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.

Jocelyn Belman | Salon Owner + Hairstylist + Educator

Many years of being in the business and career I chose, I have realized how lucky is to do what I do because I genuinely love it. I get excited to go to work and work on transformations that change some of our client’s lives. I pursued being a hairstylist because ever since I was little I use to love painting and drawing. Now I can use my artistic talents in the work I do as a hairstylist and salon owner. I also have that creative freedom that I probably wouldn’t have in another industry, it’s amazing! Read more>>

N8 Hassan | Artist, Music Producer and Performer

Music and art kind of chose me and always has been most important. My great grandma and grandpa Delzel used to play harmonica and Irish folk tunes on the radio in Hollywood in the 1920’s. My mom also played blues harmonica, guitar and sang in a band and played drums for a short time passing it on to me at a young age. My uncle Tim was also and artist who not only played harmonica but also would sell his art at Renaissance Faires for years all over the country. I feel music is not only in my blood, it’s just as important as water is to the human body. I feel I have to express myself and my musical talents and songs with the world. Read more>>

Mark Turk | Musician, Nonprofit Founder

I guess I believe in the idea of “a calling” Like a lot of kids in my generation, I was told to go to college, get good grades, earn your degree and get a good paying job. I definitely tried to do that, but it never felt right to me. By my junior year in college, I met several like minded people, started an alt-rock band, and was having the time of my life. Things started making sense to me, and I knew that if I was going to be happy in life, I needed to involve music and creativity. Read more>>