We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucas Downes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucas, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creation, art and design have always been an integral part of my life. Beginning with sketching as a child, my passion for creativity evolved into ceramics, painting, metal work, and jewelry making as opportunities to explore these new mediums entered my life. Though I took particular interest in designing the built environment and pursuing Architecture for my formal education, the need to freely design without real-world constraints remained. Ultimately, jewelry making became not only a hobby but a business, allowing me to continue to pursue this art and share my passion with the community around me. While I enjoy my career in Architecture, I’ve found jewelry making to be extremely personal, challenging and meaningful. Whether it’s a wedding band for a best friend or remaking a lost bracelet for a mother, I’ve found jewelry to be so rewarding in countless ways.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Making a business out of my passion was certainly not easy, particularly without a formal education in Jewelry Making. All that I know I’ve learned from either my mother or simple trial and error.. and maybe some frustrated Googling! Not only was learning this craft tricky, but creating a business out of it. I can easily say that I prefer the creating aspect of it far more then the selling. The lessons I’d give to anyone pursuing a professional career out of their hobby is to never doubt yourself, know your worth and never be afraid to make mistakes. Messing up is rarely life and death, and there’s so much to be learned from it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve had enough friends and family visit that this is easy – though I’m a creature of habit and may frequent these places often. I’m fond of the Dallas Arboretum and take everyone there, pizza at Cane Rosso is a must, and drinks at Dots in Deep Ellum to finish off the night!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother! Practicing Jewelry before me, my mom has always been there to give me insight, help me learn and evolve my ideas. Not to mention letting me steal almost all of her tools from her! While dedications to parents may be cliché, I wouldn’t have made much, if any progress without her. We’re surrounded by engineers in our family, so I’ve always known where I get my creativity from.

Website: lucasdownesdesigns.com

Instagram: @lucas.downes.design

Facebook: Lucas Downes Design

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