We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Larissa Guedea

My first love was makeup, that’s how I got involved in the beauty community. I used to do wedding makeup for a years, but during my time working at salon’s and spa’s in college, my love for skin grew.
I knew I wanted to stay in the industry, but I wanted to help those address and correct their skin concerns instead of covering it up. Read More>>

Autum Drai

An artistic and creative seemed to be my only option after I realized my true passion. My value for self expression and individuality has driven me to become an artist, using all of my free time to create whether it be writing, dancing or modeling. I just genuinely decided to follow my inner compass and it guided me to create. Read More>>

Debra Corness

I wanted to showcase my art and get to know the Colorado art community. I’ve always been a good artist but never put myself out there until I arrived in Colorado and felt the welcoming embrace of the local art community. Read More>>

Miranda Deblauwe

I chose an artistic career because I didn’t really want to do anything else. There’s a lot of pressure to choose a stable track that can afford you a stable life, but I never saw a path where I thought I’d be truly happy. If I woke up tomorrow and realized I want to be a doctor, I know that I could go and do that. But for now, being an artist is what makes me feel alive and I’m riding that out! Read More>>

Don Luttmer

I began my career in the tech industry where I found success, but also found I was never really going to be great. My peers were passionate about what they were doing, and success appeared to be easy for them, whereas it was a grind for me. I can’t remember the instant or the catalyst, but at some point, it occurred to me that my education path and my work path were undertaken as a means to an end. That end, being a financially comfortable life.  Read More>>

Robin Van Wageningen

I have always identified as an artistic person. At the young age of 5, my great aunt Mary requested I sign one of my paintings because she was convinced I would be a “famous artist” someday. I am fortunate enough to have spent my life surrounded by people that believed in my work and supported my artistic pursuits. This gave me the confidence I needed to move forward with art professionally. Read More>>

Carraway

Nick Amberg and Mara Byrd have been involved in several art and music since a young age including the jazz band that they met in. Creating a career out of art has never been the primary focus of their creative endeavors. However, the question of how to share their musical project Carraway with a larger audience has lead them to work to scale it in a sustainable way. Carraway has always been the people who interact with the art and that is we continue to do it, we love connecting with people through music and performance. Read More>>

Chanel Berumen

That’s an interesting question because, growing up, I never imagined I’d become an artist. My older brother was always the creative one — he was the youngest artist to be accepted into the Denver Artist Guild. Meanwhile, I was more drawn to books and learning. But everything shifted when I got to college. I experienced a kind of identity rebirth after meeting an incredible group of women in the Fox Den. Through them, I became a model and content creator — an experience that was both freeing and transformative. I credit much of my drive and passion for art to my time with the Fox Den. The women there taught me to own my life and pursue what I truly wanted, no matter what society expected. That sense of freedom gave me the confidence to take the leap and start my own art business. Read More>>

Jake Bones

Before the idea of pursuing any kind of career ever began to cement in my head I was drawing voraciously. My favorite class throughout school was any form of art class. I was forced to eventually pursue a career by material necessity of course, and so I just began learning every creative skill related to music and design I felt drawn to, and began working for anyone who would have me as an artist, designer, recording engineer, or producer. I didn’t really choose to make this my career, I just jumped at any chance to do the things I love, and if I can get compensated for my work, wonderful. Read More>>

Noah Patten

I’ve always had a deep connection to music and the arts, and for me, it’s been more than just a career choice—it’s been a calling. Growing up, I found that songwriting and performing were the best ways for me to express my thoughts and emotions. Music has this incredible ability to connect people, tell stories, and create experiences that words alone can’t capture. Pursuing a creative career in country music felt like the most authentic path for me, where I could not only share my own story but also bring something that resonates with others. It’s about creating something real, something people can feel, and I’ve always wanted to be a part of that magic. Read More>>