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.

James | Melanie Inman | Alva | Artist Storyteller

Making art is like breathing. We don’t remember learning how to do it and if we ever stop, we’ll die. So…being that we have to pay for things to stay alive, and there are only so many hours in a day, the choice to make art as a career decided itself. Our talents, strengths and weaknesses complement each other well, and we share a strong will to voice similar messages into the world. It made the most sense to do so together. Read more>>

Adam Funk | Creative Director & Designer

I started photoshopping when I was 12-13 years old and I never realized it until a couple of years ago, but because of that, everything I do on a day-to-day basis revolves around graphic design in some sort. Driving down the road and seeing billboards, I never read them, I always looked at the layout, what fonts were used, color scheme, etc. My brain is programmed differently, it’s become an obsession in a way. I couldn’t imagine working as an accountant or construction, I’m so passionate about visual images. Read more>>

Tiffany Cargol | Mommy & Monogrammer

I have been crafty since I was little. I was always making felt ornaments with sequins for family members at Christmas when I was in elementary school. I would also cross stitch and make my Nana things. I have almost always had a job since I was 16. I am not good at sitting still. HA! I have always loved clothes and shopping so a degree in Fashion Merchandising came easy to me. While in college I worked in retail and moved up into management upon graduating. After a good 7 years in retail I moved into commercial banking for another 7 years. I have always wanted to be a mother since I was little. Read more>>

Sara Field | Artist, Candlemaker, Promoter, Tax Professional

I’ve always been a creative person, even as a child. But in about 2017/2018 I was struggling with my mental health and I just started painting. Then a few months later my fiancé and I went to a market with our skateboard brand, Dirty Coast Skateboards, and I saw artists set up, hanging out and selling their art. I was instantly inspired by a few of those artists to just run with my work. Though I do maintain a 9-5 job during the week, I do still find time to paint with my fiancé and our friends, which gives me even more motivation to keep pushing forward and creating what I love. I also make candles, metaphysical bath and beauty products, and so much more. I also co own a clothing line with my fiancé called Hierba Vida. Read more>>

SONIA SCOTT | Project Developer and Author

I never thought I’d be an author. I remember writing my first “real” article in high school. My teacher was so impressed at what I had written she sent it to a contest where I won first prize. I think back to the comments she gave about my writing. She told me that she enjoyed so much that she had read it at least 3 times. I decided to pursue my writing full time after I found myself telling stories, whether true or fiction, capturing the attention of many. I can recall me standing in a grocery line telling a friend a story when the nosy customer behind me actually wanted me to finish the story. LOL it was at that moment I knew I had a gift. Read more>>