Meet Maddie Harlan | Maddie Harlan | ArtologyInk | Artist of All Things Bold, Whimsical & Slightly Unhinged

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

Hi Maddie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Art has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up surrounded by creativity and my parents always encouraged it Because of this, I’ve been experimenting with different forms of art since I was little. I knew early on that I wanted art to be more than just a hobby; I wanted to turn it into a full-time career.

I’ve managed different businesses since I was 18 and always dreamed of being my own boss in correlation with my business degree. Starting ArtologyInk was my way of blending that drive with my passion. I didn’t just want to create art—I wanted to build a business that reflected my personality, gave me creative freedom, and connected with others in a real way.

My goal from the start was to create original custom designs, support myself through my work, and help make art feel accessible again. I believe art is for everyone, and I wanted to bring it back into everyday life in a way that’s bold, fun, and meaningful.

Of course, there were fears: Would people connect with my style? Could I reach enough customers? Was I truly ready to turn this into a sustainable business? But even with those questions, I knew that pursuing something I love—something that brings joy to others—was worth it. My hope is to continue growing ArtologyInk into a lifelong career that supports not just me, but my family and my creative community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a mixed media artist working in painting, sculpting, airbrushing, 3D functional art, and even sewing—basically, if I can shape it or paint it, I will. My work leans heavily into whimsical creatures and fantasy themes, often with vibrant, bold colors that bring a sense of magic and wonder to everyday life. I love creating things that feel like they could’ve come from a storybook or another realm entirely.

What really sets my work apart is how I blend unexpected elements together to create something deeply personal for each piece or client. I build custom creations that reflect people’s personalities, quirks, and inner magic. And when I’m not working on a commission, I gravitate toward the whimsical and weird, the things that make people smile. The reactions I get—especially from kids and joyful adults—light up my soul and keep me going. That connection through art is everything.

Some of my proudest creations include my 3D wall-mounted dragon eye and a fully functional 8-prong octopus key holder that looks as wild as it sounds. I’m also incredibly proud of the moments where all my hard work pays off—like vending at shows and returning home nearly sold out, or recently raising over $1,025 for St. Jude during a live-streamed charity event as part of a team effort that brought in more than $102,000. It still blows my mind.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy—it’s a full-time hustle. I work 50 hours a week managing for Agfinity, run 9 social media accounts with consistent weekly content, live stream my art 4–5 times a week, manage orders, create the art, handle customer service, edit photos and videos, and do all the shipping myself. I don’t have a lot of free time, but I wake up every day knowing I’m building something I love. Every hour I invest outside of my 9–5 job is one step closer to doing this full time, and that dream is what fuels me.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about explosive growth—it’s about consistent effort, learning as you go, and showing up no matter what. I’ve had to teach myself photo and video editing, marketing, and how to run a business through trial and error. What I wish I knew sooner is that it’s not about shortcuts—it’s about building something real, something that lasts.

And that’s what I want people to know about me and ArtologyInk: this isn’t just a business, it’s a reflection of who I am and how I see the world. I’m not here to mass-produce or chase trends—I’m here to make art that speaks to people, sparks joy, and reminds us that fantasy, creativity, and a little chaos belong in our everyday lives.

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?
If my best friend came to visit Colorado, I’d want to give them the full experience—equal parts nature, creativity, great food, and weird fun. We’d kick it off with lunch at Luna’s Tacos in Greeley—hands down one of my favorite spots for food, vibes, and flavor. Afterward, we’d hit the Denver Flea Market to browse everything from handmade goods to vintage oddities.

One of my favorite ways to unwind is heading down to the river by my house with the dogs to splash around and just enjoy the sunshine. And later that evening, we’d fire up the grill in the backyard for a chill bonfire night which would include veggie burgers, grilled pineapple, good music, and of course some laughs!

One of the days we would 100% need a mountain day, Colorado’s scenery is unreal. A drive up through the Rockies with a spontaneous hike or two is always a win, and we’d definitely stop at one of the amazing climbing gyms scattered across the state for some movement and laughs on the way back.

I would also want to make time for Meow Wolf in Denver, because no trip is complete without walking through a giant trippy art installation that makes you question reality. Then, if the timing’s right, we’d hit up a seasonal event like the Pearl Street Art Festival, Monster Day’s in Greeley, FanExpo Denver, or a First Hand Markets art market in Westminster or Lafayette.

Whether it’s roaming the mountains, talking art over tacos, or shopping handmade at a local market, I’d want to fill their week with creativity, connection, and all the magic that makes Colorado feel like home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the constant support of my parents, my partner (my better half), and the people who believed in me even when I doubted myself. They’ve backed me emotionally, creatively, and sometimes financially—and they’re always there when I need encouragement or someone to brainstorm with when I’m stuck. I also give many thanks to my art teachers and the community at my local climbing gym during my teenage years. Both gave me the encouragement and inspiration I needed during key moments in my artistic growth and self-discovery, and without them I may not be where I am at today.

In addition to my youth, after drafting my first business ideas I drew huge inspiration from Devyn and Derek of MoCoMade, and they deserve a huge shoutout. They’re not only incredibly talented artists and successful business owners, but also generous and uplifting people who lead by example. Their creativity, drive, and authenticity have pushed me to keep leveling up and give me the courage and belief that I could make my art into something bigger than a hobby.

Along with MoCoMade, the Twitch art community helped me find the courage to share my process publicly, and gave me the motivation to take my passion seriously as a business. And the artists I’ve met at local markets and fairs throughout my life have continually inspired me to pursue this path with heart and hustle.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from artists like Salvador Dali, Banksy, Android Jones, Phillip Lewis, Hunter Damiani, and Ian Powell. Their work—whether surreal, bold, or visionary—reminds me to embrace the weird, push creative limits, and always make something meaningful.

Website: https://artologyink.myshopify.com

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

Twitter: https://x.com/ArtologyInk

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4QrXBoukE2fiB43K5yRA3Q

Other: https://www.twitch.tv/artologyink
https://www.tiktok.com/@artologyink