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

Hi Zoe, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was a child and my parents asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up my answer has never changed; I want to be an artist. My vision of artist as an adolescence was more of a painting aspect, but as I entered adulthood my passion is in photography. I received my BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in photography and a minor in art history. I will forever be surrounded and admire art. I have always been a creative person, so pursuing an artistic career was always in the cards for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being an artist and working for yourself is constantly challenging because the biggest critic in your life is yourself. There is constant doubts, what ifs, imposter syndrome, you name it. It is not easy, but it is always rewarding in the end. What I want to readers to know and understand that you can be whoever you want to be as long as you are constantly working towards that goal and better yourself along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For me, I have lived in the Lone star State all of life and if I had a friend visiting I would take them to quiet quirky little venues I have been and one preticular city would be were I spent a good portion of my life at, Denton Texas. My favorite brewery I would go every Sunday for a $3 golden stout beer was at Armadillo Aleworks right off Downtown. My favorite pastry shop to get fresh baked bread every week was at Ravelin Bakery. I would also get a pumpkin pie from them every year for Friendsgiving. Of course, Barley & Board is the gastropub everyone needs to visit at least once when in Denton.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The list I have to give credit for my well being is unfathomable. Of course the first to thank are my parents, especially my mother, for letting me be expressive and loud growing up. She would always attend my recitals, plays, art exhibits, etc. Next would be my professors, I would love to thank Dornith Doherty (photography), Paho Mann (photography), & Monic Salazar (art history). They laid the structure of how I create my body of work. Another sense of gratitude goes towards my friends who modeled for me in my developing years when starting out in photography. Finally, I would like to thank my partner who has also let me follow and unfollow certain aspects of dreams I have along the way to ultimately becoming a successful photographer.

Website: https://www.artistzoeariel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistzoeariel/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl-_Wjwabcmsx0Tyxod4NtA/featured

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/Artistzoeariel/

Image Credits
Copyright @artistzoeariel

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