33 Inspirational Artist Quotes From Creators Featured in Contagion Magazine
By Contagion Media
Why Inspirational Artist Quotes Matter
Contagion Magazine Vol. 5: The Power of Masculinity
The best inspirational artist quotes don't come from carefully crafted speeches—they come from honest conversations. Behind every painting, photograph, song, design, or performance is a creator navigating uncertainty, growth, and the pursuit of something meaningful.
At Contagion Magazine, we've interviewed artists across countless creative disciplines, documenting the ideas and experiences that shape their work. This collection brings together 33 memorable quotes on creativity, resilience, collaboration, and staying true to your vision. If one stands out, explore the full interview to discover the story behind the words.
1. Angel Virtuoso on creating with a team.
“I think that when it comes to having a bunch of multi-faceted people in one crew everybody wants their idea to shine so it’s like seeing how each person's idea can shine in their own perspective. There are tons of people that exist within one event but everybody's not doing the same thing, they are doing what works for them and we are incorporating it at a certain time to magnify them,” Angel Virtuoso stated in “Life Imitates Art: Interview with Angel Virtuoso. ”
Photo of Malik Hakim by KBR | Contagion Media
2. Malik Hakim on connecting to his audience.
“I want people to feel less alone and feel like they can connect themselves to things. When I go into conversations, I'm like, “How can I connect with this person? Where do our similarities lie?” I love sharing my truth. I love being vulnerable and open and telling people deep secrets about me in hopes that other people can connect to it,” Malik Hakim shared in “Malik Hakim on THE ART OF LOVING (EP): Inside His Creative Process and Story.”
3. Kevin Fides on influence of art in the world.
Art influences the world because it’s a form of communication, which is a fundamental part of the human experience. Art has the power to spread awareness, whether positive or negative. We see art everywhere, even in everyday objects like the couch I’m sitting on. Someone created it, and someone chose it. Art can influence, empower, and bring awareness to important topics. It’s truly a way of life, whether people realize it or not,” Kevin shared in “Inside the Mind of a Fashion & Lifestyle Photographer: Kevin Fides Mini Documentary”
4. Jade C. Harman on the color black.
“The color black is mysterious; it possesses a compelling power that captivates people with the essence of imagination. Black exudes an energy of infinity, where there is neither a defined beginning nor end. It holds a profound sense of power,” says Jade C. Harman in “Art is Healing the World: Interview with Jade C. Harman.”
5. Yosh on the challenge of being vulnerable as an artist.
“I think the biggest challenge of being a professional artist is the confidence of trying something new or out of your wheelhouse, knowing that you could do it, but knowing that it also will be scrutinized and judged is something that's difficult to overcome and challenging to. To feel confident about your final product,” shares Yosh in “Inside the Mind of Yosh: How a Digital Artist Creates Bold, Flowing Art That Moves People.”
6. Pooja Mehta on intuition as an artist.
"You can have mentors and coaches, but your intuition is your guide,” Pooja expressed in “Behind the Brand: Pooja Mehta Opens Up About Building Makiaj & Finding Purpose.”
7. Kensi Fearing on overcoming equipment woes.
Photo by Sarel Moon, Modeling by B Bailey, Assisting by Leslie Knox | Contagion Media
“Do not let your lack of equipment stop you. Hone your skill and knowledge before you jump into the most expensive supplies money can buy. Keep growing and stay curious! The tech will come,” says Kensi in “Editorial Photography Has Changed My World”: Interview with Kensi Fearing.”
8. Sarel Moon on how photography goes much deeper than just being a career.
“Photography, for me, is more than just a profession—it’s a way to capture emotions, celebrate the beauty in everyday moments, and highlight the extraordinary in the ordinary,” Sarel Moon shares in “Through Her Lens: The Vibrant World of Photographer Sarel Moon.”
9. Natalie Wheeler on being empowered as an artist.
“You have to be empowered yourself if you want to start combating these horrible things that are happening outside your door,” Natalie expressed in “Cultivating Inner Worlds: Interview with Natalie Wheeler.”
10. Katie Quintana on motherhood as a model/artist.
“If you want to be a good parent, you have to show up for yourself first. I’m not going to give up on what I love and my dreams, what would that tell my kids? I want to prove to them that as an adult, you can keep the same goals and dreams you had as a kid. Go do what makes you happy!,” Katie shares in “Interview with Model Katie Quintana on Miss Bikini, Small-town Life, and Motherhood.”
Photo of Gabi Gonzalez by EJ Mañón | Contagion Media
11. Gabi Gonzalez on being 5’5” as a professional model.
“Find a way to lengthen your body. Practice angles that make your legs look long. Invest in a stylist that can point you in the right direction to learning the kind of clothes that compliment your body type,” Gabi expresses in “Balancing Work and Life: Insights from Gabi Gonzalez.”
12. KBR on founding Contagion Media.
“Artists are multi-faceted individuals who are better off not fitting into any box. My goal was to create a platform for multi-talented artists, like me, that does not limit your creativity but makes art limitless,” KBR shares in “Who Is KBR? Meet the Founder and CEO of Contagion Media.”
13. Chantel Hardison on becoming a professional makeup artist.
“I always tell new artists to get a job at a makeup counter or for a makeup retailer at some point in their career because you gain a ton of exposure to different skin types, tones and textures in a very short period of time. It will also help strengthen customer service and communication skills which are incredibly important,” Chantel advises in “Interview with Makeup Artist Chantel Hardison.”
Photo of Makayla Mechelle Larson by KBR | Contagion Media
14. Makayla Mechelle Larson on how art can change the world.
“Art in different forms can change the world; we have music, actresses, actors, modeling (of course), and artists. Everyone loves to be entertained. People use these [art forms] to be distracted from the world around them, art calms people and puts them at ease,” Makayla shares in “Beyond the Runway: An Interview with Makayla Mechelle Larson.”
15. ALEXIA’s advice on the biggest challenge as a model and actress.
“It has honestly been my impostor syndrome. This is categorized as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments and it has had a great impact on my mental health as a creative. Some days are better than others, but the biggest challenge has honestly just been getting out of my own head when I don't feel like I am ‘doing enough’ or ‘creating enough’,” she vulnerably shares in “ALEXIA: An Interview with Alexia K. Orozco.”
16. Brazyl Guerrido on the versatility of art
“Many different people can interpret art differently and all of those ways are valid. Art isn’t linear and art isn’t meant to be,” Brazyl shares in “Progressing, Learning, Thriving: An Interview with Brazyl Guerrido.”
17. Krysta Alyse on how hair can build confidence and make the world better.
“When a masterpiece is created on someone’s head, they feel more confident and brighter. The more people exude positive energy, the better the world is to live in,” Krysta says in “Vivid Locks by Hair Artist Krysta Alyse.”
18. KBR on founding Contagion Media.
“Artists are multi-faceted individuals who are better off not fitting into any box. My goal was to create a platform for multi-talented artists, like me, that does not limit your creativity but makes art limitless,” KBR shares in “Who Is KBR? Meet the Founder and CEO of Contagion Media.”
Photo of Brazyl Guerrido, La Unica, & Maddie by EJ Mañón | Contagion Media
19. La Unica on staying positive as an artist.
“The way I overcome those thoughts is by trying to think of the fact that some people wish to be in the same position I am in now; and that helps to dial down those thoughts…It's a work in progress, but to overcome negative thoughts I write them down, think about them, and overall just try to keep it positive,” La Unica shares in “Confidence, Connections, and Creativity: A Conversation with La Unica. ”
20. Coral Castillo on her favorite color, black.
“it [black] possesses a timeless and classic quality that exudes an air of mystery. Moreover, black has the remarkable ability to create a slenderizing effect, making it a universally flattering choice. Regardless of the era or fashion trends, black never fails to make a striking statement. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it a color that transcends time and always remains in vogue,” Coral Castillo expresses in “Interview with Visionary Fashion Designer Coral Castillo.”
21. Priyanka Mishra on the importance of art in the world.
“I think art can be used to show emotions and feelings we can’t express in words. Art will change the world by helping others express themselves. It can help unite people all around the world,” Priyanka shares in “‘Passionate, Kind and Confident:" An Interview with Priyanka Mishra.”
22. SVNAH on her daily intentions as an artist.
“I live life each day with an intent to heal myself,” SVNAH says, “...to bring out the best and the worst and give my heart the stage. Everything means everything in my world. The blessings and the obstacles all lead me back to my soul; the only place that is home. Every step in my journey is a song and it is my passion to create art out of every circumstance I experience, because life is art,” she expresses in “Music For The Soul: An Interview with SVNAH.”
Photo of Delia Ramos by Natalie Wheeler, Fashion Design by Imagine Threads | Contagion Media
23. Cesar Rodriguez from Imagine Threads on being confidence in your own vision.
Create what you want to create and do not let the outside voices (even those closest to you) tell you what you need to do. Being a creator in fashion and clothing, I always hear people say “yo, you should do this” or “you could try that”. Always create what you want to create and be true to yourself, even if you have a team. At the end of the day, it is your say, so let it be your own agency over what others want for you, but still appreciate those who are there to support,” Cesar from Imagine Threads shares in Contagion Magazine Vol. 2 (Print).
24. Hollywood Betty on how different times of days influences her creativity.
“In the early morning hours, I do my best meditation and thought practices, because you are mentally visualizing and seeing a new day being birthed. This is the best time for grounding for me, and it attaches me to the present moment. The night is when I come alive for creative play. I love to create at night because I can control the lighting to take pictures, the world feels quiet, and my thoughts run wild,” she details in “Vivacious, Diverse, and Determined: Meet Hollywood Betty.”
25. Sadja on multiculturalism and speaking multiple languages.
“Language is expansion and opens new perspectives. Multiculturalism promotes connections—and the more capacity you have for language and culture, the more understanding you have and the more deeply you can connect across cultures,” Sadja expressed in “Sadja: A Journey Across Languages, Cultures, and Music.”
Photo of Junovxrse by KBR, Assisting by Leslie Knox | Contagion Media
26. Junovxrse on finding her own unique sound as a musician.
“I realized I had something to say musically when I started writing from a place of truth instead of performance,” Junovxrse shares in “Exploring the Junovxrse: A Conversation with Juno Moss.”
27. Gabby Allong on helping others along her journey.
“Whatever I can do to help somebody else, I do it because people before me have helped me,” Gabby shares in “Riding the Rhythm: A Conversation with Gabby Allong on Music & Cycling.” “I like to say that I’ve lived a thousand lives, and if I can use my experiences to guide others, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
28. Iliya on the illusion of the music industry.
“I want to stop feeding the idea that you have to be perfect, rich, skinny, or famous to be loved,” she says. “That’s not real, and it’s not the kind of energy I want to put into the world,” Iliya expressed in “Authenticity Over Perfection: Inside the World of ILIYA.”
29. Kailee Morgue on her internal dialogue as a muse.
“I think for the most part my muse is some form of my inner self and the fears and unspoken things that float around my internal monologue,” she vulnerably shares in “Girl Next Door: Interview With Kailee Morgue.”
30. Bobby Baymont on the importance of community when creating.
“Expect me to be creating at the highest level and giving back to as many people as I can. I want to be someone people believe in, and I want to make amazing pieces of work people love and look back on to reflect times in their life, Bobby shares in “Pushing the Limits of Art:” Interview with Bobby Baymont.”
31. Erick Grillo on what to do as an aspiring artist.
“Just do it. Stop thinking about it. Stop planning it. Stop talking about it. Just do it! Put yourself out there,” Erick advises in “Interview with Latin-Caribbean R&B Musician Erick Grillo.”
32. Rae.L on finding who she is as an artist.
“...I was really struggling to find who I was. I was also horrified by what people would think about me. But when I dropped out I was able to reconnect with music, and find creative outlets, and it made me realize what I actually want to go back to school for. Just take your time in life, find what you love and do that!!” Rae.L shares in “Internet Friends: An Interview with Rae.L.”
Photo of La Unica by KBR, Assisting by EJ Mañón, Edited by Natalie Wheeler | Contagion Media
33. Joselito De Guzman Tamondong on advice for aspiring artists.
“Be patient in drawing or painting, and study all styles carefully; especially those you like. The day will come when you will achieve what you want in your work,” Joselito advises in “Painting the Stories of the Philippines: An Interview With Joselito De Guzman Tamondong.”
Keep Exploring Artist Stories
Every artist featured here offers a different perspective, but they share one thing in common: a commitment to creating with purpose. These quotes are only a glimpse into the conversations happening across Contagion Magazine.
For more artist interviews, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes stories from creators around the world, subscribe to Contagion Media on YouTube and continue exploring the voices shaping today's creative community.
Edited by KBR on July 8, 2026
