The Best Cities for Creative Careers: NYC vs LA vs Chicago

In this video, we dive deep into the world of creative careers and explore why so many artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives have historically flocked to New York City and Los Angeles. We unravel the factors that make NYC and LA the go-to destinations for creative professionals, from the vibrant art scenes to the abundant networking opportunities and industry presence.
But what about Chicago? Despite its rich cultural history and thriving arts community, Chicago often gets overshadowed by its coastal counterparts. We investigate why Chicago isn't always seen as a prime destination for creative careers and highlight the unique challenges and opportunities that the Windy City offers.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth explorations of creative careers and city comparisons!
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#CreativeCareers #Chicago #NYC #LA #ArtistLife #CreativeIndustry #CityComparison

[@AiramDatoon]

Creative community builder, here. Been to NYC and LA, ended up moving to Chicago. There's something about the creative community here that just feels right. It feels like we look out for each other. It's only been 3 weeks since I moved but I know I made the right decision.

[@Br0zay]

How’d you go about finding a creative community in Chicago? I’m an artist from NYC and felt like the art community there is awesome and pretty easy to find. However I moved to Chicago and have been having a crazy hard time just finding a creative community

[@rafa.frqnz1188]

@@Br0zaybro just go outside it’s everywhere

[@AiramDatoon]

@@Br0zay there's a bunch of meetups and groups. Start with Facebook groups. Maybe even reddit might be able to help. There's a lot of photographers here. Quick community.

[@reeladdicttt]

Been in Chicago my whole life it’s been hard finding a community of people that are true creatives and not people that are just looking to hop on the next big thing to make a name for themselves. It’s refreshing to see this perspective

[@GreyWaterx]

As someone who has been a creative in Chicago for 5+ years I can say that it feels like a place for the aspiring introverted artist that loves the city life. I've seen a lot of artist starting their careers here and getting their first city apartment. There is a great community in Chicago but, its very hard to get into those creative spaces bc it feels more like bubbles that you can find rather than a culture. I think the one thing making it special is that it feels like a hub, almost the perfect middle of the road spot between NYC, LA, Nashville and, Texas. Chicago functions as a more of place to start and test city life as a creative or for the people that love a busy city but hate the ones they've been in. That all being said people can and do make it in Chicago but its usually alone or with a very close team. From what I've been seeing there are a lot of creators coming here and voicing that they want that feeling of real community and we are going to see a huge shift in the art culture here within the next few years.

[@genevagarciafilm]

I expected networking in the creative/film industry here in Chicago to be miserable. But I’ve been really taken aback by how truly community focused the scene is here. I feel like I’m getting/gotten to know people as people vs solely getting to know people for the career benefit we can provide each other. Since this is the beginning of something vs an established creative hub, like LA or NYC, I think there is much less gatekeeping here and it is easier to start doing what you want to be doing faster than having to claw your way up to the things you want to be doing. In-person networking or joining collectives/community groups is key though. Finally, I think the creative community here is also really interested right now on making Chicago a city where people don’t have to leave to have sustainable careers in at least the film industry.

[@RobertsBrainIsGone]

I'm from Chicago and I'm caught off guard about the idea that there is a lack of creative work here. Maybe I'm just old, but growing up, all the artists were in Wicker Park. If you wanted to do art, you went to Columbia College or AI, then made a bunch of friends and moved into a loft in Wicker Park. Movies and TV shows were always filming, though I don't think all of them showed Chicago as itself. I remember cousins and their artsy friends having art shows when I was too young to go to art shows. And music, Chicago does world class music. Chicago has been a comedy city basically forever. When SNL was good, all those comedians were from Second City or that improv place on the north side (north north). I'm not an artist, but I've spent years working in creative studios in the West Loop. I make little videos for myself and whenever I wanted a nice camera, there was always some videographer or documentary photographer willing to sell me their old gear. These days, I see there is tons of film production going on. How many streets were blocked off for Empire of Ocean Park or Dark Matter in the last year? Let alone Chicago [Fire, P.D, etc.]... Chicago has a theater district, walk through it every day. So many music venues keeping engineers employed too. There's public art all around (I miss the cows). There are museums all over the place. Secret art exhibits and exhibitions if you know the right people... ....and I just had a thought. Maybe artists in Chicago are from Chicago and, since we're a city of segreg... I mean... neighborhoods... maybe artists just aren't letting other artists in the club. Hmm, never thought about it really, but I can tell you where you can get the best buldak, and I'm not afraid to say that to get the best Chicago Dog, you gotta go to River Grove. I think this is the part that foreigners/transplants might not understand -- Chicago isn't just The Loop, it's big. West of the river, those aren't suburbs, those are neighborhoods; the burbs start at like Harlem or Cumberland. There's a whole south side where they basically run out of names for streets and start using numbers.... twice. Chicago is huge. In any case, it's nice to see Chicago here. At first I liked, and then I didn't agree with some things, so I unliked, but in the end, you got this long comment, a relike, and a subscribe. Thanks for this video! P.S. I'd have color graded it in amber, like a dark Chicago alley, but they got rid of those ;P

[@HeroTheOf]

You hit the nail on the head! Chicago is huge but segregated. I’m from the Southside and going from neighborhood to neighborhood feels like going to entirely different cities sometimes! So it’s not that the creative communities aren’t here, it’s that they rarely touch or communicate. That’s where the speakeasy “if you know you know” culture hurts us the most I think. In my experience, we also tend to have a blue collar mentality here which makes us go about our art the way any regular person goes about their 9-5: do the work, but don’t do a bunch of talking about it 🤷🏻‍♀️ So the feeling that there is a “lack of work” comes from these factors imo - not so much an actual absence of work.

[@christianrodriguez2324]

how can i meet said right people for secret art exhibitions?

[@nnekaaaaaaa]

I feel like there is definitely a perspective missing from this video. A Black Chicagoan perspective specifically. I agree with the points made but Black people in Chicago have laid a good foundation in cultivating and maintaining the arts despite being overlooked. You are describing a specific type of creative group that is more easily compared to other big cities like NYC and LA, which also overlook Black contributions.

[@HeroTheOf]

Agreed, it’s missing. But I do think the Black perspective in Chicago is its own beast. The Black creative community is heavily gate kept (with good reason!!) and leans the hardest into the speakeasy culture here, in my experience. What Black creators have done and are doing deserves its own video tbh!

[@yungnonsense69]

Period i was just about to say this. But no one cares about the black community in the cities they move to. Were not good enough to be brought into the conversation even if we were pioneers in the art world in chicago. But this is what i expect from transplants 🤣😭

[@matthewgillespie]

Such a great video. Just moved from Chicago to LA a year ago, and the comments on the personal and friendly nature of Chicagoans is sorely missed.

[@shua_films]

Where always here for a visit in the summer 😎

[@primussoa]

Chicago artists value relationships and community more than work ethic and straight money making a lot of the time in my experience. It's definitely not the same vibe as LA or NY and that's what a lot of the art scene likes about it. It definitely takes time to get your roots going and find your spot in a community but it's so worth it. Lately, i've been noticing a lot of people being more open and less clique-y which has been a really big plus as well. Chicago definitely runs on a "if you know you know" mentality still though. Thanks for this vid it was lovely.

[@taylorzorn7512]

Been in Chicago almost a year now. The music scene is incredible here with all kinds of DIY shows and a lively community, but it can be a little tightly-wound. People seem to know their place and stick with what/who they know so there isn't a whole lot of artistic cross-mingling unless you go to school here. There are some very notable exceptions, but for the most part it seems the community is a little old fashioned with a "pick yourself up by the seat of your pants" but also "you have to know people" mentality (those speakeasy roots). It's reassuring to hear that they feel the creative community is growing here. I hope to see more collaboration and mingling between the music and visual arts scenes. And I hope that more aspiring filmmakers and writers start seeing Chicago as more of a creative destination rather than just a decent place to get a degree. Guess it's time for me to do my part and initiate some of this collaboration haha. Also shoutout to that guy with a Chicago Machine ultimate shirt.

[@JoseIsraelMusic]

What does Chicago have? The future of underground music

[@elizabethb4951]

Literally... they missed that Chicago is the birthplace of House music...

[@hyperpoints]

thanks for making this!!! i think about this a lot too. i think chicago creatives just need to organize a little better, and to be proud of our unique vibes, and grow them, develop them even further. i’ve been feeling lately like it’s only a matter of time before chicago really finds itself in a big way. it’s already a great city we just need to celebrate it and share it

[@WhatDoesEvilMean]

There simply isn’t a better American city than Chicago. Even Hollywood has finally gotten it through their heads, where like 50% of urban films/TV shows are filmed in Chicago.

[@b3naqua]

So well done 👏🏼 I've moved around a bunch in my life, and one of the top things I've learned is what we get back is largely based on the energy we put into it. Doesn't matter what city or town we're in - it's about how we live our lives and being open to opportunity and growth wherever we are. We could move to LA or NYC, but if we put total bs/un-heartfelt energy into our lives, that's what we could get back in return, and we'll end up miserable (i.e. the city "chews you up and spits you out" etc). Or, we could live in a small town, and think of it as an opportunity for growth and creativity, and have a fkn blast. That said, I've had a similar struggle in Austin for a while, but each time I connect with friends or creative folks in my city, all of that misery melts away. Community and connection is 🔑

[@shua_films]

Loved this ⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@danwucreative]

Just got around to this man. Chills with the ending. I know how much effort a video like this takes and anyone who puts on for Chicago is a real one in my eyes! 👏🏼

[@Nathan_Negron]

Love this the creative community is big in Chicago it’s just everybody is in cliques here less of one big community Growing up here it’s been like that in schools to just every social network but If you can connect with everyone it’s a fun spot

[@ethangarz]

Great video m8! I'm a chicago boy myself, its oddly disconnected here in spite of how much talent lives here. Pacing and message were super well done, keep up the good work

[@shua_films]

Ah appreciate it brotha!!

[@rosarosa981]

Im a creative from chicago and I manage a gallery called Alma Art and Interiors. Ive heard from friends that the community of artists here are more welcoming and helpful than in LA and NYC but ive never lived anywhere but chicago. As an emerging artist I can see how other people have lifted me up to the position im in today and maybe i wouldnt have been able to do it without them in the time that I have. Chicago is a great place to build community and Im not leaving anytime soon.

[@shua_films]

That is so amazing! Happy to hear you are thriving and have support!

[@richardbaker2701]

In Australia we have a similar thing with Sydney and Melbourne being the two top dogs. Sydney is like LA and Melbourne is like New York. Brisbane is our third city and is a cool place with a quiet unique identity and a bit of both Sydney and Melbournes vibe but also lacking that special sauce that makes it its own. I think being in a place that is yet to find it’s special sauce leaves the door wide open to inject what you believe should be the special sauce of that place and for creatives to really uplift and mould the identity of that city into something unique, recognisable and exciting.

[@shua_films]

Ooooo such an interesting way to put it!!!!

[@blacktea1139]

For me, I always felt that Chicago was the only city where painters seemed to have a really connected community that I haven't felt anywhere else.

[@artbychenya]

I moved to Chicago 3 years ago to go to art school and I’ve met such a HUGE connected web of artists. All of the artists spaces here are so abundant and unique and incredible. Like it’s so connected that I’ve actually met one of the people in this interview, GkohFilms once at my old job! Since moving here I’ve found so many opportunities and been able to create and do so many things I never would have been able to in the small town I used to live in.

[@Toemas]

might have to take the trip to chicago now...

[@shua_films]

Summer time chi is the best time to visit 😎

[@Sclafani_art_studio]

I love chicago and the creative community. I love the western suburbs as well!!!

[@locngyn]

New generation of creatives! Let’s go 🔥🔥

[@andmyAlex]

Great video! This conversation is always on my mind living in Denver

[@TheCreateOutdoors]

Boston also doesn't really have a thing. Boston seems to be more of a science and tech hub rather than an artist's space, although I am sure there are a bunch of artists in Boston. History is also huge there too.

[@alyssiachelsea]

This was so well done

[@shua_films]

Thank you!!

[@Juan-hr7ol]

Dang man. Your videos keep getting better. Inspires me to keep going with my small measley channel. Keep it up!

[@ganbare8658]

I AM SO HAPPY THAT I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL!!! while watching this video I knew you were going to go big (as if I wrote this when you hit 100k)

[@bbludacious]

I've been thinking about this a lot as well, but I'm happy to slowly get exposed to Chicago's creative culture! It took a trip all the way to Lightbox Expo in Pasadena to meet someone who told me about insider creative circles in Chicago like Zine Not Dead and Malt Adult 12:06 IS THAT MY BOY NATHAN HONG?!?! No way! This shows it's a small world in Chicago's creative field!

[@cynicalcitrus]

This video really halted me from making the huge decision of moving away to nyc just on the idea that, well, creativity is always booming there, if i go ill be so immersed and surrounded by it that ill have to be creative to? i think there is something so warm and family-like in chicago that you simply cant find anywhere else. the decision on where to go is obviously huge and complicated and deserves time, and this video gave me reason to not jump the gun and run from a family i'm already a part of, for the seeming creative boom EXPECTED elsewhere. i love the idea of growing with the city, finding myself as the city does. nyc is so attractive because it feels like a bootcamp: go here, live for a few years, and come out some amazing artist with inspo and job opportunities. in chicago, it might be slower and more work to build a sense of creative community, but the joy and hard work and satisfaction from creating it?! why would i ever leave

[@shua_films]

I love this!

[@natpositive]

I wish more cities would be seen through your eyes and your beautiful video story! 🥰

[@shua_films]

Maybe one day! haha

[@Frothy_Mead]

This video showed up at such a good time. I live in the midwest and I'm a painter and love the electronic music scene. I think I would have loved to be in new york 5-10 years ago, but it's out of my budget now-a-days. I'm wondering if something like Austin would be a good place with a creative community now. Not 100% where to go yet.

[@shua_films]

Honesty building a network of friends first will go far and help with wherever you plan to go!

[@kelly.is.jelly.]

Glad i stumbled on this video! This is absolutely what i need as im heading back to Chicago for creative job opportunity. I lived there a year prior and loved it. Now coming back, I have yet to find a solid creative community yet but would love to connect fellow creatives here!

[@shua_films]

Stay tuned on my IG for events and meetups!

[@IuIzykat]

this made me proud to be a chicago (mogfx) creative!! absolutely beautiful work

[@shua_films]

I appreciate this thank you!!

[@Dan_Ways]

Love seeing my boy Kris in there 🤘

[@Youknowthebo]

Great video. And great idea to do this kind of meetup. Would love to organize something similar here in Hamburg Germany tbh

[@shua_films]

That would be cool! Go for it!

[@Itsbrandontillery]

“What does Chicago Have?” The Bear 😌

[@shua_films]

YES CHEF

[@chadmeeks1]

Killer video dude!! Shoutout to Kris and Chris

[@shua_films]

Huh interesting thanks for sharing this!

[@nathanhong7586]

I love shua

[@shua_films]

❤️❤️❤️

[@MidnightXGames]

love it uncle josh :) very informative and inspiring!

[@shua_films]

Thanks so much!

[@RobertLockhartMakesGames]

Hey, Shua. I'm an ex-NYer living in Chicago. Let's get connected!

[@shua_films]

Hit me up on IG!

[@CallMeManoli]

amazing video, keep watering your garden

[@jb7670]

Love this! I'm stoked to find you in Chicago. Are the artist meetups open to the public? Happening again?

[@shua_films]

They are! Stay tuned to my IG there will be more!

[@jb7670]

@@shua_films Excellent! ♥️🙌🏽

[@LMiraculous]

I’m going to end up moving to Chicago I’m a musician

[@dwellsYouTube]

I love your videos!!! 😍😍🙌🏽

[@shua_films]

😂😂

[@HeroTheOf]

so amazing❤

[@shua_films]

😄😄

[@rickyisajedi]

Cool video! I wonder the same thing with Chicago

[@97nelsn]

I don’t remember the Strat tower being in LA. It’s on the strip but not Sunset.

[@beckst3r]

YES YES LETS MAKE CHICAGO COOL LETS START SMTH NEW

[@itzMarshMadness]

Chicago Machine spotted😳

[@nilevalleyafrican9451]

People from others states know im from newyork based on how stylish i dress.

[@byCloudNine]

🔥

[@rayman301030]

Dude as someone looking for a place in Chicago I am desperately curious about your home situation and how much it costs haha

[@shua_films]

I'll do a day in the life and mention that haha

[@LinguaNigra]

I moved back to Chicago from a twenty year stint in New York City. Honestly I find it stifling and not very inspiring. The city does the opposite of what New York did for me, which was excite me and really invigorate my creativity. But maybe it's me, I'm so bored here.

[@shua_films]

It is a big city with small town vibes. Much slower than NYC for sure! I feel you have to work harder and create the space you want to be in or somehow find it. It is tougher but there are communities here

[@rikkiekhrist6823]

Don’t know if your still in the city but I would love to connect, we probably have crossed paths, I’ve used the library at cove many times 😅

[@shua_films]

Stay tuned to my instagram I'll keep everyone posted for meetups and events!

[@m1llzzzz]

most creative ever

[@GuamanVlogs]

Trying to be blogger over here !! #chicago

[@spencersanderson4590]

Thumbnail is a pic of Vegas not LA

[@shua_films]

Fixed it thank you lol

[@anastasiav.206]

❤❤❤

[@iskde]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@luvlaneyluv]

Unsubscribing because you're talking about Chicago & creativity, yet there wasn't one black person in this video.

[@shua_films]

Chicago's black creators I am apart of but I don't know too much. I will showcase it at some point, also I don't know any black filmmakers in Chicago YET but planning meetups 😁 Honestly Chicago's black artist need its own video so much to cover in a section of this video

[@BlazenMikay]

making art is lonely lucky you surrounded by others who are hungry

[@BlazenMikay]

like how do i join the nyc community as an agoreaphobic bronxer x.x idk how to meet people

[@hey1inn]

“I can still live a pretty normal life here even if what I do isn’t considered “normal”. 🩷 This is how I feel too! Chicago isn’t full of artists, but there’s enough to make friends and make art here. There’s room to breathe and still be me, live a humane life.

[@daerhyk]

I am a game developer here in Chicago and have been here for over a decade now. The thoughts expressed about this city are so accurate.

[@daerhyk]

Also would love to meet other artists here!!!

[@CobyResnick]

Funny seeing you here! It was great learning Maya with you!

[@JustSomeLint]

As someone that grew up there. Granted a different side of Chicago with my black ass. The creative world has always been there. But there’s two different scenes. There’s the one that’s conventionally accepted with all the art exhibits at the art institute and what not. But there’s an underground(not that I’d call it underground but that’s what it is, it’s just adjacent to the mainstream stuff) one with a ton of highly talented artists working on, what I would argue, is phenomenal work. I think your point about the speak easies really is it. There’s a lot of art in the city. It just doesn’t get talked about. Whether that be due to how people see the Chi or because of coverage. I don’t know.

[@jiffyviv5341]

I feel like there was a bit of oversight for chicago's comedy and stage theater community. Chicago is the birth of so many talented actors and comedians. Yes unfortunately many people who become successful in chicago move to new york or la because, like you said, they have systems set up for more opportunities and ease of growth. But it is still the truth of the matter that there is a very successful comedy and theater scene here (even if it's not to the same caliber as ny or la). Also, doing some reflection, I think the creativity of chicago is still very based in the past. Chicago music scenes are built upon the jazz and blues community. Along with that, the "fine arts" community with the symphony, lyric opera, and geoffrey ballet, are very well renown. While yes, a lot of us creatives in the younger generations are looking towards newer more contemporary outlets of creativity, what chicago has are still very strong, thriving, and supported art forms. But that's just my two cents :). Great video man I hope you the best in your creative journey

[@theboxface6796]

“What does Chicago have?” Me: the Blues Brothers 🚔🚓🚨

[@shua_films]

Oh YEAH!! I want to watch that again honestly

[@amarisabstractmind6635]

Chief keef

[@ok-fi1os]

As someone in nyc I feel like it’s harder to break into the creative field here. It’s better to come after you have some experience. For example, more people are willing to pay for a beginner photographer in a smaller town. You build your portfolio and then move here with experience. As opposed to moving here first, it’s hard to find paid beginner opportunities. There’s so many established professionals here that people would rather work with.

[@MrD10e]

Musician in Chicago I believe in the music the scene is creating and think it could catch

[@WhatDoesEvilMean]

“What does Chicago offer” I think really comes down to the kind of artist you are. Chicago, much more than the artifice of NY and LA, gives the artist a direct and constant interaction with a hub of humanity’s diversity and cultures, absent of all of the facades and pretense that’s erected and that persists in NY and LA. Most of our greatest playwrights are from Chicago, many great novelists are from Chicago and the Midwest; not to mention musicians and songwriters. What Chicago offers is the BUILDING of the artist. Think about the original SNL team - bunch of Chicago guys. In Chicago, the artist can really cultivate their position as an artist. It USED to be to get that art displayed on a national level, one needed to go to LA or NY. But that just isn’t the case anymore.

[@dwellsYouTube]

New York City has an energy that you don’t find anywhere else. And our top artists leave Chicago 🤔 but seed is planted!!

[@llama8816]

I think if there was a thing Chicago was known for it would be comedy, wouldn’t it? All of the big comedians and SNL people have their formative time here. In the visual art world, Chicago is defined by politically engaged art. Amanda Williams, Nick Cave. Social practice. With literature, Slam Poetry started here in Chicago and the founder of it still does slam poetry competitions at the Green Mill, which is a speakeasy in Uptown. Its whole thing, again, was democratizing poetry and bringing it to the people, not the elites. Chicago is a collaborative city and the art scene is very politically active. It’s not exactly driven by “the market,” it’s got more of a do-it-yourself, city of broad shoulders type thing where everyone helps each other out.

[@Directorkey718]

I'm a filmmaker. Spent my first 33 years of life in NYC, then moved to San Francisco for 5 years, then LA for 5 years and never quite found genuine community. I'm not clout-driven or worried about being famous or an influencer so LA definitely was wrong for me. Now, I'm wondering where to go and I came across your lovely video...might have to give Chicago a closer look!

[@Slingbone]

I definitely needed to see this video and happy your channel got recommended to me. I've spent the last 12 years in Milwaukee, which is an incredible city that I hold dearly in my heart where I followed my artistic path as a musician, earned my music degrees, married my wife, etc. And I know that if the day comes that we move away, I'll feel like I'm leaving a part of me here. And Chicago has always been the logical step. It's the metropolis of the midwest, a gateway to the rest of the world, but at the same time I always had NYC in my mind. I don't know how I'd get there but I always just thought oh it's gotta be New York for grad school or just professional development. And for a while I was trying to figure out why I didn't just see Chicago in that same light. NYC and LA benefit from having the artistic vibe of so many people all saturating those scenes and as a result there's always projects or shows or exhibitions happening 24/7. Both a good and bad thing for artists. I mean, from my personal experience, if someone comes to Milwaukee with NYC or LA in their bio people immediately take notice. It's an inherent expectation we have. I think Chicago misses out on some of that just by being in the middle of the country where historically, it might not have been a destination for as many creatives. Or it was a stop on their way to either coast. But I think there's a lot of grit and hard work that comes out of our midwestern cities. Almost like because of the lack of recognition, we work that much harder and don't really give in to performative depictions of what we do. (not that that's all LA or NYC creatives, but by the sheer number of people who flock to either place there will of course be the ones that aren't genuine or can't cut it and they get weeded out) I think at the end of the day, we end up where we need to end up. And if it wasn't the right move, we find a way to change it. But your point about finding a community is really important. And I do think we're moving more and more in the direction of remote collaborations and networking, so the pressure of being in a specific place is lessening. Yes if you're needed at a shoot then you have to get there, but so much of the creative process can be accomplished anywhere. I don't think my interest in NYC will ever go away, because it is such a massive and exciting creative hub that's always on display. I've got friends in film and music that have moved to both cities, and a small part of me does envy their leap of faith. But, I know that it isn't the place holding me back from creating, it's just me and I can handle working on myself so much easier than moving my life and family cross country. If a little version of my NYC era comes along one day, great I'm sure I'll be stoked. But in the meantime I might as well prepare and enjoy my time where I'm at, before I get there.

[@nixsullivanss]

I'm so glad you could make it to our creative community event in Chicago! (11:37) It's such an exciting time for us as we build and grow new things in the city. I moved back to Chicago in August of '23 after spending a lot of time in Florida, and it didn't take long for me to find a group of photographers who wanted to connect and create collaborative art. The warmth of the Chicago community has made it hard for me to imagine living anywhere else. I'm really grateful for the CHI creative community's support and for letting me be a part of it all!

[@cinemojoe]

I’m new to the area and would love to find some creative collaborative projects! I’m into photography, music, filmmaking, theatre, dance, and all the arts. This is my first time in such a large city, so it’s been a bit overwhelming trying to connect. Any recommendations? Thank you!

[@powderbluemedia]

loved it dude, thanks for featuring me! leaving this comment so i can come back to it one day when i move back to the chi :) -nate

[@shua_films]

Thanks man!! Really appreciated your time and input!!

[@smoakpipe]

chi city!!

[@jadynasty]

such a great video Shua! As a creative in the chicago area who's been considering moving to nyc this was interesting to watch

[@shua_films]

Glad this could be helpful!! I’ve been pondering on this for years lol

[@JeftaFastForward]

Austin is the city you associate with comedy??? Not the home of Second City? 😂

[@spikerzombie]

This def the type guy to have a John hill skateboard hung up in his office

[@shua_films]

Oh heck yeah

[@cris.campos]

Love love love, being near Chicago and seeing this makes me love what I do more. And helps me feel less alone, thank you!!!!

[@Birdie.mp4]

Don’t worry! You aren’t alone. Every couple of months, there are flea markets that take up blocks and blocks of Logan square. The products there are made by people who care about their art and the products themselves are really good! I myself am an aspiring artist in Chicago, but I have years before I can make stuff for it (bc I’m 13) and even if I could I’m more into animation than physical art. But Chicago has more artists than you think! They just don’t show it like the other cities do.

[@justBCheung]

Loved the video! Story telling was soo good man! Summertime Chi is here☀️🙌🏼

[@mazaonfilm]

Love letter to Chicago! Letsgoooo. This even makes me wonder... I'm from Grand Rapids MI, and I just finished my first international shortfilm made in Mexico and Michigan; wonderful experience with wonderful people and ask myself: In a modern world like this, does the city that you live in even matters? At the end all I want to do is to make films with the people I love the most. Thats it.

[@shua_films]

I just went to a base camp in France and I agree just emphasizing the internet connection into real life goes just as hard 🔥

[@GilbertHaosway]

I started and continued on this creative journey in Taiwan and the whole time a creative community does not exist. I've always love the idea how people can have people to talk to speaking the same creative language, connect and grow faster together... I connect with this video a lot! awesome pacing too! Sadly I'm still having trouble getting into any group of a creative community. I'm very happy though, that you're continue growing! So so well deserved!

[@shua_films]

You will find your people! After 8 years I'm just now finding it lol. Sometimes you are the spark in your city 🤷🏽‍♂️ keep making awesome stuff and share, people will see you

[@adanfigueroa]

This was dope! What program did you use to edit your video?

[@shua_films]

Thanks so much!!! Davinci

[@Yahkov]

Yes! Fellow chicago creative here (not living there) and loved this. Y’all are amazing!

[@wbynan]

This is a sick video

[@shua_films]

Appreciate you 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ShennyVisuals]

oh shoot it's me at the end!

[@BenjiSelby]

Chicago is definitely a vibe, my brother and I talk about visiting again all the time. I’m live in Kansas and want to move, glad to add another city to the list 😁.

[@miraraven999]

Chicago musican here! Represent ❤😊🎶✨

[@freddyfang]

Another incredible video! Love seeing the you continue to rep Chicago and help inspire everyone in the city!

[@ciarakenny1317]

I'm scrolling through the comments looking for the places to go in Chicago because I'm graduating with a creative degree soon...

[@TheKwajo13]

I’ve never felt more at home in a city I’ve only visited an handful of times. I hope I can find my fellow documentary and comedy tribe out there when I move this August. This video was a great and honest piece. Thank you and the creatives on camera!!

[@StraightFacts4you]

You might not see this but Chicago is definitely the most underground of the creative communities. It isn’t loud like nyc or la. You just have to spend time here you aren’t thrown into it like big cities. I also think one Chicago problem is gentrification has displaced traditional artist enclaves in the city so it’s in a point of transition.

[@dxzy01]

as someone who lives in milwaukee i would never wanna live in chi but theres plenty of stuff going on like its a famous queer city theres still wharehouse raves and dj techno and house sets every weekend not to mention all the queer dance parties, maybe its like hidden on purpose to keep the people who enjoy those spaces safe but still im doing the same stuff my neo goth record spinning father was doing in the 90s

[@jorgegarzon5464]

Nice video! as a creator in Chicago looking forward to meet this community.

[@j.ghmusic]

This is a great video! I just moved to South Bend from Ohio and I've been feeling kinda isolated creatively and I really want to go up to Chicago more often to meet more creatives but I wasn't really sure where to start. If you another one of those creatives meetups I'd love it if I could come as a creative that lives close by!

[@shua_films]

I'll share the next event on Instagram so stay tuned there!

[@CobyResnick]

What's good Shua! Thought this was a great topic matter to go into! I'm a filmmaker and agency owner based not so far from Chicago! Definitely there is a great community here! Would love to connect!

[@shua_films]

Yeah down to connect!

[@DeVanteChisolm]

When I clicked this vid, I was not expecting to literally see myself (starting @ 5:01 - gray/black hat and glasses 😅). Pushed this vid from a 10/10 to a 15/10 haha.

[@shua_films]

hahaha