We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Amber Darsch | Designer and Small Business Owner

I started loving art and design when I was in High School. Our school finally had a digital design class my junior year and I fell in love with how computers helped us make art and how different it was then studio art. I knew this was something I really wanted to pursue as a career because I learned how much the world depended on design and what good design did for businesses and individuals alike. With good design we read magazines better, we enjoy our homes more and we fall in love with brands. Read more>>

Kylee Phillips | Singer-songwriter

I’m trying really hard not to use a cliche but it does feel like what I was built for; Singing and writing came to me really naturally and they still feel like the best ways I can express myself and connect with people. There have certainly been times when I’ve thought that pursuing music doesn’t fit my life anymore, but any time I’ve tried to take a step back it feels like I’m wasting the one superpower I’ve got. That being said, since I graduated college I’ve maintained a day job in music booking in addition to writing and performing. I heard a quote from Elizabeth Gilbert once that said, “I never wanted to burden my creativity with the task of providing for me in the material world,” and I’ve tended to live by that. Read more>>

Shannon Conway | Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Content Creator, & Streamer

This question is always a big one and the answer is always pretty straightforward…there was nothing else besides art for me. There was and still is no other path that I could see myself happy in. I have been creating as long as I can remember. My mom tells me I picked up a pencil when I was 2 and started drawing faces all over everything; my bedroom walls, toys, books, etc. I always had a drive to observe and to create. Read more>>

Erica Soto | Musician & Educator

From a young age, I learned to read and play music. As I grew and became a vocalist, I knew performing would be an important part of my life. I also always knew I wanted to be an educator. I remember the safety I found with my music teachers & mentors, who are now my colleagues. I am motivated by my students and their willingness to grow as musicians. My careers as an educator, director and professional musician allow me to pursue my passion & serve my community in many ways. I also love traveling to different places and sharing the stage with incredible musicians. Read more>>

Hannah Moore | Documentary Lifestyle & Wedding Photographer

I’ve always carried a camera around with me to capture photos or short films of random things I appreciate because it seems like all of those insignificant moments are the ones that go undocumented. Those are, nevertheless, the very elements that contribute so much to our happiness. The artistic aspects of photography are what I first fell in love with. As photographers, we appreciate the artistic value that is in photography because it allows us to express and bring out the beauty in front of us. To me, the movement and composition of a photo are what piece a story together. My style of creating is very candid and documentary-based, and I love to capture the little moments that you don’t even see happen. Read more>>