Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Rico V. Baylor | CEO | Music & Entertainment Executive

The path of a creative actually chose me. In my early years, music, singing, writing, playing instruments came natural and were my passion. Read more>>

Qwest Courtney | Photographer/Videographer

I knew from a young age that I had talent in Arts. I had an eye for composition, colors and storytelling. The minute I picked up a camera, you could see it in my photos. For years, I toyed with my potential and focused on what most young people do now; the clothes I was wearing, the sports I played and if the girl I liked, liked me too. Read more>>

Hindolo Bongay | Dancer, Actor, Choreographer

My artistic career as a dancer and actor actually started by accident. My sixth grade social studies teacher made me do a project on the history of tap dancing. After reaching out to a local studio for more research, I observed a few classes and tried to learn a few basic steps. It was a natural gift and the studio offered me several dance scholarships to continue my training. As a young performing artist growing up in a very small town, Alexandria, LA, my gifts were often shamed upon. Read more>>