How did you go from Marine infantryman to a creative?

It’s a question I’ve heard before. And to be honest, I was a creative person long before the Marines—I just had to set that part of myself aside for a while. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t, but the truth is, I didn’t yet have the discipline or fortitude to fully pursue it. For a time, life felt like survival.

But I never really lost the drive for creativity. It just came through in different ways—whether it was how I trained, how I worked with other Marines, or simply how I carried myself.

After I got out, I returned to something familiar: photography. It was like riding a bike. I wasn’t where I used to be, but it gave me a foundation—and what better place to start than Hawaii?

That rediscovered passion sparked something bigger. What began as photography turned into drawing, videography, web development, and graphic design. Creativity became more than an outlet—it became my path forward. It’s what helped me transition from military life into something new and fulfilling.

Not everyone has the same relationship with creativity that I do, and that’s okay. But everyone has the opportunity to find what lights them up. I can’t tell you exactly how to find it—but I can tell you that when you do, it’s worth it.