Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Elisabeth Baker | Artist

I chose to pursue an artistic career because it has been the one and only thing I have been interested in since I was young. My dad is an artist and works as a graphic designer, so I grew up practicing art and being exposed to art. It was always my favorite subject in school, and when I got to high school I was lucky enough to have amazing teachers that challenged me, and further pushed my interest in pursuing art. When I got to collage at CU Boulder, I didn’t think twice before choosing to major in studio art. My experience in that program was wonderful, and prepared me to work in the creative industry. Throughout my adult life, I’ve had a handful of jobs that didn’t involve creativity or art, and they didn’t last long. Read more>>

Steffie Notion | Textile, Embroidery Artist, and Maker of Neat Things

I wouldn’t say I pursued an artistic or creative career, I feel that creativity comes naturally to me. Whether it be coming up with an inventive solution to a problem, or finding a new way to use a familiar material. I have always been one to look for the creative potential. I think creativity is important for me personally because it allows me to remember the importance of play. Playing with ideas, and materials, and also the importance of playing for the sake of fun. Not all projects need to have a purpose, sometimes the most satisfying form of creativity is just experimenting with ideas for the simple joy of experimentation. I think another element that drew me to more creative perspectives is the joy that creativity can inspire. Read more>>

Ash Highberger | Portrait & Film Photographer

I have always had the itch to make things and have dabbled in different mediums trying to find what I liked and nothing truly filled that need for me until I started doing photography. It’s the only medium that I can fully envision in my head what I want to create and translate it into real life. I love how you can take tangible, ordinary things and make it feel like magic. My goal is to make images that feel immersive and give the viewer a feeling of childlike wonder and curiosity. It also works out perfectly since I am such an extrovert. My job allows me to encapsulate intimate moments, milestones and the sweet gentleness of everyday life. My gift to my clients and loved ones is to stop time for them in little keepsakes that can last a lifetime and beyond. That in itself feels like it’s own special kind of collaborative art. Read more>>

Yahaira Bautista | Beauty Influencer

I pursued an artistic and creative career because this is where I get to be creative with no limits, and gives me the liberty to fully by my spontaneous self. Read more>>

Erica Steinhouse | Wedding Photographer

The answer could be super simple as “I just liked taking photos when I was younger” but for me it’s much more deep rooted then that. When I was in 3rd grade, I found out I had learning disabilities which severally affected the way I viewed myself at a young age. I was always so frustrated and embarrassed with trying to learn since comprehending knowledge worked at a slower pace for me. I always felt I understood things most when I saw things visually presented to me. I was always really creative and looked to write poetry and create art. It was my escape from most of the world and it allowed me to bring out a side of myself I actually excelled it. I don’t really feel like I chose this career, I think it choose me. Photography gave me a sense of self worth and helped me embrace who I am. Read more>>