Meet Lizzy Sarnes | Art Director & Studio Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lizzy Sarnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lizzy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Having an artistic career was hardly a conscious choice. I have been crafting and creating since I could hold a pencil. By age three, I made anything and everything I imagined using whatever household items I could get my hands on. This practice quickly labeled me as the “creative one” by my small-town community, and that reputation followed me as I moved to new cities and even new states.

As I got older, I struggled to determine a college career path. I assumed that art was not a lucrative option and that I needed to choose something “practical.” I was distraught, as nothing seemed to suit me. Unlike most artists, I don’t have one set style or even a specific medium. They explained that it was what I was most passionate about and that they couldn’t imagine me doing anything else. And now, years later, my art career is the best decision I almost didn’t make.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Unlike most artists, I don’t have one set style or a even specific medium. Since I can remember, I’ve been interested in all forms of creativity: music, acting, textiles, painting, sculpture, and beyond. While my professional focus is sculpture and 2D art, I am a casual jack of all trades. I am proud that after over 20 years of creativity—the majority of my life—I am still focused and flourishing.

My determination has remained steadfast through the years because I set long-term life goals supported by small tasks with short but realistic deadlines. Each objective’s risk-to-reward ratio determines my next steps. When I notice a consistent obstacle preventing me from progressing, I create workarounds to make the hurdle easier to cross. For example, paralyzing perfectionism blocked me from drawing altogether. My solution was digital art. The undo button allows me to make mistakes fearlessly. I have yet to find an obstacle that isn’t solved with a workaround, allowing me to persevere toward my ultimate life goal of being a full-time studio artist.

My greatest lesson learned has been that no one gets anywhere alone. I have relied on many wonderful people along the way for support and guidance. Recently, I joined artist collectives and meetups where I’m learning from others pursuing similar goals. Surrounding myself with a community of like-minded artists has boosted my momentum and my creativity. I aim to be a positive, encouraging force that builds up other artists. I hope to be a part of a new wave of creatives that makes art more accessible and inclusive while leaving the red tape and egotistical stereotypes in the past.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have only lived in Colorado for a year, so I am still discovering everything Fort Collins offers! So far, I’ve found all of my favorite places through word-of-mouth. I frequent Old Town the most. I love the live music, water fountains, alleyways covered in murals, and strings of lights overhead. You can often find me at the Alleycat coffee house, enjoying their laid-back culture while meeting up with friends and grabbing an iced oat milk chai. Two event spaces I also quickly fell in love with are The Lyric and The Aggie. The Lyric is a hidden gem multi-purpose movie theater and arts venue, donned in art installations and a funky vibe. The Aggie’s intimate space has been the prime place to catch my favorite bands and musicians. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Lastly, the Fort Collins Museum of Art recently released a new app called Art Central to guide locals and tourists through all of the best art attractions in town. I’ve enjoyed connecting with the local art scene and discovering the community art I’ve missed during my year so far in Fort Collins.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe great gratitude to my family for supporting me throughout my life. My parents, Scott and Cathy, have advocated for my artistic ventures every step of the way. They were my first promoters by funding my own craft booth at local vendor markets when I was in elementary school. My parents and my siblings have always been my primary supporters in life. I’m grateful for my older sisters, Becky and Amy, who have endorsed me by commissioning work, talking me up, and buying my artwork prints. They’ve hoarded my crafts and drawings over the years for “when I become famous,” as they say. I’m also thankful for my older brother, Daniel, for paving the way for me to be my authentic self. He also proved that any goal is achievable with enough dedication and effort. I’m honored to be surrounded by a creative and encouraging family.

Additionally, I want to shoutout two of my college professors from Doane University of Nebraska for giving me the education and advice that led to my current artistic career.

Professor Eric Stearns, my ceramics professor, introduced me to 3D art. I was immediately obsessed. He also pushed me beyond my comfort zones by encouraging me to experiment. I quickly learned that experiments sometimes fail, but the lessons learned afterward can fuel bigger and better ideas. Professor Meghan Gaul, my graphic design professor, also gave me the lifesaving advice that backup plans can be crucial. With the likelihood of me finding a full-time career in 3D art as a fresh graduate being slim, graphic design was the perfect secondary career to pursue. The need for designers is high, giving me an optimal career with a fun, creative outlet. Today, I’m loving my “backup plan” job while funding my future artistic goals.

Website: https://lizzysarnesart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzysarnesart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzysarnes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizzysarnesart