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

Hi Madison, how do you define success?
Success is defined differently by everyone. As someone early in my career, I define success as gaining new skills, experiences, and joy in my work. I measure my success by how much I learn and the quality of work I deliver. As an artist, I have been challenged not only in the corporate fashion world to gain success but also to make strides to learn new art forms such as metal smithing.

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.
My career started when I attended Savannah College of Art and Design. I had little prior experience in art but was determined to learn all I could about Illustration and other art forms. Scad is also one of the most well-known art schools in the country. Being at such a well-known art school comes with a wide range of other amazing artists. Who essentially are trying to get the same job as you. This created a lot of self-doubt and anxiety during my academic career. I’ve also battled with mental health issues and an eating disorder through my college experience. I’ve constantly had to work at doing what’s best for myself, and it’s cheesy to say but staying true to who I am. I went through many classes as an underdog. Never one of the best but was determined to learn every technique I could. After four years I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Fine Art majoring in Editorial and Motion Media Illustration.

Coming out of my academic years I pursued a career in fashion with Kohls as a surface designer on the brand Simply Vera Wang. This job set me apart from the rest due to the fact I had never studied surface design. I thought I was going to become a children’s book illustrator funny enough. I have worked my way on this brand for two years now and am confident in my digital skills and abilities to make corporate fashion prints and graphics for the marketplace! I had to completely re-learn how I looked at digital art, as in school I had mostly tackled traditional mediums. It’s been amazing to challenge myself with jumping headfirst into the corporate world of art right after my graduation.

Outside of my day job at Kohl’s, I specialize in creating digital works that convey a strong sense of feminity and vivid imagery. I love developing characters, products, patterns, and assets that explore unique topics or stories. I also create illustrations just for the sake of bringing some color and positivity into the world. I have also taken up silver smithing at Stryker Studios creating unique pieces of jewelry!

I have a hunger to explore all art forms. I continue to grow even when I have no knowledge or skills in the early beginning stages. This is what sets me apart. I am willing to become the best version of myself no matter the task.

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?
At heart, I am a foodie! If my best friend was joining we would have to start our day with a nice breakfast at Jelly Cafe. They have some of the fluffiest pancakes, and that’s saying something coming from a waffle lover. Of course, we would need to do something active either a nice stroll around Washington Park, a hike in the mountains, exploring the Denver Art Museum, or taking a jewelry-making class at Stryker Studios! In the evening I’d have to journey anywhere around the Rhino art district or the highlands. I’ve recently been obsessed with the Ramen at Uncle so we’d have to go and get a big steamy bowl of noodles. To end our night, what Denver local wouldn’t take their guest to Little Man Ice Cream? Rain or shine their flavors continue to make me smile. Especially in the holiday season with their seasonal flavors! To end our night off we would go to Run for the Roses! A speakeasy bar where you have to go down a secret elevator to find the bar.

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?
I would love to shout out Lydia Stryker owner of Stryker Studios. She has allowed me to learn the craft of silver smithing with no prior skills or knowledge! I have learned so much under her wing about techniques, gems, and customer service. I am currently teaching at Stryker Studios and growing every day at my skills as a metal smith.

Instagram: Mshort_afts

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-shorthill-6176331b9?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Images including apparel are from the Kohls Website.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.