Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Unicorn Hole | Nintendocore Artist

Boredom has been a foreign concept to me for as long as I can remember. When I had free time as a kid, I was drawing pictures, writing stories, and planning projects. I’ve always been able to entertain myself. I love to consume media- music, video games, comics- and when I do there’s always a voice in my head saying “you could make something like this.” Read more>>

Khori Mitchell | Event Planner & Stylist

I chose to begin event planning because I love being creative. There’s something about satisfying my clients and making their events special that makes me happy. Read more>>

Kristen Benson | Photographer

I wanted to do something that I was passionate about that would make a difference in the world. My goal is to help people be less afraid of getting behind the lens and love the way they look in the pictures. I especially enjoy working with entrepreneurs and businesses with amazing products and services who need help marketing to reach a larger audience. By providing them with a large gallery of custom personal branding and candid marketing images, I help them build their business and reach thousands, if not millions, of people. Read more>>

Wendy Reed | Author, Illustrator, Educator, Photographer

Writing has always been an important piece of my life, so writing, illustrating, and publishing my own books was a natural progression in my creative endeavors. I wrote often as a child, led children in writing as an elementary teacher, and now lead teachers in writing and designing writing instruction for their students. My life as an author/illustrator merges seamlessly with my career as an educator. I have found much joy within the intersection of this work. Read more>>

Heather Schiefer | Macrame Artist & Teacher

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a little bit of an artist. I mostly dabble and find it hard to focus on one thing for very long. During COVID, though, when we were all keeping away from other humans, I needed something to focus my mind and keep myself busy. My regular gig (graphic design) was struggling and I needed an outlet. I chose macrame because I wanted a couple of plant holders and well, it blew up from there. Soon I was selling online and since then I’ve started selling at local artisan markets and teaching macrame classes. Read more>>

Andre Sansbury | Spoken Word Artist

It was something that I never really did for myself. It may sound odd, but I determined at an early age that my life wasn’t for me, it was for the benefit of others. My purpose on this earth was/is to teach others from my mistakes and help them to avoid paths filled with great pain. My poetry is healing and influential to so many, why wouldn’t I want to share it with the world? Something that started as a hobby became my life. For years, I received messages across social media platforms in regard to the benefit of my poetry to this world. Eventually, I had to stop ignoring my purpose and begin to walk in it. Now, I’ve successfully been a full time spoken word artist for a year and I love the purpose it serves to the people and the community. Read more>>

Liz Corbett | Freelance Writer, Editor, & Creative Designer

Though it took me awhile to pursue a creative career, I always wanted to work in a career where I could express myself freely and creatively. Before making this decision, I thought I needed to work in other fields to be successful but I found myself feeling trapped no matter how much money I was making. I am finally at peace and more successful as a freelance writer, editor, and creative designer because of that. Read more>>

Kae Glass | Singer / Song Writer

I had to!! I am a creative soul and I love to create. I may sing cover songs but I create a unique experience for my audience every time. I love to sing and stretch the boundaries of how a song should go. I have a good time mixing the techniques of different genres to give a unique performance that my audience will remember. I also love to write new music. Read more>>

Shonda Broadus | Owner of Mad Cool & Sunroof KiKi

I pursued a creative career because I have always yearned for the freedom to express myself through my creations. The ability to bring my unique ideas to life and have the autonomy to explore various avenues of creativity is what truly drives me. Additionally, the prospect of having my own business allows me to fully immerse myself in my passion and take ownership of my creative endeavors. Read more>>

 

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