Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Allyson Lee | Musician

I chose to pursue a creative career because I discovered that my brain thrives when I have the chance to create things. While I initially pursued vet school, I realized that my passion lies in the arts, specifically music. Thats where I feel most in my element. Creating music allows me to think outside the box. Read more>>

Stela Djuric | Creative director

My whole life I was the happiest when I made something with my own hands. Painting, photography, making ornaments, gifts, whatever I was able to make and what I wanted to make I did it. When I moved to the Vail valley, I figured there is so many weddings, event here, at first I wanted to do flowers and decorations for those events, that was always my dream job. Read more>>

Jessica Montour | Wardrobe Guru & Personal Shopper

I never thought pursuing fashion was a creative outlet until I was fully immersed in it. I had an “aha moment” of how I’ve always been drawn to fashion because it is an art. I don’t consider myself artistic and am not crafty by any means. I’ve gotten to the point to where I am repurposing clothing and reinventing garments thru self taught design methods. Read more>>

Shawna Gardner | A multi-media Fine Arts artist

My pursuit of an artistic career came about quite naturally for me. Growing up, I was always an avid reader and adventurer. I filled my world with a vast wealth of imagination, a love of knowledge, and a desire to explore our natural world from the smallest bug to far hikes. Read more>>

Astin | Musician and Audio Engineer

Honestly, I pursued a career in the arts because everything else seemed boring and unfulfilling. I did pretty well in school when I was young, but once I got to college, the prospect of doing one of these academic things for the rest of my life was very saddening. I enjoyed the few music classes I had taken and had really enjoyed writing my own music up to that point, so it was an easy choice. Read more>>

Ozell Williams Jr | Tumbling Coach, Sports Program Director & Entrepreneurial Business Owner

I embarked on an artistic and creative career solely driven by my unwavering passion. My journey began at the tender age of 3, inspired by the antics of the Power Rangers. A simple act of flipping off my mother’s couch and into her entertainment center ignited my self-taught journey in tumbling. Read more>>

Cameron Rowan | Sound healer, Music Teacher, Musician

I pursued an artistic career because I knew it would bring me joy. Even though it has its ups and downs, ultimately it will bring me joy from the people I meet to the way it lets me be creative and in the flow. I had experience working in different types of fields, like construction, factory work, retail, etc. Read more>>

Aaron Butt | Graphic Artist

Full disclosure, I am a full time graphic designer. I pursued an artistic career because fortunately for me I’m one of the few people who was able to take something that I enjoyed doing in my free time and exploited that into a job. This gets tricky for some people who don’t have a healthy work life balance though because you could end up resenting the art. Not me but some people. Read more>>

Sarah Lisle | Lifestyle and Brand Photographer

Funny enough, I began photography because I’ve always been interested in art. I always said that when I grew up I wanted to be an artist and a teacher. While going to school to get my teaching degree, I began my photography business. Initially, I think the reason I pursued my artistic career was because it gave me an outlet that I didn’t always have as a teacher to create art and capture love in a special way. Read more>>