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.

Esa Mohamed | Artist & human

I didn’t pursue an artistic career, it pursued me. All my life I’ve looked at things differently and always felt creative. At the age of 17 as I was finishing high school and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life, I realized the one thing that give me true purpose is music. Whether I was happy or sad, broke or with money, music has always been the consistent factor in my life. When I’m away from creating (whether it’s writing lyrics or creating music videos) too long I feel like something is missing. Life is art. Art is more than just music, drawing, photography etc… we are all artists you just have to find what kind of art you want to create. Read more>>

Jana’e Stubbs | Artist & Owner of BLKaf

I pursued an artistic career because creation is who I am. I’ve always been considered an outcast. My siblings & I had age gaps that affected our relationship with one another. I’m the youngest of 4 girls & of course, everybody thought I was the annoying little sister. Not to mention I’m a twin so for those who know, you’re never truly you’re own person as a twin. The two of you are constantly compared. The people around you make it a point to pin you against each other with a never-ending line of “who’s who” questions. Who’s the bad twin? Who’s the good twin? Smart? Dumb? You get it. Read more>>

Jamaal Williams | Writer, Director, Filmmaker

Well for one I feel like were ever evolving as individuals and everything ties into one’s own purpose. The hard part is finding out what that purpose is and how one can live in it. I was able to have such clarity about my purpose as an artist, creative, and writer. The fulfillment was undeniable and the journey I’m on constantly reminds me I’m built for the lifestyle in which I’m pursuing. All of that to say simply when you know you know, and I think lives too short to go against what you know. More importantly it just feels good to wake up every day and know what you’re doing has meaning, makes you happy, and others enjoy it. Read more>>

Loreto ML | Writer & Translator

I’ve been surrounded by art all my life (books, music, painting…) and I think it was inevitable that I would end up dedicating myself to something creative. And although as a child all what I did was draw, when I was thirteen, I decided to write my first story and that’s when I knew it. I wanted to be a writer. Read more>>