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.

gv_mimi | Twitch Streamer/Content Creator

I came from a musical background where music was my only solace. It was the only thing that made sense. So I pursued music as my main career and obtained a degree in Music Education. After a good number of years as a Band Director, I decided to also take up broadcasting on Twitch as a second path where I could express myself in different ways as well as incorporate my musical background. Read more>>

Ashley Earl, owner of Eight Armed Designs & artist Sara Kelley, art goblin

Ashley: I wanted to be an artist when I was little, but my family encouraged more traditional career goals. While taking class for a very unrelated degree (biology), I took art classes for fun. I racked up enough credits for an associate’s in fine arts, and through that degree programme, had to participate in juried shows where I sold many of my pieces. Read more>>

Amelia Stepanek | Inclusive Phototgrapher

I pursued my passion. I have always needed an outlet for my creative juices to flow. Once I started doing photography, I knew that this was going to be longer than just a phase. I fell in love with it very quickly, and realized that I wanted to expand the industry to include people of all shapes and sizes, backgrounds, cultures, and more! As I matured in my craft, I realized that there is a need for photographers who display people of all walks of life in their portfolios. Read more>>

Zach Miller | Sound Healing Practitioner

I decided to pursue a career in sound healing because music and sound have always been my vehicle for transcendence. The impact that music and sound has had on my mind and body over the years interested me to no end, so when i was introduced to the world of sound healing about 5 years ago, I knew I needed to look further. After experiencing a few soundbath sessions, my curiosity led me to reading books, buying instruments, and performing sound healing sessions for friends and family out of my home in Thornton. Read more>>

Sammy Clifford | Musician

Growing up Was especially hard for me. My background is one of poverty and abuse. Creating music was a way for me to sort of escape at first. But then it just sort of grew into this crazy thing we’re people would message me relating to my music and there’s something really rewarding about that to me.
Music has become more than just a career or self expression. Read more>>

Jocelyn Verano | Residential Design Director, Ellis Design Studio

When deciding to select a major in college I was struggling to decide if I was interested in pursuing a career as an artist or a therapist. I chose a career in Interior Design as it seemed to be a good balance of both. I love working in residential Interior Design because I enjoy listening to my clients and creating beautiful spaces that are reflections of them as individuals and families. Read more>>

Emily Dailey | Founder of Marry Me in Black

The alternative rock and emo music wave of the mid to late 2000s was incredibly influential to my younger self. I had always been a creative person, but it was during this time that I decided I definitely wanted to get paid to draw. I was in high school during the peak of Tumblr. It seemed like everyone I was meeting online liked all the same bands as me and they were all writing fanfics and making fanart. Read more>>