Meet Tif Choate

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

Hi Tif, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of conventional advice that I’ll happily—and cheerfully—debunk? “Color inside the lines.” Please. Those lines are nothing more than gentle suggestions framed in marker—not walls meant to cage your imagination.
For me, stretching a mural around a corner, or spilling onto a sidewalk? That’s not just artistic flair—it’s a little act of joyful rebellion. It’s saying: I see these limits, but I choose to expand beyond them. Because art isn’t about neat obedience—it’s about resistance. Plus, let’s be honest—it’s way more fun. So yes, I color way outside the lines… where real life actually happens.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always had this unshakeable itch—you know, the entrepreneurial kind that insists, “You were born to own and run a business.” But let’s be real: I’m also that neurodivergent, and painfully shy artist who’d rather hide behind my paintbrush than pitch myself at parties. Sure, I’m a bit scatterbrained—but I am also incredibly passionate about painting big public murals with bold color and portraits bursting with zestiness. Also having ADHD means my brain flows in tangents and I process things… let’s say….creatively, which has allowed me to honor that headspace instead of fighting it.
So why Snail Candy Arts? Because if the world is already hard, dull, and borderline cruel, then I’m here to be the antidote—with color bombs, whimsy, and the kind of visuals that make people say, “Wow, I didn’t know my wall needed that, but now I can’t live without it.”
Snail Candy isn’t my alter ego—it’s my twin. I adore snails for their groundedness, easy speed—and yes, fabulously adorned and infinitely designed shells that carry everything they need. But Snail Candy isn’t just a catchy brand—it’s the heart and heritage of who I am.
Snails have had a deeply personal resonance throughout my life. During one of the toughest chapters of my childhood, my brother and I found comfort in raising snails together. These quiet, slow creatures became a symbol of connection—especially after losing him in a tragic accident just before he turned 18. Now, in honor of that bond and to keep him with me, I share a snail-trail tattoo with my husband as our wedding bands—symbolizing slow and steady love… which, by the way, is now going strong after nearly 34 years. So yes, when you meet me, you might notice I wear my heart on my ankle.
Then there’s the Candy—a tribute to my grandfather, Mr. Chuck, the beloved “Candyman” who ran a candy store in downtown Memphis. He wasn’t just selling sweets—he was sweetening lives, caring for a community often overlooked. His legacy of sweetness and service lives on via my colorful, whimsical art.
My brand is starting to find its groove right now—in every mural, every print, I’m channeling that snail’s groundedness and the candy’s pure delight. It’s both an ode to resilience and pure, visual escapism. When people see my bright palette and playful imagery, I don’t want them to just notice—but to feel something. I strive for Snail Candy Arts to reflect resilience, grounded pace, and delight—all wrapped up in the spirit I want to bring into every piece I create. Color and imagination aren’t nice touches; they’re the brand’s heartbeat.

As far as risk taking, I’m not your stereotypical thrill-seeker. I’m a self-confessed list-lover, practical planner, and yes, a touch OCD introvert who likes things ordered and brain-mapped before stepping out the door. So when it comes to risk, I’m more calculated than cavalier. But there’s this one place I feel truly alive: perched up on a ladder or lift, a paintbrush in hand, with a sweeping vista below me. There’s a magic up there that’s equal parts serene and exhilarating! Risk for me isn’t bungee jumping off a cliff—it’s elevating myself (literally) to a vantage where I can see differently. It’s accepting that being a muralist sometimes means working in precarious positions. It’s the contrast between loving order and embracing messes of paint, finding harmony in that tension.
As Austin Kleon puts it: “Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work.” That’s my ethos. My step-by-step lists keep my world functional, and my ladder moments keep it beautifully alive—the best kind of risk I’ve ever taken.

Now 8 years into the business, I’ve learned a few things about work/life balance. The glory days of hustling till 2, 3, even 4 a.m.—that stage of insane hours and near burnout? Yeah, I’ve graduated from that circus. These days, it’s all about balance—one foot in art, one foot in heart, and occasionally both feet in horse poop (looking at you, Groundwork Equestrian Ranch). Volunteering with Groundwork Ranch in Louisville, CO—tending horses that help nurtures foster families and folks wrestling with PTSD—has taught me more about grounding than any yoga retreat ever could. Same goes for my backstage life as a volunteer stage manager at Flatirons Church, where I keep teachers and musicians exactly where they need to be (no pressure, right?). There’s something sacred about this rhythm: creative work + hands-on service. I spread my energy evenly across things that matter—because art and business are huge, yes—but not the most important. My life’s work is about creating the visual—and spiritual—balance that animates both me and my community. And honestly? It’s way more meaningful than another late-night painting binge.

Three things have helped me succeed in running my creative business:
1. Showing up every single day, whether I’m terrified or not. Creativity—and success—blooms from consistency, even on the days when I’d rather reorganize my sock drawer than pick up a brush. Consistency is where I get to look back and baske in the glow of new finished projects proudly and see their impact on communities.
2. Diving in before having it all figured out. As uncomfortable as that feels—it beats paralysis. Growth always comes with a few growing pains, and I’d rather “learn the dance” than peer anxiously from the sidelines. But not literally, I have two left feet, lol.
3. Practicing my elevator speech until it no longer terrifies me. I talk myself through it, tweak the words, and believe it- that’s the key! —a lot of that self-talk turns into confident clarity when I finally share it. Repetition beats nerves every time.
In short: I pair my love of structure with relentless resolve. It’s about showing up, leaning into vulnerability, and trusting that a bit of prep and courage will pull everything into place—even if my brain prefers checking the boxes to embracing the chaos.

I want to make an impact—especially in my little corner of the world. Whether it’s murals that cheer up communities along Colorado’s Front Range or prints that brighten someone’s morning routine, this is art that matters, not art that just looks nice.
I chose to pursue a creative career because painting became my lifeline and my guide. Over time, I discovered that making art wasn’t just a sideline—it was healing. Delving into color and form grounded me when life felt noisy and overwhelming. It helped to lower stress and directly supported my mental well-being.
I believe art has a healing energy—not just for me, but across my communities. I put artwork into the world not just to make things look pretty—it’s a tool for healing, connection, and belonging. Public art isn’t just something I make—it’s something I share, to brighten and enliven the lives of others. Art has always been more than pretty pictures to me—it’s a vital portal through which we open our imagination, bypass words, and push back against a world that can feel monotonous or dark. It helps us connect and heal together.
That’s why I pursue creativity—not just as my path forward, but as a way to share light, color, and connection with everyone around me. In short, art isn’t frill—it’s fundamental.

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’m all about local and I love to show off my hometown of Lafayette. Some of my favorite spots for food have to be: Teocalli for the best tacos ever! Then it is a must to go next door to STAM’s for some creamy gelato and beautifully handcrafted chocolates. The best coffee house for libations, community and ambiance has to be East Simpson Coffee Company. Then just next door in Louisville, a must for sushi is a Mr. Sake or juicy burgers at Mudrock’s Sports Bar – go Tuesdays for $10 burgers.
Some top places to enjoy all that Colorado is would be up in the RMNP to visit Bear Lake, especially about 3 miles past it to Lake Haiyaha. – totally worth the trek to see that surreal blue mountain water! I’d recommend either a very early morning sunrise or late afternoon sunset trip to Lake MacIntosh in Longmont for some standup paddle boarding. Pure beauty! If you really want to get out and see some incredible scenery, go see the wild horse herds up at the Sand Wash Basin in NW Colorado or in the springtime, see tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes migrating in the San Luis Valley near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Colorado is magnificent – a week isn’t long enough to visit!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my success to my silent partner and biggest cheerleader, my husband Jim. He’s had a hand in almost every large project I’ve ever done, never asking for any recognition, doing the messy and not so glamorous jobs along side of me, like pressure washing and sealing, even being my bodyguard in some less than safe places I’ve added public art. He’s my hero.
I’d also like to shoutout some amazing artists that I’ve collaborated with: Sarah Spencer & Marissa Saints. With these two women artists, we’ve given a new meaning to public art in our town Lafayette, CO, by inviting the community to embrace public art, big and small in the Old Town Alleyways, with our grassroots program Alley Art Amazin’ since 2012, which now has over 100 murals. Go walk the alleyways in Old Town for delightful and colorful surprises.

Website: https://snailcandy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snail.candy.arts/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tif-choate-02235873/

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