We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lara Mossler. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lara below.
Lara, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My journey into a creative and artistic path began in middle school when I discovered the profound emotional outlet of painting. It evolved into a tool for self-discovery, enabling me to explore my identity, emotions, and preferences. My childhood, marked by solitary play and a vivid imagination, naturally steered me towards expressing myself through art. In my formative years, the idea of pursuing art professionally didn’t initially register. I enjoyed several fulfilling years of artistic exploration where the notion of a professional trajectory didn’t burden me. However, the turning point came around age ten when I faced the difficult choice between studying music and visual art. This decision emphasized the realization that not everyone experiences constant creative pursuits.
As the belief solidified that true making and creating required a professional commitment, I wholeheartedly embraced this path. Leaving high school early with the ambitious dream of becoming a visual artist in New York City, I soon discovered the journey was more challenging than anticipated. Despite obstacles, I remained resolute, working various jobs, including a notable stint in software engineering, to sustain my artistic pursuits. Eventually, I decided to return to school for a Bachelor in Fine Arts.
Candidly, my creativity is an intrinsic part of who I am. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t, but that doesn’t deter me from pursuing my ideas. It’s not about the profession, although I find satisfaction in mastering a craft—it’s about the act of creation. Whatever it takes to keep that creative flow, that’s the profession I’m in. I don’t have all the answers on weaving the perfect creative professional path, but I believe in perseverance. Finding your rhythm takes time; don’t give up. A book that significantly shaped my perspective is “The Shape of Content” by Ben Shahn.
Lara, 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?
I’m a creative who works across many mediums. I started with a BFA in visual art a long time ago. Spent over a decade shipping software, and lately, I’ve been jamming with songwriters in Nashville. Exciting news: got an album dropping this year, a project close to my heart with some amazing musicians. My top gig? Coaching and mentoring, but folks also bring me in for good vibes. What really makes me proud? Showing up every day, loving the process more than the results.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is all about one main goal: making stuff that feels beautiful, good, and true to me (or us – if we’re in a group). The whole mission behind it is getting as close as possible to the source of things, the real nitty-gritty of creation. I want to be this channel where ideas just flow through, you know? No trying to control any of it. If something grabs my interest, that’s my cue to get in there, dig deeper, and see where it leads. It’s that simple drive that keeps me going—chasing after what surprises me and letting the creativity flow.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is the exhilaration of experimentation. Discovering something that truly resonates with both yourself and collaborators is like a thrilling hunt. When the creative process starts giving that unique and special feeling, knowing you’re bringing something meaningful to life from scratch, there’s simply nothing else like it in the world.