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.

La Toya A. Hampton, MSW | Educator, Filmmaker & Poet

When I first began performing poetry in 2008, it was primarily an extension of the self-expression of what had been, for the most part, my private thoughts and writings. It also occurred during a transitional period, in which I was moving for the very first time ever from my hometown of Portland, Oregon to Long Beach, California to pursue my Masters of Social Work. Read more>>

Amber Arnold | Creative free spirit

I’ve always been a creative person so for me there was really no question. I don’t thrive in an office setting or with a set schedule, I much prefer to just create when the mood strikes. Plus the flexibility that comes with a more creative career was incredibly important to me when my kids were younger. Read more>>

Zayn Hesham | Singer-Songwriter

Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming an artist or a famous and extraordinary person. I didn’t like to be like ordinary people, And when I found the opportunity, I moved towards what I wanted to be an independent artist and didn’t ask anyone for help, because whoever tries and struggles gets what he wants Read more>>

BLVD | Artist/Songwriter & Recording Engineer

Ideally I was an athlete coming up and that was my first true passion. My senior year of high school I got into a nearly fatal car accident, I was unconscious for 48 hours and through the grace of god I am still here, which at the time, life seemingly pushed me in the direction of my artistic pursuits. Read more>>