability to bring my visions into reality. While this concept may initially seem improbable, it’s an essential truth for us as creators and artists to internalize. Once we embrace it, the process of creation becomes even more fulfilling.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

It deeply troubles me that in today’s society, only the affluent are afforded the opportunity to pursue creative endeavors. There could be the next Picasso, the next Frank Sinatra, or the next Mark Zuckerberg hidden within the confines of a poverty-stricken inner city, yet their potential remains stifled due to the lack of resources and opportunities. How can we expect a bee to find a flower when it’s surrounded by concrete and metal? Nepotism has become the primary route to securing a place at the table and accessing opportunities for creation and performance. With the increasing use of AI in art and music, many creatives risk being sidelined. So, what can society do to best support artists, creatives, and foster a thriving creative ecosystem? We must prioritize accessibility and equity in arts education and funding, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have the resources and opportunities to explore and develop their creative talents. We need to actively create inclusive platforms that celebrate diverse voices and perspectives. By investing in programs that provide mentorship, financial support, and exposure to underprivileged communities, we can cultivate a more vibrant and inclusive creative landscape where talent knows no bounds.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahkayimani?igsh=dWk2emVmM3g2aHFt
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@WorldofSK?si=uu5sHrAyK7ipfJ8G
• Other: https://www.musenyc.com/curve-development/sarahkay-russell