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

Hi Jules, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
7 years ago, I quit my 20 year career in Advertising (making 6 figures) to become an art teacher to other kids and to stay home with my own. This decision was made over one year time and by the end it was an easy decision.

While on vacation with my infant, I got an urgent call from my team because the color blue was printed wrong on a number of client promo items. It caused a major catastrophe that I was trying to fix until my baby started cooing. I get branding, and the color of a logo is extremely important. But in life’s hierarchy, where should that fall? Should thousands of dollars be spent in arguing, worrying and reprinting? This impact on the planet as well as everyone involved was a waste of time and money, one I finally saw as superficial while looking into my babies eyes.

A few months later I was working late on a new business pitch for a beer company. I really missed my daughter and wanted to find an idea soon so I could go home and be with her. In my mind the new copy for the add reads: “I don’t always work until midnight, missing my kid, making money I don’t need and selling things to people that they don’t want… but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.” We were there until 2am. A week later it was a pitch for Diet Coke. I felt bad selling soda to people knowing the impact it has on our bodies. I felt like I was selling higher blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity wrapped in a silver ribbon.

All this while, art was being taken out of schools across the nation. Budgets were cut and supplies were too expensive. This saddened me. Art helps us emotionally and psychologically, so cutting it from schools seemed wrong.
I wanted to stop selling harmful or useless things, and start giving to and being a part of my village. My child’s village! I thought of ways I could benefit others through the arts, while spending more time with my child.

It was a giant risk, but now after 7 years, I own an art school called Art’s cool. It started as an enrichment program, classes were held in the schools, after school. In September 2019 “Art’s cool After School” was born. It started slow, I had 2 schools signed up for my first semester. Things looked good until COVID hit. Everyone was sad and at home, so I found a way to bring art to kids online. In March 2020, “Art’s cool online” was established! The best and most fun part was my student base went from Denver Colorado, to the entire nation! From New Jersey to California, my students met and drew together. It was amazing.
Now that things are back on track, I found a studio for in person classes, and in June 2021 “Art’s cool live” was opened!

It’s been quite a journey leaving a solid career in search of a more meaningful and rich life for my child and her generation. My paycheck has been cut in an 8th, but parenting time with my child is worth double that. And helping other young ones along the way is the silver lining!

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.
In addition to teaching, I am currently painting large scale, outdoor murals in my hometown of Evergreen Colorado. I am proud and delighted to hear others say how happy the paintings make them feel, and they drive out of the way to see them. My other favorite part about this job is I often have my students help me paint the murals, which is very special to me.

My murals depict the nature that is surrounding the building, and my intent is to infuse the man made elements with with what is growing around it, creating a gradation from one to the next.

It was challenging finding my first customers, as murals are not what business owners typically spend money on. After months of buzz however, the ROI is seen and the beautified world projected is immeasurable.

My business, Art’s cool, is about bringing art back into the community. Reminding us that it’s a valuable part of life. Art makes us happy when we look at it. Art calms us down when we participate in it. Art brings us together when we share it. Art is easy, it’s inside of us and it’s for all ages! Art + school = cool.!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely visit Red Rocks Amphitheater, if not for a concert then an afternoon stroll. The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver’s first bar/restaurant establishment, historical and a personal favorite! Garden of the Gods is breathtaking, and Glenwood Caverns Amusement park is a fantastic afternoon with kids.

Website: arts-cool.org

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art’s-cool/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artschooliscool

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqXYyioVZD2Fo_HU7c4_OeQ

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