Meet Hannah Maddox | Freelance Creative Designer and Professional Musician

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

Hi Hannah, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Everyone reaches that point in their life where they wonder if what they are doing is what they are MEANT to be doing. I’ve reached that point multiple times over the course of my professional career as a freelance designer and musician. The right answer? There isn’t ONE thing we are meant to do. Life changes with every breath and so should your desires, your passions, and your hustle. In my life, I have always decided to move on from something when it no longer brings me any kind of happiness. When I dread the thought of doing the thing that used to make me smile, it’s time to make room in my life for something else that makes me smile again.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m not unique. Whoa, crazy right? I love music, it’s a part of who I am. I’ve been in a touring rock band, playing 100+ shows a year coast to coast, for the majority of my 20s. I met some of my best friends while on the road and their stories are very similar to mine. Some found more success, some found less. What makes mine different is the fact that I reached the glass ceiling and made the choice to step away. That’s a luxury many musicians DON’T get. Choice. I had lost sight of why I started making music in the first place and remedied it by going out with a bang playing one last 30-day tour and some packed house, sold-out hometown shows. The resolve to step away from music lasted a grand total of 3 months. Ha. Then I was right back at it, forming a band and making music. But with a new mindset and better goals of why I was doing what I was doing. Music is my outlet. I am a very outgoing person when I need to be, but also have a hard time vocalizing difficult emotions. Writing music is the one way I can get the deep, heavy feelings off my chest and yeah, I hope someone out there finds it helpful as well. But if they don’t, that’s ok. I need music to survive, everyone else is just along for the ride.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
OBVIOUSLY, I am a huge fan of music. There are some incredible local venues that feature both national and local acts. I would take them out for a night on the town, likely stopping for some comfort food at D.P. Dough or Cheba Hut, before walking through the doors of Herman’s Hideaway or Moes BBQ. The great sound and wonderful staff would whisk us away on an evening of tunes and laughing. Then, if we are still jonesing for some fun, I would hit a late-night spot like The Brutal Poodle for some Headbanger Karaoke and craft beer. If we are feeling outdoorsy, I’d take my friend out to see the beauty that Colorado has to offer. Specifically the San Juan Valley. I LOVE Durango and its history.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We rely on our family and friends and I am no different. For me, it’s my mother and my husband. They both have done such an amazing job of pushing me when I felt like standing still, picking me up when I put myself down, and giving me honest and heartfelt feedback allowing me to grow.

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Image Credits
All photos are owned by Heartsick Heroine