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.

Wyndigo | Music Producer

One of the main reasons I decided to pursue a creative career was the realization I had when I was 19. I was working on Washington Avenue at a burger spot waiting tables, and one day I kind of took a deep look in the mirror and decided that I was extremely unhappy. Growing up I always was heavily focused on music and really didn’t do much else, especially when it came to my studies in school. I could have cared less about getting a decent grade and my only real outlet was music but after graduating high school I kind of thought that might have been a pipe dream. Interestingly enough it was far from it. It’s a lot of work to pursue a creative career but it’s one of the few things I can see myself at 70 still doing and enjoying. Read more>>

Anna Garrido | Mom & Artisan

I pursued an artistic/creative career because I’ve always had a passion for creating anything and everything, the possibilities are endless. The things you can create with just one idea, subject or topic have no end and can never be wrong. Read more>>

eric rodriguez | Fitness Coach

I have had many financial independent friends and mentors. That was what struck me the most when I decided to pursuit my career in health and fitness, “financial independence” or better yet “financial freedom”. I had never heard those words spoken before. I picked a lot of brains and applied what some did into my own work/business and I have never looked backed. Now I am nowhere near being able to be very financially free or anything in that manner but being in control of how much I can make is all due to how much work I put in, of course. So no matter my situation I am in charge of how my week,month, year can be, profit wise, So I make sure to not slack off too often. If I don’t work then bills aren’t paid and there is no one to blame but myself. So that’ll keep a fire lit in yourself. Read more>>

Agnes Russo | Artist

The artistic voice was always living inside me. While growing I learned that in order to survive I should always chose a profession that would make easy to find a job. I was not thinking about my dreams but only trying to be practical and realistic. I remember the day my big brother took me to see my future high school and he told me that if I will learn how to saw, I will always be able to find a job in case I won’t be able to continue studying. I was doing very well at school so I decide to continue my education and not only learn how to saw but also to design clothes. Read more>>

Guna Thangavelu | Chef

From childhood, I have eaten good food. The first time when I realized the world, I tasted the best mashed potatoes that my mom made since I refused to take milk. I became round like a potato. As a young boy, I wanted to be a police officer. As time went by, I discovered a lot of good food in my home town of Perak, Malaysia. Malaysia is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious country, so I was able to explore many cuisines as I developed my tastes. By the time I was age of 13, I was able to work during school holidays which led me to fall in love with culinary arts. Read more>>

Lyndon Jamez | Cofounder of RM8 Studios & half of the musical Duo RM8

Growing up we both loved singing, acting, and most things creative. It was only right to follow our natural passions. We made a decision to do what we love the most which is music and helping others. That’s how we birthed RM8 Studios. Read more>>