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.

Jaime Geist | Creative Creator & Voice Actor

I pursued a creative career because I’ve always been a creative person. When I was little I always made up stories and acted them out. I dressed up and put on little shows. My family always loved when I did that. I’ve been cosplaying since 2014 at this point and love what I do even if it’s not like everyone else. Read more>>

Raivon Don’tez | Artist

I Pursued music because it gave me a purpose. And it made me want to actually live life when I was in a dark head space. Pursuing Music has opened so many doors for me and it has let me experience things that never thought I would. It has also built up my confidence. And led me to be more assertive with my music as well. Through music I found my individuality and my authenticity that has made me the artist that I am today. Read more>>

Mollie Mason | Visual Artist & Live Wedding Painter

I pursued an artistic career because I love the freedom of being creative. I originally went to school to be an Elementary teacher. I also painted as a hobby. I ended up slightly changing my career to be an Elementary Art Teacher. I started my own art business two years ago by accepting painting commissions. I challenged my self by live wedding painting for couples in the Cleveland area. I love the freedom and happiness I feel in creating artwork for people. I also love teaching my students how to enjoy art as much as I do. Read more>>

Chrissy Cavotta | Property Manager/Event Planner

In my case, I have a full time career in Property Management, and my business is my creative outlet. It is extremely important to me to continue to pursue my passion projects in conjunction with my 9-5 lifestyle. This allows me to have a way to express my art and share my ideas and still continue to grow in the corporate world. Read more>>

Anna Wise | Founder & Lead Planner of Anna Kay & Company

When contemplating my career, I recognized my passion and attraction toward beautiful environments and objects. This source of joy and excitement motivated me to pursue a profession that aligned with my creative inclinations, enabling me to craft beautiful spaces for others and ultimately find fulfillment in my work. I dove into wedding planning as it seemed to perfectly mingle my creative passions with my organized and driven personality. This career has taken me to some of the most stunning space and allowed me to collaborate with other creatives who have continued to inspire me. Read more>>

A Dub | Musician/Artist

I pursued a career in music because ever since I was 13 years old I loved music, especially hip hop/rap. I love the writing process and putting together a song and bringing it to life. Music is my therapy and I enjoy the whole process from start to finish. I want my music to reach people to give them joy, have fun to listen to and also make songs to make people think and work on themselves and stand up for themselves. Read more>>

Mary Wallace | Writer

I’ve always been drawn to the arts ever since I can remember. Whether it be painting, photography, writing, fashion, makeup, music, etc. I’ve tried it all at one point or another! Creativity gave me the capacity to express myself, how I was feeling, and how I viewed the world without saying a word. I feel most alive when I am creating because it’s what I’m passionate about, and I want my career to be something I’m passionate about. So when it came time to decide what career I wanted, after a very long time of indecision and fear, I decided that writing was what I loved best and would pursue the most. Read more>>

Jeremy Perdok | Cinematographer & Photographer

I chose a creative career as a cinematographer/photographer because it allows me to be a part of the creative process, capturing images and telling stories through visuals. It also provides me an avenue to express my individuality and show unique perspectives. As a camera operator, I have the opportunity to contribute my creative vision to projects, making each piece of work a reflection of my style of shooting. Another reason I chose a creative field is because it is very dynamic and ever-evolving . Being a camera operator means i’m staying up-to-date on new technologies, techniques, and trends in cinematography. Read more>>

TME Shinobi | Rapper, Dance Dance Revolution Player, Songwriter, Horror Movie Junkie

First thing that comes to mind is by my travels in different cities and states. The encounters i witnessed is what influenced me to touch the mic again.
When i see various artist, spokesperson, creators, motivational speakers, and event hosts in different areas, it shows that what drives them is getting their words out thru their passions & goals. It’s more than just a career, hobby,
passion, it’s a loudspeaker for us to get out ideas out toward the public making sure our voices are heard. I am a big fan of horror story creators. book authors as well. Film directors. Dystopian society novelist. I am heavily motivated by street art & graffiti influenced by the hip-hop culture. Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, George Orwell, Wes Craven, Suzanne Collins. Read more>>

Chayla Hope | Pop Artist/Songwriter/Producer

It’s truly all I’ve ever wanted. Even when I was very little. No matter where I am in the process, It fills my heart. Read more>>

Harmony Haze | Singer/Songwriter & Producer

Performing is all I have ever known. I started hitting stages at the young age of 5 years, and I have yet to experience anything that fills me with such confidence and liberation. I never really wanted to do anything else but perform! I am mesmerized by the feeling of storytelling through art whether I am singing, dancing, acting– even producing music! I’ve always been the type of person that’s going to do what I WANT. I couldn’t imagine subjecting myself to some career that doesn’t even come close to fulfilling my soul the way that my artistic career does. I’m not a “punch-in, punch out office girlie ” haha! But no, it can be difficult at times, you know, it has it’s highs and lows– but what job doesn’t, right? Read more>>

Matthew Colombini | Musician & Creative

I just want to take a moment before we begin to thank Shoutout, and Megan Davis who emailed me with the offer to be participating in this opportunity today. I appreciate being invited to answer some questions, and hopefully can provide some value to you all in getting to know me and what I do, as well as the people, places, or things that have helped to shape me along the way. So now that we’ve addressed the prelude, hello! My name is Matthew Colombini, I go by “Call’em bini” when I make music, and I am undoubtedly a creative. How did I come to this conclusion you may ask? Well, it took quite a long time to see clearly within myself that this is what I believe to be my purpose. I don’t entirely believe I chose an artistic or creative career, but rather the career chose me. Read more>>

Tiana Dean | Songwriter / Vocalist

I went the Artistic route because there’s something about creating that I just love. I’ve been a creator all my life. My imagination is wild and making things how I see, or hear it in my mind is fun for me! I grew up very active and free spirited. I loved to paint, a make up games, always doing something that wasn’t pertained to anything besides what made me feel good. I was planning on being a graphic designer when I was in school. So any path I would have taken would have landed me in a creator’s position. We’re all creative, even when it comes to our jobs! That’s what makes each and everyone special. Also if I may add, doing the same thing every day just doesn’t sit right me, something has to add to that element of excitement and fulfillment for me when it comes to working. That’s why they say do what you love! I love writing, singing, dancing and much more! Read more>>

Kelly Mabee | Home Bakery Owner

My college degree and work history up until 2018 was in the automotive industry. I loved aspects of my job but definitely felt a pull to pursue something more life-giving and joyful. After our little family started growing, I was a stay-at-home mom and I knew I wanted to continue to be home with the littles. My husband is in full time ministry which is more of a lifestyle than a job, so I sought something flexible, fun and friendly to our family’s needs. Baking had always been therapeutic, joyful, creative and fun, so I began teaching myself how to set-up a lovely home bakery that could allow me to be home while also creating another stream of income. I was surprised how social my job was from the start, and I’m so grateful. Being a stay-at-home mom can, at times, be lonely. Read more>>

Miss V Van-Cartier | Showgirl/ Entertainer, & Model

For me, pursuing a career in the artistic/ creative fields, was more than just a mere choice. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been interested in and had talent for the arts and have always had an extremely creative mind. And so growing up and making the choice to pursue a career in these industries, was choosing myself. Choosing to pursue a life of freedom and happiness knowing that I’m not just doing what I love for a living and being happy doing so; But knowing that through sharing my art and creativities, I’m touching/ making a difference in the lives of many and inspiring others to do the same. Read more>>

Collin Smith | Producer, Musician, & Member of Blip

I suppose it’s the only thing I care about. I would rather make something I’m proud of, than work a meaningless 9-5 until I die. Unfortunately it’s not common to make a living on music alone, so I’ll probably have to do both. Read more>>

Paige Tinnel | Photographer

Pursuing an artistic career was not intentionally on my mind when I was younger, art has always been an outlet for myself. Photography started when I was five and I was running around with my fathers Polaroid 600 Express Silver Instant Film. I have the photos still of the random pictures I took off of that camera, they are some of my favorites due to the bulky square shape the film is printed out as. As I got older I started taking pictures of the moon, sunrises and sunsets, or anything involving my pets. During the holidays was my particular favorite time to walk around and get photos of the decorations and lights everywhere. As time went on, I never truly quit taking photos. My father gifted me my first Canon camera for Christmas in 2017 and my business started from there. Read more>>

Carl B | Aka: Anonymous -Musical artist

Since I’ve been able to remember music has always been a huge part of my life. I remember listening to Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Wu-Tang and so on. I think and truly believe we as human beings are put here to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. Nobody said this life would be easy or even achieving your dreams would be easy? But if you stick with something long enough, and put forth the effort to be the best you can be? It all becomes worth it. So I’ve always stuck with music Read more>>

Serrin Joy | Artist & Songwriter

Music and creating have always come natural to me. I was raised in a family where everyone does music, and I’ve attended arts schools my whole life, on top of always being around gospel musicians growing up. I have always had a great ear when pertaining to music and I love to learn and sharpen my craft. I also love to journal and in a lot of ways, music has been my journal. I have been able to release so many different emotions and built up feelings through storytelling/ songwriting. It’s really been my therapy. Being able to live off of what I do has been a major blessing. Read more>>