We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Mahan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

This is one of those questions that keeps me up at night. After seven years as a public school art teacher, I decided to take the leap into being a full-time artist. That was around eight years ago. The decision wasn’t easy. I knew I was leaving behind certainty, consistency, benefits, and a pension. But I couldn’t shake the desire to see if I could truly make it on my own. I craved the freedom to wake up each morning and decide how to spend my day, to seek creative opportunities, take risks, and collaborate on projects that ignited my passion.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve learned a lot about what it means to live the artist’s life. There are days when I thrive on autonomy and creativity. But there are also days when I miss the stability my teaching job provided. This internal debate has been a constant companion for the past 8 years.

Three years ago, I moved to Denver. This was the second major move I’d made since becoming a full-time artist, and like the first, it came with its own challenges. Getting to know a new city, building a local collector base, finding the right art festivals, and integrating into a new art scene—these tasks can be exciting but also daunting. Each move has pushed me to grow both as an artist and a person, exposing me to new art communities and fresh inspiration. Shortly after settling in, I faced a series of challenges that made me question whether I could continue relying on my art as my primary source of income. Life has a way of testing us, and this became a turning point in shaping how I chose to move forward.

I found myself questioning whether I should return to teaching, pursue a higher paying career path, or double down on my efforts as a full-time artist. The financial pressure to make my art support everything felt overwhelming, and I quickly realized that putting this kind of stress on my creative work wasn’t sustainable. Making money from your art is an exciting milestone, but it also demands deep self-reflection. Am I creating the work my soul wants to make, or am I simply producing to pay the bills? This is a fine line that I continue to navigate.

Art requires space—space to think, to explore, to embrace boredom and contemplation. But when you’re hustling to stay afloat, that space can disappear. At times, I felt like I was producing rather than creating, and it took a toll. I knew I needed to find balance.

One of the biggest insights I’ve gained is that diversifying my income streams has been the best decision for both my art and my mental well-being. My art remains my primary income source, but I’ve embraced side hustles to create financial consistency. For example, I manage a short-term rental in the lower portion of my house, which provides reliable supplementary income. I also teach workshops for children and adults at local art centers, keeping my teaching skills sharp while sharing my passion for creativity. And recently, I’ve taken on a flexible gig driving special needs children to and from school. These side jobs allow me to set my own schedule, ensuring that they support rather than detract from my art practice.

This shift in perspective—seeing these roles as supportive of my art rather than a distraction from it—has been transformative. By removing some of the financial pressure from my creative work, I’ve given myself permission to play and explore more in the studio. And that’s something every artist needs.

So, am I happier as a full-time artist? Yes, but it’s not a straightforward answer. This life requires constant balancing, recalibrating, and reimagining. And while the path isn’t always easy, the fulfillment I find in creating, sharing, and living this life is worth every twist and turn.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My art is a reflection of my deep connection to nature, travel, and the stories they inspire. Through texture, color, and movement, I bring my paintings to life, drawing from the rich textures of Impressionist art and the emotional intensity of Expressionism. The dynamic brushstrokes and vibrant energy of these styles allow me to capture both the essence and vitality of the natural world. Artists like Georgia O’Keeffe resonate deeply with me, as her ability to evoke the spirit of nature mirrors my own desire to convey a sense of wonder and reverence for the world around us.

I grew up surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas, where my great-grandmother first sparked my love for art, nature, and exploration. Her wisdom and curiosity shaped my perspective on the world and inspired my lifelong passion for creativity. After earning my degree in Art Education, I spent seven years teaching art in Missouri’s public schools, where I learned as much from my students as I did from my own practice. Their enthusiasm and energy helped fuel my artistic growth and encouraged me to pursue my dreams of becoming a full-time artist.

In transitioning to a full-time career, I traveled the U.S. for art festivals, camping in national parks and painting the landscapes that stirred my soul. Today, I call Colorado home, but I continue to take my van on adventures across the state and beyond, finding inspiration in the ever-changing scenery. The freedom to explore new places and paint in nature remains a central part of my creative process.

In addition to my studio work, I teach painting classes for both children and adults at the Center for the Arts in Evergreen and Arvada, Colorado. I also am a partner in Creative Yoga Retreats, LLC, hosting a few retreats a year in beautiful locations. Sharing my knowledge with others keeps me grounded and sparks new ideas in my own work.

I specialize in landscapes, pet portraits, animal art and custom commissions. My art can be found in private collections across the U.S., and I am currently accepting commissions. Feel free to reach out for more information about my commission process or to inquire about available originals.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My personal creative journey is also driven by my mission to share the transformative power of engaging in a daily creative practice. Creativity, for me, extends far beyond the canvas. It weaves itself into every facet of life, enriching how we connect with ourselves and the world around us. My goal is to inspire others to uncover their own wellspring of creativity and allow it to infuse their lives with meaning, joy, and vitality.

One of the most fulfilling ways I share this mission is through Creative Yoga Retreats, a venture I co-founded with one of my closest friends. These retreats provide us with a platform to share the tools and practices that help us navigate the complexities of everyday life. This year, we are thrilled to take groups to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Ireland and Taos, creating spaces where participants can connect deeply with themselves, each other, and the natural world.

At Creative Yoga Retreats, our mission is to cultivate a safe, empowering, and inspiring environment where creativity, yoga, and connection flourish in harmony with nature. We believe that these elements—art, movement, and mindful connection—are intertwined, each enhancing the others. By fostering this holistic experience, we aim to guide participants toward greater self-awareness, resilience, and creative exploration.

Through these retreats and in every aspect of my work, my hope is to help others embrace creativity as a way of life, a source of strength, and a path to deeper connection with the world around them.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the journey of self-expression, discovery, and growth. Every painting I create is a step forward, a tangible reflection of my progress and dedication. It’s deeply fulfilling to witness how consistent effort—showing up every day, even in small ways—can lead to significant results over time.

This practice has also been transformative on a personal level. I used to carry limiting beliefs about what I could achieve, but my art has taught me that with consistency and hard work, I’m capable of much more than I imagined. Creating isn’t just about making art—it’s about working on myself. It’s a daily commitment to learning, evolving, and aligning with my values.

I also cherish the freedom that comes with this path. The ability to design my days and make decisions that move me closer to my creative and personal goals is something I deeply value. Working for myself allows me to embrace opportunities that align with my vision, and that sense of autonomy is incredibly rewarding.

Ultimately, being an artist is about much more than producing work—it’s a way of living with purpose, passion, and intention. And sharing that journey with others makes it all the more meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jessicamahanart.com, www.creativeyogaretreats.com
• Instagram: @jessica_mahan_art, @creative.yoga.retreats
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicamahanart, www.facebook.com/creativeyogaretreats

Image Credits

Jessica Mahan
Dylan Buyskes