What’s Your Why? – SHOUTOUT HTX

We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Heather Hughes | Makeup and Hair Artist

I pursued an artistic and creative career because, from a young age, the arts chose me. Growing up, I immersed myself in dance, creating choreographies in the garage to the tunes of Prince’s Purple Rain album. Alongside my love for dance, I developed a passion for makeup and hair, frequently experimenting with stage makeup during my time in dance. Read more>>

Tanja Peterson | Executive Director and Creative Force at Redbud Arts Center

As a young girl, I owned the German equivalent of a Brownie box camera which I took with me everywhere I went to capture landscapes, animals, and friends. I preferred carrying a camera instead of a purse. As a result, my love for photography and preserving visual images was born. In my twenties, I earned a two-year degree in photography and started working for different photographers. Life happened and down the road, I seldom picked up my camera. Nevertheless, after I obtained a degree in education, I utilized my creative side in elementary school classrooms teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies using photographic images amongst other tools. Let’s say, I wasn’t “your” conventional teacher. Nine years later, the world in the Arts called me once again. I already worked part-time at the then named Redbud Gallery, now Redbud Arts Center in the Heights neighborhood. I decided to go back to school where I was accepted in the Master’s Program for Arts Leadership at the University of Houston. One year before I graduated, I assumed the full-time role of curator. Once I completed my studies and with the transition to a non-profit organization, I became the Executive Director of Redbud Arts Center. It feels like I came around full circle and deeply rooted, I have always felt being artistic and creative is a huge part of my life. Read more>>

William Bartlett | Houston-based Neo-expressionist Artist

I use art as a cathartic outlet to help me cope with the general struggles of life. I have used art for this same purpose in the past to help me over come more serious issues, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. My motivation for improving my brand exposure is to spread awareness of creative and artistic catharsis. Read more>>

Eli Fischer | Film Maker

I think art is the most necessary avenue for understanding human connections and human emotion. Whenever you feel sad, you go to turn on a sad song or watch a sad movie. Whenever you feel love you turn to poetry about romance, or you watch romantic-comedies. There is a comfort in realizing this feelings you are experiencing are not singular, but rather they are inclusive to the human condition. That is why I want to pursue a creative career, to help understand my own life and understand why I am feeling certain things at certain times. Read more>>

Daemaine Hines | Photographer/Process Technician

Well for me I have both! I work in “Industrial Packaging” as a Process Technician, as well as being a professional photographer. I like the duality of having the two; which keeps me inspired in each field. I get to push the boundaries in both of the jobs, and in a way I see them no different than the other. It is all beautiful work in the end. Read more>>