We recently connected with Marley Seifert and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Marley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was about four years ago. I was working as a snowmobile and zip line photographer. When I had breaks at work I would take out my pens and work on all my “side hustle” / passion projects. Fortunately my boss was cool, and allowed me to paint / draw when there was downtime. I didn’t consider pursuing it full time until I realized I was drowning in art projects when I would get home from my day job. My friend told me it’s never going to be a full time job until you treat it like one. That was something I really took to heart, and it’s so true! How could this be a full time business / job when it’s just a side hustle I do after hours? After the winter season of snowmobile photography ended in 2021, I thought I’d just “dip my toes” in the summer with trying full time art. I ended up being so busy I never went back! It’s been two years in April as a professional artist.

Marley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an artist based out of Leadville, Colorado. I’ve been into art since I was young, I was always experimenting with different mediums but my favorite was just doodling intricate line work. My *specialty* is in mountain / landscape watercolor and ink paintings. Pottery, murals, and painting old windows are a couple of other things I love to do! I’m inspired by the ever changing landscapes- the lighting, seasons, and memories I make outside, always bring new ideas! When I’m not painting, I love skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. This full time art career started this when I was 21, so I think that despite having a style I typically create, I want to expand more in different mediums and who knows where my next work will take me!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I think a resource that can totally be underutilized is just asking other artists / creative people how they do things! Despite not being a huge fan of social media, Instagram artist friends I made over the years have been such a great resource and help to any and all my questions – from what kind of paints they use, to where they get their frames from. In the beginning I was afraid to reach out to artists because I didn’t want to bother them. But, I think most artists are happy to answer questions of fellow artists friends, or someone wanting to get into art more!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Creativity is intertwined in my life with everything I do. I think it’s important to be receptive to ideas and open minded living in your day to day life – you never know when the next piece of inspiration might hit you (that goes for how I manage my business too!). A couple resources that definitely expanded my creative energy and just all around enlightening books / podcasts.

Books-
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Steal Like an Artist Austin Kleon

Podcasts –
Tim Ferriss Show- #649 Rick Rubin
Joe Rogan Podcast- #1901 Steven Pressfield

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @marleyseifertdesigns
• Facebook: Marley Seifert Designs