Meet AJ Schlechten | Designer, Artist

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

Hi AJ, how do you think about risk?
I struggled a lot with mental health, particularly depression and anxiety after leaving college, and I’ve found that really putting myself out there, having to really show up or face consequences, has helped me pull some of those demons out of my head. Adding risk has made my life much more meaningful and fulfilling.

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.
I’ve always been a dreamer. Initially I got very into photography, but in college found architecture and design, and truly found my people. I fell in love with searching for the most interesting and beautiful way to fulfill a function, how function and beauty are completely intertwined. Unfortunately, I was pretty burnt out after college and needed some time to recover, and found that the actual making of things, not just the abstract manipulation on a computer, was necessary for me to reach my potential. It’s been a struggle, finding the balance of work that I can stand but pays, and learning what I want to make, but recently I feel I’ve had a breakthrough and have a process that will let me start bringing my own flavor of wonder into the world. If there’s anything to know about me, is that I want to make things that remind us that the world can, and should, be beautiful.

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 start most my mornings at Bestslope coffee, so we would be frequenting there for sure. For food and drinks, Hot tomato pizza, Basecamp Brewery, Ramblebine, and the Melrose Spirit company are the main stops. And then the Art Center, West Winds Gallery, and the FARM (Fruita Arts and Recreation Marketplace) for art. Otherwise, just as much nature as we could manage, the Monument, Devils Canyon in Fruita, and the Mesa for some mountain time.

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?
My parents, Brian and Gretchen Schlechten have been so supportive of me going off on this wild path. Also my uncle, Michael Delaney, has really been a source of support. And finally my good friend Cullen Purcer is who put tools in my hands and really got me to start making things.

Website: https://Andrewjstudios.com

Instagram: andrewj.studios