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.

Anique Frederick Watson | Visual Artist, Therapeutic Art/Holistic Wellness Coach, Art Educator, Author, Speaker

Being a creative has become one of the most fulfilling accomplishments in my life! It’s something I started as a teenager and having that non-verbal avenue of expression was very important to me because at that point in my life I was really shy. Finding out it was something I was good at, was the icing on the cake. In my mind, persuing something that I loved as my career was really exciting! Read more>>

Nick Baxter | Rapper & Artist

I have been creating my art in some capacity for my entire life and can’t imagine another way. When I’m not creating that’s all I can think about. When I am it feels like everything is right. Self-expression is a huge part of who I am, so it only felt right to lean into it. Read more>>

Grady | Musician & Allrdy Clothing brand owner

It was something always embedded in me, from my early days as a kid just riding with my father listening soul music, to my grandfather’s juke joint playing all the beautiful blues and oldies. I pursue it because it’s how I express myself through my art, I always say life is art and art imitates life. Read more>>