Meet Isabel “Dani” Macher | Digital Artist & Classical Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isabel “Dani” Macher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabel “Dani”, why did you pursue a creative career?
I think I’ve always been drawn to the creative fields, whether that was art or music. For a long time though I didn’t realize that I could pursue a career in those disciplines. Because we live in a capitalist society, we’re constantly told to work towards the things that will earn us the most money, but not the most personal fulfillment. I remember when a high school counselor repeatedly discouraged me from a career in music because I “wouldn’t earn enough money.” They also told me to give up on art and language learning, as any hobby that doesn’t earn money was considered a waste of time. I wish more people were able to pursue artistic or creative careers, and I’m very fortunate to have the monetary support to do so. Many artists and musicians I know have additional jobs because it’s so difficult to earn wages as a freelancer, and many people interested in art or music simply don’t have the time or funds to start learning, much less pursue those things as full-time careers. Also, depending on one’s definition of a career, I’m not sure if I could consider my music or art a “career” yet, as I haven’t earned any money through these professions. In relation to classical music, I’m still a student and have a long way to go before being considered a professional, and I find art to be even more difficult to find success in. For example, the sudden popularity of AI “art,” which is built on the plagiarized works of human artists, is severely hurting the art community. Many people are refusing to pay artists for their labor, and will instead accept subpar services as long as they’re free. Still, despite the many barriers and challenges that come with pursing a creative career, I don’t think I’d choose to do anything else. Nothing brings me more satisfaction and a sense of achievement than finishing a painting, or learning a new musical piece.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d consider myself a self-taught artist. Although I’ve been drawing for many years I only began to seriously improve my skills a few years ago with the help of books and online tutorials. I’m still figuring out what my “art style” is and what sets me apart from other artists, and I’m excited to see how much more I can improve and what amazing and unique things I will create. Like anything, it takes a lot of time and dedication to see results but I enjoy the challenge. Regarding my musicianship, I wouldn’t be where I am right now without the guidance and instruction of my teacher. The classical music world can be extremely competitive and tense, and I’m still learning how to focus on my love of music without comparing my accomplishments (or lack thereof) to anyone else. An immediate musical challenge I’m facing right now is a lack of access to gaining orchestral experience. Youth orchestras in the area are very high-level and demand extremely advanced repertoire. I did not have the privilege of taking music lessons at an early age so I am several years behind other musicians, and it’s difficult “catching up.” Meanwhile, many of the (supposedly) less-competitive community orchestras I’ve contacted have been quite exclusionary, either not accepting auditions for the foreseeable future, or telling me that I need to first be friends with and personally invited by the conductor.

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?
First, since I’m vegan I’d recommend a few amazing vegan restaurants, namely Watercourse Foods, City O’ City, and Make Believe Bakery. I go to these restaurants all the time for the best vegan pizza, sandwiches, and cupcakes in the Denver area. I’d also suggest going to the Denver Vegan Market in the summer to support local vegan artists and food businesses. I also love going to the Denver Art Museum and the Ellie Caulkins Opera House to watch the Colorado Ballet perform.  

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my viola teacher — Assistant Principal violist of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and Juilliard alumnus Aekyung Kim. I started playing viola at 14 years old and went through a series of discouraging teachers who believed that I was either too old or not talented enough to pursue classical music professionally, and eventually I gave up music to earn an Associate’s degree in Anthropology. However, this was not the career I truly wanted to pursue and in 2021 in scheduled my first lesson with Aekyung. Despite having not played in a few years, Aekyung was very patient and encouraging of my goals to improve and eventually attend a music conservatory. Initially I expected her to tell me that this was unrealistic or impossible, but for the past couple of years she’s been dedicated to helping me become a better and higher-skilled violist. I’m so grateful to have such a supportive mentor in my life who believes in my potential; I’m excited to attend our lessons every week and although I’m sure sometimes she gets a bit annoyed when I don’t practice enough, I’m happy she hasn’t given up on me. I greatly value her constructive feedback and honesty when it comes to the classical music world, and she inspires me to become the best musician I can be. I look forward to continuing to be her student and seeing how far I can progress.

Website: https://folio.procreate.com/idm_artist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idm_violist/

Other: https://instagram.com/idm_artist?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=