We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Rory Baxter | Rancher, Photographer, Interior Designer, Artist

I believe art makes the world go round. Ever since I was young, I have been deeply influenced and drawn to the beauty of the world around me. When I was little, Read more>>

Aluna Del Rey (Nick) Garcia | Drag Performer & Model

I’ve always wanted to be a performer. I never was really good at singing or acting. Then drag performing was showed to me in person for the first time when I saw my first drag queen (Rae’Chill Silverfoxx) slaying the stage for a Pride event when I was growing up in New Mexico. Read more>>

Zach Hoheisel | Outdoor Creative and Owner of Growing Wild TV

I grew up hunting and fishing, and always worked blue collar jobs. I never thought of myself as artistic or creative until I picked up a camera to try and document some of my outdoor adventures. Read more>>

Jody Ball | Fine Artist and Full Time RVer

Being an artist must be what I was born to be. Ever since I was a little child drawing was something that was a part of me. I remember the excitement of seeing Santa leave a chalk board with colored chalk under the Christmas tree. Read more>>

Lakyn Hayes | Wedding and Elopement Photographer

Personally, I chose to pursue a career in photography (specifically wedding photography) because very early on in my life, I was introduced to and experienced just how important photographs actually are. Read more>>

Ashlei Vincent | Graphic Designer and Media Consultant

The freedom of creating your own hours and being your own boss appealed to me, but I’ve always craved a career path that allowed me to pursue my hobbies while making a living. Read more>>

Tammi Brazee | Visual Artist

I went back to college as an adult after my youngest child went to kindergarten with the intention of finishing a biology degree. I took a 2-D design class as an elective and fell in love with making art. Read more>>

Cortlin Long | DJ & Producer

I had originally wanted to learn more about mixing music so I could basically make my own “mixtapes” comprised of my favorite songs. My friend at the time who had introduced me to the software and equipment started to expand my horizons and understanding of music. Read more>>

Chad Johnson | Photographer & Cinematographer

I chose to pursue a creative career because it allows me to express who I am through my work. The only boundary to a creative or artistic career is your imagination. Read more>>

Kaitlyn Lance | Content Creator

I have always been a passive, and very shy person. In almost all phases of my life I would do my best to draw attention off of myself and try to force myself to look people in the eyes when they were talking to me. Read more>>

Amy Fortunato | Owner of Cowboy’s Sweetheart Jewelry

Well, I didn’t have much choice in the matter. I’m wired for a creative life. For me personally, being creative provides me with a sense of purpose. I think that’s important. Read more>>

Crystal Brown | Photographer

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with photography; the dark room, the lighting, the posing, how a camera works, etc. I love how each person sees things differently. Read more>>

Krisa Gonna (Kris Barz Mendonça) | multimedia artist, drag queen & dance instructor

I had a need to express myself with drawing or dancing since very little, but my devotion to art came into my life as a side effect of bullying and being isolated/ostracized by other kids for being queer. Read more>>

Sarah Gilstrap | Artist & Cofounder of Potted Peace Project

Art has been the one constant my entire life, it’s always made sense and always made me happy. Being a full time artist allows me to have control over my schedule and it gives me time & emotional space to work on other creative projects like: Read more>>