Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Carrie Burge | Food Stylist

Art and creativity is in my blood. Almost all of my family members— aunts, uncles, siblings, cousin— use many different styles and forms of art in their daily lives. I don’t think we would be able to function as a family without it. To choose it as a career, for me, is almost second nature. I hope to only continue to grow in my craft, as well as adopt different outlets and styles along the way. I can’t imagine a life where I’m not creating. It’s such a blessing to have the opportunity to share this passion I have with others and to have made it into a career that makes me happy. It has truly saved my life. Read more>>

Gregory Joseph | Videographer & Photographer

I went to Prairie View A&M University and obtained my degree in Management Information Systems and while I love the technology and everything that’s involved with including updating all my devices any time I get, it not as fulfilling as it is when I am able to come up with a concept, execute that concept and present it for the world to see. Now when you add in being able to get paid to be creative, its almost a no brainer for me why I went for this industry. Read more>>

Frank Hernandez | Engineer & Artist

I have always love art and painting. I formally started painting when I was a teenager and spent hours sketching and drafting during my summer vacations. Then I started transferring sketches into canvas. Landscapes, old buildings and nature related things were the focus of my artwork. After I graduated from High School, the expectation was that I should go to college and graduate to pursue a career and further develop myself as a person, expand my knowledge be able to get a steady job and a stable income. Read more>>

Austyn Cage | Musical Artist & Sound Engineer

As a child I always felt out of place. It felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. Like I didn’t have a voice. I was very closed off, timid & socially awkward. Pursuing music gave me an outlet to express myself as well as speak for others out there that also feel like they don’t have a voice. I create music from the soul and heart. It’s not all about money and fame. For me personally, it’s about making a difference and breaking the stereotype that all rap and hip hop is negative. Read more>>

Courtney Dennis | Photographer

I wanted to start a career in photography because art has always had a massive impact on my life since I was a kid. I grew up in a home where my parents let me be as expressive and creative as I wanted. I had plans on going to the Art Institute but I felt I had other plans. I bought my first camera when I was 21 and I knew that it was something that was meant for me. There was a struggle in the beginning; trying to figure out where I fit in the photography world, but realized there’s always beauty in the struggle. Read more>>

Rob The Hippie | Recording Artist, Painter, Model, Author, Illustrator, Designer

It’s always something I found myself resonating with. An irrefutable need to express myself, let alone, have it provide for living. I think art no matter what medium, whether it be music, drawing, dancing, cooking, acting, writing, are all such important fields that should be celebrated at all times. I’ve always wanted to do what’s made me happy at the end of the day. Growing up, I felt like in day-to-day interactions, I would stifle myself (still to this day), but whenever I choose to write a song or paint a piece, it’s like, there’s no way I can be held back, it’s a source of freedom for me. Read more>>