We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Jason Yachanin | Actor, Author, & Small Business Owner

When I was in middle school, I remember going to see my older brother in one of his high school theatre productions. It was either a night of One Act plays, or a production of Dracula. My memory is a little hazy, but I do remember sitting in the audience and thinking to myself – “I want to do this.” Since that night, I don’t think I have ever questioned why I pursued an artistic career. I just knew that it was the path I was going to take. Something, somewhere connected with me that night at my brother’s show, and I haven’t looked back since. Read more>>

Matthew Bogard | Photographer

I spent some time living in the Bay Area years ago when I really didn’t have much money to my name. I found a lot of joy in walking around, going for hikes, looking out for unique landscapes and using my phone to take photos. I found the creative process around getting the right angles, the light hitting properly, going through the editing process to be exhilarating. When I moved back to the Cleveland area, I invested in a camera and started watching youtube videos about how to work my DSLR camera and taking virtual lessons. From there it was all about listening to feedback and trying to be the best photographer I could be. Read more>>

Zach Warmouth | Lead Guitar, The Broken Relics

For me it comes from a couple places I think. First it became something that helped me myself and I. Finally there was something I was confident about with a way to express the very complicated feelings of being human. Then the bigger picture comes in and you realize how positively you can affect other people and help others through whatever it is they’re going through. The idea of creating something that can help someone the way others’ music has helped me is the big driver. Read more>>

Holly Brians Ragusa | Author, Poet, Advocate

I’m not sure if I pursued an artistic career or if it pursued me! Certainly, I was called to it. Either way, I cannot escape that core piece of myself, that repeatedly propels me to document my place in the world and this living. If the muse visits with a creative, there is no escape, for whether working on the front lines, in a kitchen, or behind a desk or counter, that creative spark will find its way out. We are volcanoes waiting to erupt with our essence, often choosing to remain dormant throughout most of our life. Read more>>

Zack Lamothe | writer, editor, podcast host

Creativity has always played an important role in my life. Initially it was playing music that was my passion. As I got older it has shifted to writing. At the same time travel was ingrained in my life from an early age. Through my website and podcast, Backyard Road Trips and my five books, I am able to merge the two into a creative outlet which focuses on travel but also provides ample opportunity for me to keep learning as I am often exposed to new and interesting information through these mediums. Read more>>