We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Malisa Suchanya. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Malisa below.

Malisa, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My family is made up of artists. My mom and dad were interior designers and my brother had a heavy gravitation to drawing robots as a kid. I enjoyed art for the most part in my youth, but as I got older, I felt that my brother would get a lot more attention for his work than me. So for a long time, I was the sporty kid. I had a love for soccer and wanted to run track but alas, I had no real talent or opportunity to hone that skill.

Eventually. when I was 13, I stumbled upon an art book featuring a few Japanese artists. the book broke down their process and showcased everyone’s diverse styles and subjects. I was entranced by the imagery and immediately started to copy what I saw. I would say, It was there and then, my love for art blossomed. I couldn’t stop drawing every day, at any given opportunity.

I think I was 15 when I decided in my mind and heart that I wanted to pursue the artistic path. I didn’t know what that meant and wasn’t sure what kind of artist I wanted to be, but that never bothered me. I just wanted to keep making and creating and if I could do that, I knew I would always be satisfied.

Malisa, 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?

My name is Malisa Suchanya and I am an artist/illustrator based in Oakland! I am currently working out of a studio space in Helvella art and this is my full-time work.

My scope of work is pretty diverse. I freelance and take on any projects that come my way. I have worked on murals, paintings, tattoo designs, book covers, merch designs, and pet portraits. I have also turned a lot of my own work into stickers, enamel pins, and prints and I do a lot of in-person vending at art markets around the Bay.

I used to teach high school art full time but now I primarily teach workshops. I also live paint and often participate in “Art Battle” which is a speed painting competition and have been able to go to nationals. I show in group exhibitions, had 2 solo exhibitions, and also curated several shows! My favorite show to curate is a small work show called “Send Me Across the Sea” which featured over 80+ artists this year!

It has taken many years to develop so many different branches of work and this allows me to never be bored, It keeps me on my toes and helps me feel more well-rounded as an artist and as a person. But that can come with disadvantages as well. I do feel like I can never disconnect from my work. It can feel all-encompassing and finding time to rest and keep balance is something I do struggle with as an individual. That being said. I am where I need to be and feel overwhelmingly lucky to be able to do this as my work.

I think the thing that I am most proud of is just the fact that I have managed to find my way here. I know there is a lot of luck involved but I cannot discount my own hard work, willingness to take risks, and openness to opportunity.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

This question is very tricky to me as I know that art isn’t seen as something “essential”. Its importance often feels invisible and on top of that, the work that artists do is just as invisible.

I think for society to shift that mentality and better support artists, art needs to be highlighted more in the educational systems. It needs to be examined and taught with more weight, and the practice of making art should be something that every individual has the opportunity to experience. With that, we might see a shift in the appreciation for artists and the work that they produce.

also having more artist talk about their work, share their process, be open about their struggles is extremely vital to cultivating understanding. I think with the rise of AI art and NFTs, there is very strong evidence that there is a gap in the understanding of what goes into making art. as much as it is disheartening, it is also not surpringing at all. since there’s been a trend of wanting content and products quicker and quicker.

And so I think, to better support artists and creatives, society needs to shift it’s sights on the magic of making art. To be patrons of contemporary artists, to visit gallery openings, and art markets, and to talk to artists. all of which involved taking ones eyes off the screen and prioritizing the human experience.

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

Not quite a resource but more about the reality of being an artist.

I don’t think it would have deterred me from pursuing being an artist, but I think it would have helped me make better decisions.

Being an artist is one of the more complicated and unstable trajectories of work. You have to forge your own path, especially if you are freelancing or if you own your own business, and you need to have enough grit to work through a lot of challenges. there isn’t a clear road map and there isn’t anyone telling you what to do.

How does one create an identity? how do you stand out? how can you create enough income to pay the bills?
How do you run a business and file your taxes?

On top of all of that, galleries take 50% ( mostly ), every event you want to vend at is probably going to charge you anywhere between $10 and thousands of dollars, there are application fees, there are production costs, there are material costs, there are studio rental costs. What about rent, insurance, and basic cost of living?

There is a lot to keep track of, and this isn’t even talking about the art you are making.

And so I wish someone had been able to share all of this with me as a young, bright-eyed artist. To help me gain a better understanding of what skills I need to develop.

That being said if any young artists are reading this right now, do not let that scare you. Just remember, it’s a lot, but there is power in community. Keep your eyes and ears wide ope, reach out to artists or individuals who know more than you, and learn from them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.malisasuchanya.com
• Instagram: @malisasuchanya