What's Your Why? - SHOUTOUT COLORADO

We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Trent Moriarty | Photographer

After working for about 14 years in a corporate environment I decided to start my own business in 2017. While running that business I picked up photography as a creative outlet and fell in love instantly. A few years later I decided to sell that business and do photography full time. I feel that being able to express yourself in an artistic or creative way really helps with being able to process the thoughts and emotions that you go through in life. Read more>>

Jayson Henninger | Photographer

I love traveling, adventure and in general having cool experiences. I can’t think of a better way to document them by taking pictures and videoing when they happen. Read more>>

Mike Montrey | Musician, Songwriter, Teacher, Producer, Music Therapist

For me, the pursuit of artistic expression has always been at the forefront of being a musician. Long before I was able to earn money with my skill, I sought to express it artistically, even if just for myself. Read more>>

Alina Kobialka | Classical Violinist

I found myself drawn to music and the arts as a child, and as I grew older, it became a huge part of my identity. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know how to play the violin. I decided to pursue classical violin because it fulfills me so much to do this as a career. No matter how bad a day I have, I feel better whenever I get to play my instrument. It is a form of love I can give both to myself and to others. Read more>>

Carrie Brum | Freelance Artist, Model, Musician

When I was younger my parents always encouraged me to pursue my passions. I decided that I wanted to enjoy the job I picked for my life long career. As a creative person anything artistic comes so natural to me and I really enjoy doing it. They always say that it’s not work if you love what you do, and I can say from experience that this is true. There is nothing more rewarding that being able to do what I love as a job. I think its very important to remember when making your hobby your career be sure to have some projects outside of work just for fun. If you want to work in a creative career just take the leap! Read more>>

Heather Buechler | Owner Heather Buechler Art

I pursued a creative career because art is everything to me. It’s a way to express myself and a creative outlet. Even as a child I was always doodling and creating. That’s followed me into my adult life. I’m very fortunate to get paid to do what I love. Read more>>

G-Stylez | Rapper, Producer, Radio Personality

As a kid I was always into art and music. But once I started taking art classes in college I realized I didn’t want to pursue that particular career path. I had already been writing songs and recording them since I was around 12 years old. I began with a karaoke machine and then I upgraded to an analog mixer board. I was self taught but I did get some tips from producer friends of mine. Read more>>

Mariah Medina | Photographer

I’ve always loved the arts throughout my life. I started dancing since I was 4 years old and continued through high school. I also played in the school band from middle school and high school. I then began photography in high school and feel in love with it and continue to do it to this day. Read more>>

Jason Chavira | Musician, Singer & Songwriter

My family. My grandparents used to put me and my older brother to sing while my grandpa played the guitar, I didn’t like it at that time but i started to loved it down the road Read more>>

Josh Romani | Tattoo Artist

I’ve always loved doing art from as long as I can remember. Drawing, Painting, Art shows and competitions when I was a kid and so on. However, growing up you realize art doesn’t really pay a living wage for the average person so I figured it was time to join the mold. I bounced around and tried to learn in as many career fields as possible to give me a wide variety of experience in multiple areas. The reasons to do this were to set an end goal of being as self reliant as I could so if I needed to do something, I could do it myself. Read more>>

Brian Cornell | Writer, Nomad, Observer

I didn’t mean to. While hiking the Continental Divide Trail in 2018, I decided I wanted to write a book about it. Writing that book turned into editing, proofreading, designing a cover, reaching out to publishers, and eventually self-publishing which has led to its own host of tasks. I wrote the book because I had a story to share but I didn’t expect to become a creative career. I knew I enjoyed being creative but didn’t realize this was an avenue until a few years into it. Read more>>

Emyli Dahlia | DJ & Producer; Clothing Designer

Initially I pursued an only slightly creative career, focusing on digital marketing and production. I’ve always been artsy and it was nurtured by family and teachers growing up, but I also craved security. As time went on into adulthood things out of my control pushed me away from my career and into music and clothing design. That ball just kept rolling and the positive feedback I received inspired me to keep going with it. I think many artists would agree there’s really nothing better than getting paid for something that already brings you joy. Finding ways to share what I love with other people and give them a positive experience is so satisfying. Read more>>

Andy Pollock | Artist & Figure Model

It was time to explore — I started finding depth in the small moments I tended to usually skate over. I felt silenced in many ways and I turned towards my creativity. In doing so, I discovered vulnerability, beauty, passion, authenticity with a spotlight on self-expression. This is a time of exuberance, free from doubt and fear, a celebration of self. Read more>>

Kristin Kaufman | Florist

I began my career as a hair stylist because I loved working with clients to bring a smile to their face. One of my favorite memories from hair dressing school was putting roller set after roller set into women from a local retirement community. It was so fun getting to know them and hearing their stories. This interaction is one of the best parts of a creative career. Read more>>