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.

Lici Tha Diamond | Singer-Songwriter & Actress

I pursued an artistic/creative career because It is what I enjoy doing the most. When I am writing a song, doing a studio recording session, teaching voice, singing for an event or performing in a musical play it doesn’t feel like work. It is very life giving to work hard and see the fruit of my efforts have an immediate effect on others. To have access into the seat of people’s soul while depositing words of positivity, understanding, healing and harmony feels amazing; and to get paid for it is so rewarding. Read more>>

Ian River | Artist & Producer

It is all I’ve ever known, i grew up listening to everything. Whether it was Michael Jackson, Queen etc. Music was there for me when no one was. In a household where i was the only child, music was my religion. I’ve always known i would end up with a creative/artistic career. Read more>>.

Candice Cantu | Photographer & Graphic Designer

Straight out of college I was hired as an admin for an energy company. As constant and steady as it was, the routine of communicating with the same people over the same issues and situations made the work days long and unexciting. I had spent my childhood dreaming of being a creative in some way. For a while I wanted to be a writer. Then I wanted to be a musician. Shortly after, as a young adult, I changed my mind and wanted to be a Graphic Designer. People would ask me what I wanted to really be and all I could say was “I just want to create things that make people happy, or make them feel like they can relate to me.” I’ve been doing photography since I graduated college in 2016 and in the last 2 years I have made it into a small business. From time to time I dabble in Design upon requests but photography has been my creative passion. Read more>>

Olaniyi Akindiya | Visual Artist, Performer & Activist

I pursue artistic career to contribute to comfort of everyone in the world, human or not, i have to carry the issues that affect us all in me , remember them , branding these scars on my heart as symbols of the possibility for rebirth, for growth, for strength and hope. My work focuses on time, fleeting moments that can be easily forgotten or transformed. Reflecting on rural versus urban life, the accelerated pace of development and infrastructure, performative activities play around social subjectivities with identity, immigration components that break down conventional barriers. my explore the invisible systems of power that govern everyday existence, my work is designed to create comfort, peace, and solace. I believes that art can be a balm to the soul, revealing a quiet inner truth. Read more>>