We asked some insanely talented artists, creatives and makers to tell us about when they know they were going to pursue a creative career.

Cymere Lasean

I was 9 years old when I first professed my dream of being a singer. My aunt asked me the daunting question, “what do you want to be when you get older?” After I told her, she looped a preset beat on her Casio keyboard and told me by the time that she came out of her, room I’d better had a full song written. So, that’s EXACTLY what I did. From then, I honed my craft and incorporated different facets to who I wanted to become professionally. The other moments was when I was deciding my major for college. My dad sat me down and asked me about my plan. Initially, I was going to choose Business Administration. But, my heart told me something else. I told him that I would make my dream come true and that’s exactly what I’m doing! Read more>>

Martha Bird

Thanks for the great lead-in to our conversation. I’m really happy to be talking with you today and sharing about my art practice. I started doing basketry in the early 1990s as an unexpected way to rehab from an injury I had. As my health improved, I got really excited about the medium and dove into taking classes and exploring all the various weaves. I started attending an art studio program in Minneapolis several years later and because of my regular attendance, I was awarded my first solo exhibition. The community response was overwhelmingly positive, and from there I decided to continue creating and showing art. Read More>>

Rebecca Vaughns

When I realized how much I loved words and that me and a regular 9 – 5 just didn’t work. Financially it can be challenging at times but the freedom to do as I want when I want is priceless. Having to ask for vacation time or time off just doesn’t sit well with me. Read more>>

Iva Ugrcic

I knew pretty early on that I will be living a life creative. My first contact with the flute occurred while I was returning from my ballet lesson when I was 7 years old (I attended ballet classes for eight years). While I was taking off my rigid ballet shoes in the classroom at the school of music where the classes were held, a young flute professor entered the room. It was the first time I heard those sounds that were so mesmerizing to me. My fascination with the sound and the beauty of this instrument was instantaneous ­­­­­—love at first sight. Those mere few minutes were enough to make me give up ballet lessons and start learning to play the flute. I cannot express the pleasure and thrill which I felt upon the first real contact with my instrument. That magic has continued all my life! Read more>>

Izzy Gazelle

I think I always knew that I wanted to pursue a creative path as a profession. From the time I was young through high school, I was involved with music and the visual arts. Going to art school prepared me initially for the path to a fashion design career after I graduated. It wasn’t until I realized that music was what my heart deeply connected with during my early years working in the fashion industry. I started entertaining the idea of getting into music as I grew bored with my day-to-day work. As much as I love fashion, working in corporate wasn’t quite the way I envisioned my future as a creative. It became clear that music was what I truly wanted to pursue and a bit more unconventional. Read more>>

Courtney Scott

When did I know ? Mmmm that is a great question. I want to give you a little backstory before I answer the question. I have six siblings, two sisters and 4 brothers. My three brothers and I are closer in age, so we did practically everything together, even dressed similarly. I attended private school when I was in elementary school, in which I had to wear a uniform, every part of the uniform had to be the exact same down to the shoes. I disliked the shoes so much, I can still remember the annoying sound they made when I would walk from the buckle hitting the top of my foot. Read more>>

AL Lopez

The earliest instance where I heard that art could be a profession has to be when I was in my grade school art class. I loved my art teacher like she was my own grandmother and would frequently stay behind after class was dismissed to show her some work that I had finished prior to class, and on one faithful day after showing her some of my artwork, she sat me down and told me that I had potential to turn drawing into my profession and that, with the passion I already put into my art, a job like that would fit me perfectly. Even now those words play in my mind from time to time, I truly have my grade school art teacher to thank for getting me out of my comfort zone and setting me on the artistic path I am on right now! Read more>>

Lynnette Driver

I’ve been creating as long as I can remember. I was so fortunate to have an aunt as an elementary school art teacher. She recognized my passion and encouraged my creative dreams. My parents also helped inspire me in a myriad of ways with private art lessons as a young child, buying SO many art supplies, and furthering my dreams by financing my degree in fine arts at a wonderful liberal arts Elmhurst University in the Chicago suburbs. There I was taught by amazing professors who also were a part of the Chicago art scene. I saw artists making a living with their art. Such an inspiration! Read more>>

Manman Li

The journey to my creative career has been nothing short of a captivating and serendipitous adventure. Looking back on my experiences, I am enthralled by the way art and creativity have been an intrinsic part of my life since an early age. Even as a young child, when words escaped me, I found solace and expression through a pen and paper, sketching whimsical little people for endless hours. My parents recognized this innate passion and supported me wholeheartedly, even when my artistic enthusiasm led me to scribble on the walls with a paintbrush. Read more>>

Ina Chen

Throughout my life, I’ve always had an unwavering conviction towards pursuing a professional career in art and creativity. This calling has been deeply rooted in my heart, and I have never envisioned any other path for myself. The significance of contributing to the world as a storyteller, performer, designer, and artist has always resonated with me, and I am committed to following this passion wholeheartedly. Read more>>

Katie Lauffenburger

There was never any other option for me. I’ve always been creative, and from the time that I started having regular art classes in middle school, art has been my passion. I’d rush home after school to work on an acrylic painting, assemblage sculpture, or whatever piece I was experimenting with at the time. Then I continued on to study art in college and graduate school with the intention of finding a job in a creative field. Read more>>

Lauren Eddy

The moon came into reach when I stumbled upon a supportive community in Galveston and also—and this was huge!—affordable, stable artist housing. Galveston is a beach destination. It’s tough for renters because Airbnbs are popping up everywhere. We had a 50% increase in short term rentals just over the past 2 years. Outside investors have big dollar signs in their eyes. Read more>>

Tamara E. Kraft

Oh goodness, the answer to this question dates back when I was very young, probably starting around age 7. I have always loved movies and books, particularly fantasy, science fiction, and mysteries. For stories I didn’t really care for, I would imagine how I would have ended them. Imagining what adventures I would have for my favorite superheros like Batman and Spider-man to what mystery I would have Nancy Drew take on, I would daydream of various scenarios. At the same time, my father, Kevin M. Kraft, encouraged me to start my own writing exploits. He was already a seasoned author himself and an inspiration to me. So I decided to give it a shot. 

Victoria Gunawan

When I was younger my parents put me in an art class and I totally fell in love. I grew up exploring different art from drawing to painting, dancing, to finally doing theater. Having a fond interest in theater makes me realize I have a love for performing and storytelling. Film-making came later in middle school, when I had a class project to make a short film. From then on I was hooked. I know I wanted to continue making movies, theater, and making it my career. Now I’m a senior about to graduate with a degree in film/Tv a year from now. Read more>>

Moses Williams

I knew I wanted to pursue the path as a creative back in December of 2018. I’m a writer by nature, but I would always find myself writing to beats in the notes app, or trading bars with my brother (Treasure) in our group chats, yet I would never record vocals. My friends (who also happen to be artists), played a major role in encouraging me to start making music, as opposed to just writing. I would record demos here and there, but wouldn’t end up releasing anything official until January 2021, which was an EP titled, ‘Only The Prelude’. That first release was a learning experience for me, but can say I’m glad that I took the initiative of putting myself out there. Read more>>

Cindy Berry

I have always had a love for being creative. My background is design. As a Gemini it has challenge my two personalities. I started my journey with Handmade Paper. Then my other side took me to the corporate world working as a Regional Manager for a Book Company. My independent side took me to own a Shipping store. Finally, I am back to my creative side doing Resin Art. My path has given me wealth of knowledge for my present business. Read more>>

Linda Dahlem

Growing up as a timid only child in one of the smallest countries in the world, Luxembourg, I often felt lonely and distant from the rest of the world. Luckily, I grew a fascination with the unique world of cinema very early on in my life, which quickly became a place of solace and connection, and in truth, a place I looked to for guidance. Having this refuge in my life made me feel truly understood and never alone. I knew that I wanted to create the same sanctuary for others, which is why I pursued a career in Film. Read more>>

Jaxon Kolhoff

I grew up with artistic parents who got burnt out from the grind if Art school. My dad was an actor, and my mother was a painter/ interior designer. I knew I would find something that really fit with me. Then I discovered spoken word, and punk rock. These two art forms combine my love of literature, and my love of performance art. I think this realization hit hard when I was 12. I had just finished my classic Washington D.C. field trip, and actually met Henry Rollins from Black Flag on the capitol Lawn. This experience become one of many that just made something inside me say “keep going”… “keep walking the path”. Read more>>

Nomé Naku

I have loved singing since I could speak. My parents always nurtured that part of me and it just never went away. Throughout high school I thought about the different careers paths that could interest me and I had a few cool options. I love animals, so I considered becoming a vet. I have always been interested in mental health, so I played with the idea of becoming a therapist, but the most clear picture I had of my future was being a musician. It was my first love and it just kind of unraveled that way. Read more>>

Joshua Winch

I first knew I wanted to pursue this path when I was in high-school. My senior year drama instructor was really encouraging, before that I didn’t even know a career in the arts was an option. Read more>>

Lucy Lawrence

I was a high school senior, determined to graduate high school with my associate’s degree. I was taking a bunch of random classes, one being a media class. We were assigned to do a media project and work on it over the class. I decided to do a makeup page on Instagram, where I posted an editorial makeup look every week. During this same time, I also found my long-term interest in photography growing. I liked to do makeup looks, and then do a little photo shoot with them. My sister Lily was most helpful, as she always agreed to let me practice on her. As I worked on these projects, I started to love the idea of doing these kinds of things as a job- photography, makeup, and content creation. Read more>>

Lindsey Guile

Unlike many people who know they want to be an artist from a young age my foray into the visual arts didn’t start until I was in college. I tested out of a basic computer course and needed a last minute elective and the only course open that would fit my schedule was an art appreciation class. From there I went on to get my BFA, MA, and MFA in Painting & Drawing. It probably wasn’t until I was in my MFA that I really discovered my voice as an artist though. As a lover of classical approaches to art-making there was always a struggle in how to make my practice contemporary. Read more>>

Olivier Duperval

I knew that I wanted to pursue a creative entrepreneurship path when I started to see the impact that my story, my art and my ideas have on the life of both people that I know and people that I’ve met in passing. I’m grateful and honored to have gifts and talents that can reach a multitude and wide range of people. It’s a big responsibility that’s to be taken seriously while at the same time learning to have fun in the process. Read more>>

Lauren Cressman

As a young child I absolutely loved to make art and create and would often make art for others around me. All of my gifts to family members were handmade. As I grew, I started to sell black and white portraits, bracelets, and my art to people in my neighborhood. I loved getting commissions and seeing people react to my custom art. From then I knew I wanted to make a living off of the arts by either teaching or making art. It wasn’t until I was twenty-one that I started an Etsy page and promoted my art that I realized it was possible. Since then, I have created my own business, participated in art galleries, sold my work in stores locally and nationwide. Read more>>

Jasen Alfrena

I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path in life when I was huge on drawing my favorite anime characters at just the 3rd and 4th grade. Drawing was something that I really loved to do and at that time, at that young of age I thought I was going to become an artist dealing with solely drawing for the rest of my life. Read more>>

VIE DUNN-HARR

Growing up in a creative household, my mother encouraged and nurtured creative projects such as sewing, painting, decorating and such. At the age of 13 I did an art show on the San Antonio Riverwalk. I did finger paintings on parchment paper and sold out the first day. I decided then that was how I was going to make a living. After graduating high school, all my art friend’s parents were saying they needed to go back to school and get a real job. When I told my mother I didn’t want to go to college and that I wanted to be a painter, she responded “then you need to be excellent”. Read more>>

Michelle Majors

When I was in the 6th grade, we did a musical called “Annie” at our school. Everyone had to audition. I ended up getting case as the lead role and I never really realized I could sing and act for real until then. I got on stage and never felt more powerful. I knew in that moment this was it for me. Read more>>

Shanice Renee’

I first realized I wanted to be a model/actor/creator when I was 16. I used to watch America’s next top model with Tyra Banks, she definitely inspired me. The show definitely gave me a lot knowledge, tips, and things to be aware of throughout this journey. I also watched fashions shows, I loved fashion. Something about it brought me Joy. My mother also inspired me because modeling was a dream of hers and I love that she gets to live it through me. I make sure she gets to enjoy ever moment with me. Read more>>

Amy Jack

It was always a dream of mine to pursue music, although it didn’t feel like a feasible goal until I met Merle Haggard. He took me under his wing and agreed to produce my debut album and encouraged me to put my music out into the world. Read more>>

Ryan Boyuan Shi

I always wanted to be a science student without any specific reason. But everything changed when the first iPhone came out. I was amazed by how innovative it was, and it inspired me to pursue a creative path. So, I started exploring different creative fields like product and transportation design. After a while, I found my true passion in concept art, especially for games. Creating unique and imaginative worlds through visual storytelling really caught my interest, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do for a living. Read more>>

Tracy Pshyk

I have always been a creative person and dabbled in different creative endeavors even in my early teens. I knew creativity would always be a part of my life no matter what. I didnt actually really consider selling art or even doing it as a career until i was about 27 and i moved to a small mountain town called Fernie, BC. My employers there found out I was an artist and asked me to do a mural on the hotel wall (i was a hotel housekeeper and they owned the hotel). I did it and it was such a great rush and challenge. I had never worked on a scale even close to that nor had i had someone give me full scale creative control of the project. Read more>>

Chloe Clemente

I’ve always wanted to pursue music, I’ve been singing since I was little and even told my mom “I wanna be a rock star”. At age 10 I began vocal lessons with coach Billy Purnell who has trained artists like Tori Kelly, Keke Palmer, and more. Now as an adult I feel I’m living my dream! It took a lot of hard work and it is rough sometimes, but my love for performing and writing has fully taken over my life. I enjoy being able to share my thoughts through music and I feel like it forms a connection to the listener in a way that can only be formed by truly hanging out with me one on one. Read more>>

LaCora Robinson

As a creative, when I am not tapped into my creative side, and I am doing other work, I sometimes feel misplaced. When you are doing what you love and you get a taste of what it feels like to pursue your gift it’s difficult go back to doing anything else. So around 7 years ago I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my 9 to 5 job to become a freelance model and and makeup artist. Taking a leap of faith can be scary but at the end by the grace of God it is very rewarding. Read more>>

Chrys Roboras

I always loved creativity. Exiting high school I only wanted to be involved in fine arts. People tell you it’s not possible to live off your art and be a professional, but I couldn’t let it go. Read more>>

Ivan Pulley

The first time I knew I wanted to do music professionally for the rest of my life was when I was 15. I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida playing in the scene down there & ended up joining a Skynyrd Tribute Band. It was during this time that we played with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer & original Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer, Artimus Pyle. After performing with him 3 times, once at 15, twice at 16, I decided “Why would I ever quit doing this??” Read more>>

Sarah Carbia

I first knew I wanted to pursue an artistic career ever since I was in 3rd grade. I loved arts and crafts! I use to carry a fishing box with fishing wire and colorful beads to school and everywhere I went. My Dad would take me to an arts and crafts store back home in Puerto Rico called Capri, where he would buy me beads to make jewelry. I would make necklaces and hair accessories and sell them in school in 3rd and 4th grade. when I was in intermediate school there was an art award that students would receive in 8th grade if they had excellent grades in art for 3 years from 6th to 8th grade. I wanted that art award so much that I ended up getting it in 8th grade!!! just me and 2 other students got the award! I was always so proud of that, I knew art and creativity was my passion. Read more>>