Starting out in an artistic profession is hard enough - it's a precarious business - you can expect rejection letters and knockbacks, and to be working all night to hit deadlines. But taking the next step in your career can be even more challenging.

In this new series we spend time with young artists who are becoming recognised in their professions, as they look to take their career to the next level.

In this edition, we join musician Ayanna-Witter Johnson as she writes a new song, and talks about her creative life. Her music straddles the classical and urban worlds, drawing on different traditions and fusing them. As she writes she reflects on her life as performer, songwriter, 'cellist and singer. She considers what success might be, and explains what keeps her working in an industry in which it can be so difficult to make a living.

We join her in London, with family, and in search of inspiration. Through being with her as she writes, we get a unique insight into her creative process.

Photograph of Ayanna Witter-Johnson by Bumi Thomas

Producer: Melvin Rickarby. Show less