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

Hi Matt, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think the main reason I chose a creative career is the fact that there are no boundaries or rules that you have to follow. Sure there are industry standards and certain things you need to know to be successful, but no one can really tell you that you’re doing it wrong. Unlike an accountant where if you get the math wrong you have problems, the creative industry has a fairly loose structure. Certain people may dislike your work, but that’s just their opinion, and hey I can live with that. You can’t please everyone.

What should our readers know about your business?
Building your own business isn’t hard to do. It’s a super simple formula that anyone can do.

Create a product or skill set that fulfills a need, and hustle 24/7 to sell yourself or the product to potential clients until you get enough clientele to pay you a comfortable living.

What is hard however, is working when others aren’t, spending 12,15 sometimes 20 hours a day working when others clock out of their 9-5. The hustle is the hard part. That’s what can get to you and test your mental toughness.

I’m no super hero. I have tons of days that discourage me. I think the thing that keeps me going is the fact that I promised myself long ago that I would never work a 9-5 or work for anyone else and that I would do whatever it takes to keep that promise.

I don’t have a perfect road map to success. It’s a ton of trial and failure and then adapting.

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.
I live up in Boulder so I’m not too familiar with Denver.

However, anyone that comes up to Boulder needs to get the Drunken Noodles from Buddha Thai on the corner or Iris and 28th.

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?
My Dad has been a great mentor for me when it comes to navigating business deals.

Not only that, but he and my mom are of course my biggest fans. I wouldn’t be anywhere with out them.

Also, mega shout out to my beautiful girlfriend, Courtney Strieker, who puts up with me and this crazy life on a daily basis. We’ve been together for 5 years and she’s been in more ads than anyone else I’ve photographed haha. Best model I know.

Website: www.mattshawcreative.com

Instagram: mattshawcreative

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.