We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Alan Hyde | Artist & Creator

I pursued this type of career because I have found this type of industry fulfilling. It’s the type of career that gives me happiness and brings out my inner passion. When I was younger, I would be inspired by seeing some of my favorite artists at live events and feeling that energy that they had brought on stage during their performances. I’ve always found it fascinating when you speak to an artist and they give you an in-depth explanation on how it was to perform on stage, performing their favorite songs. Read more>>

Maria & James | Musical duo

We decided to pursue a career in the music industry because of our desire to share what we create with others. The creative process behind all of our music making – from recording an initial melody, to producing and mastering the final song – is one of the main reasons why we fell in love with an artistic career, as it brings our stories to life. Read more>>

Lisa Sanchez | Artist

After graduating from CU Boulder with a degree in psychology I worked a “real job” for about 12 months and quickly learned that I was not cut out for a 9-5 job. My mind is always moving and leans towards the creative. I had a conversation with my mom, a career woman and creative and she suggested we try selling our art. My earliest memories are of a dining table covered with art supplies and spending weekends creating with my mom. After college and that first job we decided to try an art show. We showed up with a folding table, a table cloth, and the small hand-sewn dolls and earrings we created. Read more>>

Lara Thomas | Actor / Writer / Producer & Community Organizer

Curiosity, curiosity, curiosity. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I want to know more. So a creative career was the obvious choice to keep me engaged, inspired and excited. Whether I’m acting or writing or producing, every day is a bit unpredictable — where I get the opportunity to research and discover different people, places, cultures and history. The long and short of it? If I didn’t work in this field… I’d be bored to tears. Read more>>

Taylor Jones | Tattoo Artist & Owner of SourEyeCandi

I pursued an artistic career because it’s all I really know. It’s the one thing (besides being hilariously sarcastic) that comes naturally to me. I think it’s important to follow your heart in that way. Artistic careers aren’t always the most stable but that’s okay with me. I would trade stability for a happier, and more fulfilling life any day. Read more>>

Rhia Black | Artist

I have always been a creative person and I have always used my art as a way of coping through stressful times. It only seemed natural to start trying to sell my art and skills after I started making way more crafts than I could keep. A family member suggested that I try to start selling some of it and I haven’t stopped since. Read more>>

The Ordinary Two Jim & Tanya Disner | Songwriters and Travelling Musicians

Jim: Music has always been very important to both of us. I think the moment I fell in love with Tanya was when I first heard her sing back in high school. I’ve always been a part-time musician, performing shows when I could work them in around my full-time job schedule and family. I worked for 20 years at a music store and a few years at an insurance agency. What really changed my mind and made me decide to go for it as a full-time musician was when Prince died. I was sitting at my desk at my day job when I heard the news and it really affected me deeply. Prince lived for music – he toured all the time, lived in his studio, creating constantly. Read more>>

Orrin Lewis | Four Wheeling Enthusiast and Youtuber

It hasn’t been much of a career really. Its just been a hobby; something I like doing for fun. I’ve always loved films and I enjoy film making. I started the off roading stuff when I moved back to Colorado in 2019 and I thought it would be fun two kill two birds with one stone and film all of my adventures. I used to make little films when I was in elementary school for class projects and really enjoyed it back then. So I kind of think its always been something I enjoyed doing. Read more>>