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.

Jesse Rodriguez | Photographer & videographer

I personally feel that in life we are either pushed by society in a way that makes us end up like everyone else leading a normal life or that we are pushed by our dreams & goals into being who we really want to be. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with leading a normal life but it’s never really interested me and I was always more drawn to the possibilities of what could be and the road less traveled so to speak. this is what ultimately made me get into photography/videography cause there’s so much freedom & creativity within it that the capabilities are endless. Read more>>

Dolla Baby | Hip Hop Music Artist

Well the reason i am pursuing an artistic career is because the simple fact is i love music and not only one type of music I’m talking all music from smooth jazz to country to rap and hip hop, its something i love to do and from a young age of being a wild teen and running the streets music took me out of that and into something to better my life since I’ve been 17 I’ve been learning about hip hop and rap and about becoming the artist i am today and in the future and i can’t see my self doing anything else!!! Read more>>

Brandi Allen | Daisies & Pancakes is an experience representing the intersectionality of sneaker hype & skate life!

It’s strange because I’ve never really seen myself as being creative. As a retired educator, I’ve usually had a job that required a lot of structure, so perhaps it kept my creativity in a box. However, after I retired from my 20 years of educational experience; my creative juices begin to flow like never before. I suppose the time to think, relax, and reflect opened my mind to all the possibilities and I actually had the time to pursue them and learn new things. Especially when the pandemic hit! Quarantine was like the gift and the curse that made time stand still and thankfully promoted innovative thinking. Read more>>