Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Romeo Harrell | Photographer & Creative director

When I was young my uncle was a huge source of inspiration for me. I realized early on in my life that doing a 9-5 for the rest of my life wasn’t it. So I seeked multiple way of try to have a way to express my creativity and one day I looked at a magazine for vogue and realized maybe I could be that person and no not the person who’s in the photo but the person who created the photo and I begged my mom for a camera at 15 and got one and started by photographing people in my high school and haven’t stopped since. Read more>>

JoAnn Garcia | Texas Wedding Photographer

A career wasn’t the goal at first, I just wanted to be able to capture all the little moments in my son’s life. Like many mommas, I gave birth to my first child during the pandemic. Due to being so scared of going out or having anyone come into my home, I decided to take my photos for my memories. My son was the motivation behind it all. He was the reason I ever picked up a camera. I eventually decided I wanted to photograph memories for others. Once I started taking photography more seriously i realized I loved capturing love stories for couples. Read more>>

Jessica Garcia | Artist

I first started pursuing music for therapy as an only outlet but growing out of behaviors the strive for the success of my music turned into my music being my voice and I hope to reach others to tell my story and help others relate and express to my words inspiring them and reminding my listeners they are not alone Read more>>

Darlington Agbude | Singer-songwriter & Creative Graphic Designer

I was born into a family of artists and creatives. Right from an early age of about 5, I started drawing and I wasn’t actually taught, it was a natural gift. I was blessed to come from a generation that appreciated and loved self expression through music and art. Singing and dancing also became a passion as we watch music videos on TV such as Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, MC Hammer and more. Read more>>

Angela Reneé | Make Up Artist & Photographer

Pursuing an artistic/creative business stems from my early childhood. I’ve always been crafty. Creating something from nothing. When I was a child I use to make Barbie clothes from scraps so the creativity comes natural. Beauty has always been my niche. I graduated High School with my Cosmetology License. Make Up is an art, an expression and I love seeing the extra confidence in the clients I service. Read more>>