Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dagny McKinley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dagny , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When I was 30 I decided to go back to school to get my MFA in Creative Writing. I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. The experience gave me the confidence to pursue a career in writing and the arts. There have been times when I have struggled to find work but eventually I found my place in the world. For me, change is difficult and taking chances has never been easy, but when I have done it, there have always been rewards, even if they aren’t immediately apparent.

Dagny , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As an artist, I have several projects going at all times. Currently, I am co-publisher of Art with Altitude Magazine, a magazine that elevates the arts in northwest Colorado. I’m also the Executive Director of Undiscovered Earth, a non profit focusing on infrastructure for creatives: housing, venues and rehearsal space. I sit on the board of Opera Steamboat and am a member of the Steamboat Chamber Marketing Committee, CBCA Advocacy Committee, Mineral Springs Committee and more. I believe that being involved in the community and giving as much as you can is the best path to success.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

For me, there has to be joy in what I do. When the joy disappears it is time to move on.

Another piece of advice that I have let guide me is, “What do you want to put in the world?” This advice came from a Buddhist Monk who spoke at Naropa University when I was working towards my MFA. At the time, my writing focused on the darker side of humanity. For some reason that statement resonated. Would I rather focus on the darkness or the light? What do I want people to take away from the work that I do? How might this impact someone else’s journey? How can I transform people’s perceptions through the work I do.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Creatives are typically not paid very well for their work. This is especially true in non-profit work, where donors want to see their money go to programs and not salaries. We do it because we believe in what we do and because we know the impact our work has in allowing other artists to thrive. At times, earning a living wage has been a challenge. I take on outside work to pay the bills but I wouldn’t give it up for anything because art is in my soul. When I create, or when I execute programs that help others, I feel peace inside. For me, that makes everything worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://dagnymckinley.com
• Other: I am transitioning work so don’t want to give old links.

Image Credits
All images copyright Art with Altitude Magazine (with the exception of Undiscovered Earth logo).