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

Estella Kirk

I knew I wanted to pursue music as a career for the first time when I was twelve years old. I started taking singing lessons, guitar lessons, stage presence, and learning about songwriting, this opened my mind to different genres of music and found I loved pop-christian. After a few years of taking classes and building my skills I began writing and recording originals, I Traveled to San Diego California, where I was writing and recording almost every day, soon after I released my first EP called “Bright side” I fell in love with music because I was able to relate to anyone through music, and create something that means so much to me and hopefully other people as well. Read more>>

Caitlin Quisenberry

Music and creativity ran through my bones from a young age. When people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would reply with one of the following artistic endeavors: singer, artist, fashion designer, or actress. Then somewhere along the way, probably starting in high school, I got the creativity beaten out of me. What became center focus was getting good grades, getting into a top university, and figuring out a major that others would be deem “impressive” or “worthy”. I contemplated majoring in psychology and going to medical school to be a psychiatrist, political science and going into politics, or majoring in philosophy to become a lawyer. I finally settled on philosophy and set up my entire college career around, once again, getting good grades to now get into the top law schools. Read more>>

Cara H. Cadwallader

“And I, I will survive, hey hey!” boomed the Disco Queen, Gloria Gaynor’s, powerful voice from the loudspeakers in my parent’s, eastern Canada townhouse. Toddling on four-year old legs, and holding onto a sharp corner of a wooden, coffee table in the living room, these empowering lyrics grabbed hold of my brown haired, big eyed self. In a household devoid of emotional connection where an antagonism towards empathy and a fear of vulnerability were rife, and where a cycle of physical and emotional abuse played out, I intuitively knew that Gloria was right – I was going to survive. I also felt the resonant chords, of the ancient use of art, song and dance as a means to retain and amplify the great stirrings of our human spirit, ringing within me. Read more>>

Edmund Adjei-Baah

In 2014, while I was a student at Richland Community College…I started hanging out more with my brother/business partner Iniemem Edet. He came and told me how he had an idea of making funny videos. Since I was good at dancing, I told him that I would help him make dance videos. We decided to make dance videos and started performing at shows, college events and music videos in 2015. During that time we created Spicysuya Boyz. Fast forward to 2016, we started to delve into comedy videos full time due to the lack of respect that was shown to us as dancers. People would not take us seriously as dancers and that made us venture into comedy videos. Read more>>

Elley Ringo

I’ve known since I was a little girl that I wanted to be in front of large audiences. My mom always told me that I was never meant for small things and that someday I would be famous. When I was eight years old I was in my very first play. I was dressed up in a cute outfit, it was just a small school play so we were all still holding our scripts, but I knew right then and there that if I stood in front of an audience and they were watching me I got to control what was going on. I got to see if I could make them laugh or cry, or cause any emotion. Feeling that kind of power was intimidating but also a driver. So I’ve always dabbled around and plays, and films and modeling. But it’s always been my part-time job for the things that would fill up my weekends. Read more>>

Janna Barker

I don’t know that I had a hard tangible moment that I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally. Growing up, I felt more of the pressure to get that 4 year college degree and pursue “real” career kind of work. I ended up getting my BA in Anthropology. However, I was always involved in the arts in some way (painting, photography, etc) because it is something that I love and gives me so much pleasure. I graduated during the recession so finding a job was very difficult at that time. All I knew at the time was that I really wanted to do something that would include my love for art, cultures, travel and humanitarian work. I just wasn’t finding anything like that so I decided to make it happen for myself. Read more>>

Solange Sarria

When I was reading about Leonardo Da Vinci in a history class during my Junior year at Coral Reef Senior High I realized that an office job was not for me. Da Vinci was a Renaissance man and I wanted to be like him when I grew up. Up until that point I had consumed my free time with gymnastics, drawing and choir rehearsal. I wasn’t like other kids. I didn’t care for video games or sports. All I cared for was channeling my emotions, expressing myself creatively and inspiring others to FEEL in the process. I knew that whatever I did professionally would have to involve creative problem solving, movement, using my hands and people. Read more>>

Thomas Elias Lockhart III

Back in the year 2000, I really believed I wanted to pursue the life of an artist. I wanted to make art and many different genres and be a diverse artist, that would impact society. I wanted my art to be inspirational and relevant to today in history. Read more>>

Ashley Somogyi

I first want to say, I may write songs with lyrics but I’m not a great writer when it comes to this kind of thing. So apologies in advance. When it comes to me knowing I wanted to pursue a career in music, I was pretty young. honestly can’t recall the exact age that I was or when and where those initial thoughts occurred to me, but I know that once I picked up the piano around the age of 8 was when those desires started. I learned to play piano by ear, and grew to be quite talented with that instrument. Read more>>

Kenya Meon

I believe that I knew from a relatively young age that I wanted to be a creator. Although there wasn’t much, if any, artistic influence around me, I can remember having an immense appreciation for the small everyday details around me as a child. Whether it was the way light traveled about a particular room throughout the day, flora from my grandmother’s garden, or textures found within my surroundings in rural Georgia, I found comfort and interest in their beauty. Read more>>

Mae Stone

I’ve always been a performer. As a child, my parents would sign me up for theatre camp in the summers back home in Dallas. When I talk with people about my artistic background, I tell them theatre was my first love. Being on stage in full character, performing in front of an audience is so exhilarating! I credit theatre with helping me build my confidence—which is necessary for the creative work that I do in the cannabis industry. Read more>>

Phillip White

I didn’t find my creativity early on in life but I always knew I wanted to do something with music in my early teens. When I was 13 I found the spice girls and I loved them each one different and unique but all put together creatively with music. I knew from that age I wanted to be a performer but I was too shy to let that side of me out in my teens. Having that desire in my heart still never went away even into my 30s. I went on a trip to thailand my first ever intenational trip and came back refreshed and renewed. I realized I had to go for my dreams and do something creative to get there. In 2015 I started doing the work and going to vocal lessons and some how interestingly got into fashion. Read more>>

Jenny Sorensen

I knew from a young age that art would always be my passion. I studied art on my own and attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Then came a time where I set my art aside to pursue a property management career. I had been working the 9-5 grind for many years, and even though I still considered myself an artist at heart, my work slipped and my creativity suffered. Thanks to support from my family, I left that industry in 2015 and picked up some polymer clay that had been hiding away in a dusty box and had a play. The magic was instant, the feeling electric, and my mind was filled with dazzling ideas as I embraced my inner artist again. Once I established my passion, I began creating just for myself. Read more>>

Victoria Row-Traster

I was always a lively child who loved to perform on stage. I was born in the UK where arts education is an integral part of our elementary and high school education. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a drama teacher and after graduating from The Central School of Speech and Drama, London, in the early 2000s, I relocated to New York City where I was thrilled to be accepted into a Master’s program at New York University. I was able to follow my passion teaching for world-renowned theaters such as The Royal National Theater in London and The New Victory Theater in New York. I am so happy that I can continue my passion here in Miami at the Miami Theater Center (MTC) and thrilled to part of the team! Read more>>

Devin Smalls

I developed a love for art when I was young watching my older brother paint and my mom and grandma sew. My father was a stylish individual as well so as I grew older I carried those thoughts with me and wanted to implement them into my everyday lifestyle through fashion and art. Read more>>

Dale Novak

As early as I can remember, I was fascinated with the illustrations in books that were read to me as a child. They were always so vivid and sparked my imagination. I remember creating mountains of crumbled up pieces of paper that were discarded from failed attempts at recreating the dinosaurs in books that I had checked out from the library. Throughout grade school and high school, my homework was constantly littered with doodles and comics. I just loved to draw. The first job I had growing up I was a waiter at a local restaurant in my neighborhood. I would go through endless guest check pads as I used the backs of paper to draw on. Read more>>

Anastacia Juarez

When I began making jewelry, I didn’t intend to have a business. I started to make pieces for friends and family, and had such great support that I was encouraged to expand. I started selling whenever I had the opportunity, at small parties and events, then slowly started doing larger organized markets. I quickly realized that I was on the right path. My favorite part about doing markets is meeting other artists and creators who are also pursuing their passions. Markets are not only a great place for sales, but also for gaining confidence and receiving valuable feedback from other artists. Surrounding myself with other successful creators has given me the courage to pursue my jewelry and art more seriously. Read more>>

Tiffany Rachann

There’s a saying that goes something like, “Whatever you loved as a child is what you should continue to love.”. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, home of Motown Soul. I believe I recognized it happening for me at about six years old. As an only child, all I had was imagination. Devouring music and books while stuffed animals lined up for me to teach was one indication that I’d be who I am today. In thinking about this question further, I’d also have to say that recounting all of the memories was fueled by music with family and community. I attribute that to my environment, and those impressions have always encouraged me to pursue the artistic path. Read more>>

Afi Ese

I was an advanced child, honor roll, AP classes, and such. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a psychologist. I was heavily invested in the disparities my community faces. Though I was always gifted in art, I never saw it as career- worthy. I went to high school in the 90s, when a college education was pushed on students. We were taught we’d be flipping burgers if we didn’t go to college, which, of course, it’s true at all. Nevertheless, I obtained 3 degrees and became a licensed clinical and forensic psychotherapist. Seven years into my career, I became disabled from a chronic illness I developed when I was 16. Rheumatoid arthritis forced me to retire early and I found myself home doing nothing while I recovered from knee replacements. Soon after, I started painting to keep me busy. Read more>>

Cali Sonte

I was born into this, my Father would take my sister and I on set with him when he worked on Film and Television shows. My first acting job was on set with my Dad. Growing up in Los Angeles everyone is a Performer of some sort pursuing their Careers on the side or full time right? I knew at an early age how my Performance on stage would command attention.. I was a shy girl but when it came to doing Martial Arts demonstrations at Seminars, Performing in Plays, I came alive and it was something that made me happy to be able to make others laugh..cry..or just be amazed at what I could do. I also enjoyed being behind the camera. Read more>>

Eren Simpson

I am actually a journalist by study and trade and I thought I would always just channel my energy into writing. But writing is very emotional for me and takes a lot out of me, so while I still do it, I found that during my bouts of postpartum depression and anxiety following the birth of both of my children, art became a big part of my healing. I had always been a crafter/maker/artist since I was old enough to finger paint with my mom at the kitchen table. But it was never all-consuming for me like it was for her and when I did AP Art in high school and attempted to major in art and design in college, I found that while I liked writing on deadline, I did not enjoy creating on deadline, or creating things to meet other people’s purely subjective standards. Read more>>

Markivus Nious

I was five years old, conflicted between watching Motown 25 or Superman. Once I found out Michael Jackson was going to perform, Superman was out (this was 1983 when Michael Jackson was at the height of his fame, and his record-breaking album Thriller was taking the world by storm). I kept flipping back and forth from Superman and Motown 25 to catch Michael Jackson’s performance. Once he performed and did the moonwalk, I was hooked. His performance was mesmerizing, and he had everyone in a daze. It felt as though he was gliding and spinning. Once he did the moonwalk, it was over. It was then I knew I wanted to learn how to breakdance and move like Michael Jackson. Read more>>

Zara Taitt

Even though I have always had an interest in colors, art, texture, and curiosity about aesthetics it was solidified in high school. A class was offered that was an introduction to interior design and I loved it. At the end of that class, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in interior design. Read more>>

Judith Rae

There are moments in our lives that feel more like magical doorways into what we’re becoming. They help define who we are and the paths we choose. These moments are the ones that attach themselves to feelings, sights, smells and sounds – holding on tight so they’ll always be remembered. Like the moment I was informally introduced to photography. At the time, I was studying Early Childhood Education with a minor in Latin American Culture. I had been reading the biography of Frida Kahlo so I had it with me at all times even as I stood at the front desk of my college figuring out what class would fulfill the extra credits I needed. Read more>>

Naomi

I was 13 i was writing in my room Disney, bet and MTV had a big influence on me growing up and I just told myself I wanna do this so i can be on there. Read more>>

Stacy Conde

Though my childhood was not exactly idyllic, the arts were certainly appreciated in my home. …but it was sort of nebulous, we never talked about “the arts” in any formal way, we didn’t go to museums nor attend gallery openings; I was encouraged to create for the sole purpose of creation. My mother was good at anything she put her mind to, including sculpting, painting, culinary and fiber work, the woman even played piano. She was also an avid reader and encouraged me to do the same. I experimented mostly with photography, drawing, embroidery and writing. These were all diversions to me though, past times, it never occurred to me that these were potential career paths. Read more>>

R. Weir

I knew I wanted to be a book author in my early twenties, which was back in the eighties. I wrote a short story and three novels in a series, typing them out on an old manual typewriter. Hard work compared to the technology of today. The idea’s flowing through me, needing to get the words out of my head and onto paper. Mad hopes of getting published. Little did I know at the time how difficult it was for this to happen. Trying to submit manuscripts with no interest being shown in my work. A bit soul-crushing at the time. Shortly after I got married and had a child, putting all those dreams to rest until 2013 when I decided to dust off my old pages. Updating one of my short stories, which soon turned into an 8 book private eye series, all released independently. Read more>>

Shaun & Carl Marshall / McGowan

Carl – Shaun and I both came from very similar backgrounds and even share similar childhood stories. We were raised in small rural towns in Texas by struggling single mothers and attended public schools where our creative talents and artistry made us both stand out, but also occasionally feel left out. The pulse of many smaller communities in Texas are often so connected primarily to football, cheerleading and band as a sort of joint function most of the students choose to participate in, in some way. We never felt comfortable or interested in those groups. Following our own interests became a sort of rebellion against what was typically expected and that meant exploring artforms rather than sports. Exploring our connection to nature and beauty through painting, sculpting, crafting and theatre arts taught us a lot about art as well as ourselves. Read more>>

Rosaria Vigorito

Actually, the pursue was a direct and logical progression of my path once I reawakened to who I was all along. I have worn many figurative hats as in I am an Italian-American, a lesbian, a retired NY lawyer, NY law librarian professor, and an ovarian cancer survivor, but my calling is that of an artist. I knew I was one as far back as age seven. Whomever asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I immediately answered “an artist.” However, for many years afterwards, that recognition of who I was went dormant. My calling resurfaced from within later in my life. I rediscovered my childhood passion for art as an adult, which I call my second coming out. Read more>>

Jenna Zapata

I sold my first photograph in an art gallery in 7th grade. I came back to school and talked with some of my artist peers about it. I tried to convince them to enter in future shows and I realized people feel as though art is an exclusive community for collectors and elitists, but in reality, art galleries allow for a space that is tangible, creative, and diverse–allowing anyone to participate no matter their age or monetary status. After realizing the fallacy between art and everyday people, I made it my mission to help guide and inspire other artists. I wanted people to feel comfortable growing and promoting themselves as artists regardless of age or talent. Read more>>

Kathy linden

I never remember NOT doing some type of art. Whether it was doodling, coloring or begging for a painting kit as a gift. When I was required to do reports in grade school, a drawing was always included. As I got older, the passion increased. I would sometimes demand that I be allowed to stay home so I could go down to the basement (where I had my supplies) and create something on a canvas or drawing board that I had in my mind. I graduated from University with a degree in fine art. I had been trained in all mediums and genres. I was excited, I was eager. I returned home , to New York, and found the art world not as inviting as I anticipated. Read more>>

Mercy Baron

Watching my Dad play percussion and paint. My Mother create as a sculptress, painter and pattern maker. My older sister was a professional dancer. The creative direction was strong in my family. I started ballet and tap at 6 yrs old from famous teachers in Hollywood such as Juliet Prowse and Jon Zerby (father to actress, Kim Darby.) At around 12, I wanted to play drums, but my Dad didn’t think that was right for a girl, so I played flute in an all girl marching band, (hated it) but secretly switched over to drums and my father finally gave in!. Read more>>

LeAndre Barnett

Growing up I always knew I wanted to pursue art in some way, originally I wanted a career in animation which had been my dream since I was a child. Of course reality set in that I wouldn’t be able to afford the tuition so my choices were to go to college for medical or figure something out, I immediately chose to figure something out.I begin searching for different careers in art for weeks trying to figure it out not mention I had a baby on the way, all of this at 19 I felt stuck because all the jobs required college education in the art I then looked in something more expressive like how could I tell a story with my art being of value. Read more>>

Steven Labadessa

I’ve been drawing since I was 5 or 6 (doodling with Mom in the kitchen). I never really stopped, but I think I took my talent for granted … of course, my parents were concerned for my economic well-being & discouraged the idea of any art-related career. So, while I did formally study art in college (primarily drawing & sculpture) and received a BA, my primary degree was a BS in Psychology (focusing on gender & personality). To which I graduated lost as to what I was to do or be with 180 or so credits (I was planning on a triple degree). Read more>>

Nicole Banowetz

As a child I was always making things, and art was my favorite subject, but I didn’t really think about careers. Once I was in high school I was really lucky to learn the concept that there is work in the arts from a summer job program called Arts Street. Arts Street is a career training through the arts program. This amazing summer arts program was created by Stella You and ran through the Mayors Office in Denver. The first summer I worked under two artist mentors Amy Laugesen and Tim Flynn Read more>>

Robyn Vegas

When I was in high school, I took my first art class with the amazingly talented Sharon Doucet and it completely changed the course of my life. Before that I wanted to be a public defender! It was a complete 180-degree shift. I don’t think teachers get the recognition they deserve for how much they influence and shape us. I had always been involved in numerous creative arts experiences from childhood, but did not realize something I enjoyed so much could actually be a career until that moment. Read more>>

Debbie Clapper

Subconsciously, I knew I wanted to pursue a career as an artist when I was in the third grade. I had started drawing daily, and a classmate and I began making and decorating little pieces of origami art that we turned into art “spinners.” The spinners were a real hit among our peers, so we started selling them at school. I believe they ranged from 10¢–25¢, and I still have a few in my art archives! Unfortunately, we got into trouble for selling the spinners at school and had to shut our operation down (which I think was a huge missed opportunity by the school as it could have been a great segue into teaching grade-schoolers the basics of running a business). Read more>>

Jeanie Tomanek

While working an office job in 1995, my husband Dennis and I purchased an existing wholesale novelty t-shirt silk screen company. The designs were whimsical and mostly featured cats and cute sayings. We wanted to expand the lines and while I began creating new designs, drawing for the first time in many years, I realized that I wanted to paint again. It was truly an amazing feeling to know this was what I’d been seeking for so many years as my soul’s calling. I’d always painted the occasional work, but now I felt that this was what I was meant to do. Read more>>

Trisha Finch

Born and raised in the Philippines, our sources of entertainment are watching television, reading books, and browsing the internet. I’ve always wanted to be part of this entertainment to create content. After moving to Austin 6 years ago, I started connecting with local creatives, like, models, photographers, and local business owners. Then, I shift to acting in films, tv-series, and commercials. As an artist, you have to keep honing your creativity and adapt to the trend in the industry, especially in social media, influencing products and creating content for brands. Read more>>

Kelly Autry

My favorite stores to shop in are those little old gift shops that have eclectic items from handcrafted ceramic mugs, printed tea towels, home decor, specialty teas/coffees, lots of books, poured candles, handbags and jewelry. All unique. All HANDMADE. The type of items that you can’t buy from the big box stores. You see things you didn’t know you wanted or needed, and you always find the perfect gift for someone you love. I can get lost in a store like that for hours and I think “put an espresso machine in here and I would never leave”. I would daydream that after all my kids were grown, I would open a store that sold handcrafted items with my own special touch. Read more>>

Sheila Teague

I have always had a passion for the arts ever since I was a child. Eversince I can rememer I was the quiet kid in the back of the class who would either draw, write short stories, or hum the latset hit on the radio. As I grew into my teens I became interested in poetry which would later develop into rap. Given my quiet demeanor I would often be teased or picked on in my early adolescence. I always felt as though my words were my escape or super power in a since. By the time I graduated from highschool I slightly entertained the idea of me pursuing music. I was very hesitant at first considering that the genre of “female rap” was taking off at the time. Read more>>

Shani Weiss

I have been playing and creating music since I was a young child, so naturally when I came to study in college, I gravitated towards music. I studied one year of Jazz and contemporary music, and then decided to take the year off to have a good think about what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted a degree, but I was contemplating between computer science, and making a good income in the hi tech industry, and have a sad little hi tech band that also chose money over passion. The other option was to do a degree in music, knowing my life would be more humble, but I will be doing what I love. Read more>>

Jimmy Of The Saints

When I was about the age of 10, I remember wanting to tell stories in a different way other than just writing them down on paper for no one to read but myself. Music was something I’ve always loved as a kid, I just didn’t know how to transfer the songs in my head to something that could be recorded or performed with other instruments at the time. I was influenced by artists like Drake, J. Cole, Kanye & Jay-Z at the time to put these stories into raps, and create music to work with the lyrics to create a song. I did my research, got a USB mic and started recording with Audacity, then GarageBand. I fell in love with making music. It was something that I felt so connected to and a way of expressing myself in the best way I felt possible, because sometimes, speaking wasn’t always the best. Read more>>

Wendy Kwasny

I think I have wanted to be an artist from a young age. However, back then it wasn’t thought that you could make a living as an artist. It was kinda like saying you wanted to make it in Hollywood. But now, with the internet and social media, being an artist is much more accessible and possible. After I received my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art I actually got a job in insurance first. Then I transitioned into administration at a private art school. It wasn’t until I left that job on maternity leave that I decided to take the opportunity to be a full time artist and Mom. That was about 15-16 years ago now and I haven’t looked back, Read more>>

Shondālla Calder

I first realized that wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally when I saw the violinist Karen Briggs perform. I was so excited to see someone that looked like me playing the violin in a way that I never heard the instrument played. I fell in love with the violin and I was so excited to learn to play. I didn’t know what that would look like. My parents wanted me to take the safe route and go to School for medicine. I couldn’t stop dreaming about being a violinist and traveling the world. I was only presented with two options with playing the violin. I was told that I would have to choose to be an educator or a classical performer. Neither option sat well with me. Read more>>

Meenal Chakradeo

I am a trained Kathak dancer. I started learning the art form at the young age of 7. Right from my childhood I was very passionate about Dance. At the same time I was also very ambitious academically. I came to USA in 2001 with a dream to pursue graduate degrees in Computer science and Business Management, In 2003, After completing my Masters in Business Administration I landed a great job in a software company. As time passed I continued to advance in my career. On the personal front I had a happy family with a supportive husband and 2 little kids. Dance continued to be my passion but never in my wildest dreams had I thought that I would be a full time Classical Dancer, educator and performer. Read more>>

Linga Ndambasha

I was just a little 3rd grader when I wrote my first book. It wasn’t a New York Times best-seller— but it since it was about an adventure in a tropical jungle, I’m sure it was page turner! The book was called “lost in the jungle” a very original name, indeed. The book I wrote was part of a program designed to help students to get into the practice of publishing their projects. The program made me fall in love with writing and helped me realize that I had both a gift, and an opportunity to grow my gift into something that could creatively impact the world. Read more>>

Nycole Ray

Early on I thought I had it all figured out. I knew what I wanted to be… a cosmetologist! I did my research and decided that I would participate in a program offered at my high school that would teach me the craft and come graduation time, I would have all of the hours needed to take the state test. Very proud of my decision, I offered this glorious plan to my mother and she immediately told “No you will not be doing that!”. Instant heartbreak set in. While I didn’t have a back up career plan devised, I did also do some research on another program my high school offered that allowed students to participate in advanced placement and art classes that brought kids together from five different schools in the afternoons. I chose to take dance class (mother approved). After the first class, I knew whole heartedly that a dance career was what I wanted! Read more>>

Candy Scott

I knew from a very young age that I was in love with the Arts, It was my very first love, I loved acting, dancing, singing, watching others in the composition of plays and dance. I loved the costumery, clothing and fashion. I dreamed of creating wardrobes matching the ones in movies for my Barbie dolls, and necessity being the Mother of Invention lead to me picking up the needle and thread at seven years old. I taught myself how to sew new garments for my dolls. A few months after I started learning how to hand sew I was visiting my Aunt in Chicago. By total kismet I met a girl who was my exact age and we fast became best friends for the short time I was there, her name was Natalie. One day she invited me into her mother’s office and work area. Read more>>

Quinn Gary

While pursuing modeling I quickly realized that there was a lack of representation, and trained makeup artist for women of color. At this point of time women of color were unfortunately the only models that needed to come “base” ready (foundation on), or have makeup brought with you to ensure that you would look right for the gig. From that day forward my passion for makeup was ignited, I never wanted anyone else to feel or go through those circumstances again on any set! Read more>>

Heather Fay

I knew ever since I was a little girl that all I wanted to do was be creative in any way that I possibly could. My way of perceiving and experiencing the world around me was unique and played a huge role in this. I always felt this special, deep connection to things that I later realized was “inspiration”. I was “one” with all things around me and it’s from this magical place within me that my creative endeavors began. This isn’t something that you chose to be. This is not something that you can pretend to be. The connection that I have with the creative world through my gifts and abilities is something that you’re either born with or not. You can, however, choose to embrace and nurture these gifts and see where they lead you.  Read more>>

Jasmine Gonzales

I have been creating art all my life. My mom has saved probably every art project and piece of paper I scribbled on since I was 3. I did odd jobs and one-off jobs here and there most of my life but never gave it too much of a thought. I arrived to Austin, TX for college and started to learn about the diverse and amazing street art and muralist community. I started to dabble in it and sold my first print with the help of Spratx but because of school, let it fall to the back burner again. In 2018, I found an amazing art community at a place very dear to my heart, Cherry Cola Dog (CCD). I connected with an artist, Justin Haggerty, who was performing live art at CCD events. Read more>>

Alpa Thakkar

I was always into art and craft ever since I was a kid. Every time we would have the summer break, I would get some paints and do some art work. I enjoyed every moment of it. It made my creative juices flow and made me happy. Learning to do henna was also a part of my summer time hobby. A cousin of mine and I practiced henna on each other. I was self taught. I did all kinds of paintings like charcoal, oils, This is when I realized art gives me joy and wanted to make a career with it. Read more>>

DeShaun Jay

To be honest, I’ve been involved with music one way or another since I’ve been able to talk and read. Whether it was band, choir, etc., I’ve always known I had a thing for music and entertainment. I started rapping as a hobby back in high school. You know the typical free styling in the courtyard with the homies, went to some studios here and there after high school just to rap. But once I did my first show in 2015, I knew i was meant for this. Read more>>

Sarah Sauer

I started taking art classes young. I think it was just a nature thing at a certain point. For as long as I can remember I thought: I want to be an artist and that was my answer when people would ask. As I developed I got this more technical mind too. The traditional arts didn’t always seem like a perfect fit. I did all of the art fundamentals but nothing was striking me as a good match for my form of creativity. Then when I started realizing: print-making exists, ceramics exist, there is a lot of technicality, there is a lot of process, you must have very fine attention to detail. That’s when I realized that mediums existed that matched design with my bent towards more of a technical practice. Read more>>

Jimmy Houston

As a child, I would lie on the travertine tile in the hall and draw enormous worlds with crayons on butcher paper. I scribbled out epic stories of my imagination, making little wax marks until the paper was filled. I never thought I’d be creating art as a living. I didn’t know that was something attainable. By the time I was in high school I was devouring anything art or film related. I was making stop-motion videos with clay. I was creating with any medium I could get my hands on in art class. I was drawing all over my school notes. I was invited once into the principal’s office for something strange I had doodled on a less-than-satisfactory chemistry exam. Read more>>

Elijah Shoaga

The first time that i felt like I wanted to be an artist professional was when I was around twelve years old. During the christmas when i was twelve, I asked for oil paints, and i eventually got them.When I first started off oil painting i was a bob ross painter like many others are. Eventually i started experimenting with other types of art, sand by far my favorite was drawing caricatures. So that spring me and my friend made a lemonade stand with a caricature stand next to it, and surprisingly I made a good amount of money. so with the money i made i spent it on more art supplies and i kept on practicing for long periods of time. Read more>>

Robyn Thayer

For approximately 45 years I have been actively creating art -nothing has stopped me. I have my mother to thank for this. She introduced me to coloring, drawing clown face after clown face for me to color on airplane rides and through lengthy church services. She made sure I had supplies for each and every craft my grandmother (her ma) introduced me to. And, as I grew, my creativity grew, as did my mess making (essential to my creativity). My mother found ways to wall off areas for me to have my special nooks of creative space and uninterrupted mess, in each place we lived. Read more>>