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

Hi Michael, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Ever since I was a little kid my life has been lived in extremes. Therefore balance always played a major role. I was very active, playing sports year round, but was also the ultimate home body who loved alone time. Today, being 27 years old, my life has not changed much. I enjoy chaos and often put unrealistic timelines on projects to prove to no one else but myself that I can do the job. I stress communication and seek criticism. When I was younger I was not very good at either of those. I would take things personal and create problems for myself that did not exist. In my early twenties I realized those issues would not get me far. I began self improvement exercises that sometimes were pretty extreme. In those moments I taught myself discipline and began to feel very comfortable. I no longer take things personally (of course there are exceptions with family and close friends) but my focus is to remove emotion from conversation and interaction.

Most of my days are spent sitting in my office behind a computer. To balance sitting for 6-10 hours a day I find comfort in extreme sports. I am extremely passionate about a few activities, martial arts training, skiing and biking. I need an adrenaline rush every day or I don’t sleep well. I find calmness in the chaos. My goal is to be as comfortable as possible in uncomfortable situations. Balance over time has not changed for me, only the activities in my day have.

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.
I am a creative artist living and working in Denver Colorado. I use my experiences gained from traveling, podcasting and photography to create a unique style of gonzo journalism. Doing everything for the story, nothing is out of range. I find interest in many forms of art and inspiration through daily routines. This lifestyle has challenged ME to create with the intention to comfort the imaginative and interrupt the thought of the conventional. No matter the medium, my goal is to build a cross-cultural community feeling with everything I do. Focusing on the arts, the feelings and the good times.

In late 2018 I started my own company, The Arts of Michael Escobedo. I’ve been serious about photography for over three years now but never looked at it as a means of income. I have had 7 different art installations over the course of the last two years. This is something I never would have expected but have gained a passion for. I specialize in mixed media using photography as my medium. I shoot digital, 35mm film, disposable film, and yet my highest sold photo was taken on my phone. In essence, I love anything photo.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All the support in my life has always come from the same source, my family. I am extremely lucky to have two parents who are intelligent and hard working. My mother will always find a way to make things work, always. My father is the most loyal and giving person I know. I have three siblings, all sisters. They each hold me to a very high standard. What is more powerful than a gorgeous woman with a high intellect, nothing. I grew up with three of them. I often reference my sisters in moments when I question my thoughts or actions. Would the situation I am in make them proud or bring them anger towards me? That a lot of the time is my deciding factor. My support system is the reason I am who I am, and I am pretty proud of who I am. All praise goes to these five people.

Website: www.theartsofme.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bae_doe/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-escobedo-835812110/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.escobedo.3572/

Image Credits
These are all my photos and artwork. – Michael Escobedo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDenver 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.