Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marisa Jean. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Like many kids, I was captivated by the world of art, always exploring my creativity through painting, crafting, and designing. However, as I approached adulthood, I felt the pressure to choose a career that could provide stability. That’s when I decided to major in Interactive Design and Development, which led me to become a 3D Character Sculptor for games and film. It was an exciting journey, and I loved bringing fantastical creatures to life. I was fortunate to stay on a creative path, believing that it would be enough to fulfill me.

As the years went by, I found myself increasingly drawn back to traditional art. There’s something incredibly satisfying about working with my hands and creating tangible pieces. Each brushstroke is unique and filled with risk—an experience that the cold blue light of a computer screen simply can’t replicate.

When I started painting again, I discovered that my digital background gave me a fresh perspective. After years of sculpting 3D characters on a 2D plane, creating textured artwork on canvas felt like second nature. My mind exploded with new ideas, and my painting career took off in ways I hadn’t imagined. Now, I paint full-time, and my clients truly appreciate that my artwork can’t be fully captured in prints or photographs. My pieces are sculpted textured paintings that emerge from canvas and walls, a unique effect I owe to the skills I developed in my digital career. This blend of experiences has allowed me to create art that is not just visually striking but also deeply personal.

Marisa, 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?

Painting customized art is like problem-solving with a paintbrush. My passion lies in helping my clients bring their ideas to fruition, and this motivation drives my work. I thrive on collaboration, working closely with people to create the artwork they’ve always envisioned for their spaces. Together, we turn their visions into masterpieces.

What sets me apart is my approach to the commission process. I understand that the world of custom art can be confusing, so I strive for transparency every step of the way. I offer free sketches and am happy to meet as many times as needed until clients feel confident and ready to commit to a piece of art. My background in the game industry has honed my ability to communicate effectively, whether I’m working with teams or presenting ideas in boardrooms, ensuring a smooth creative journey.

I take pride in translating thoughts into meaningful artwork, and I love seeing the satisfaction as the process unfolds. My goal is to create a relaxed environment where creativity can flourish, and where every artwork becomes a cherished part of life.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

With my digital background, I often get asked about my thoughts on NFTs. Many artists have only encountered them through scammers on platforms like Instagram, preying on people’s lack of knowledge. In reality, you may never have to engage with NFTs at all.

While NFTs are still active and some are thriving, they aren’t the powerhouse they once were. Turning your artwork into an NFT is like creating a trading card and hoping it becomes rare enough for someone to pay a premium for it. Just like any other trend, achieving success in this space often requires building a following and gaining recognition.

It’s important to remember that chasing trends, including NFTs, shouldn’t be our primary focus as artists. Doing so can lead to burnout and a loss of authenticity. If the idea of NFTs excites you, then pursue it! But if it hasn’t piqued your interest by now, I wouldn’t recommend forcing it. Stay true to what inspires you and your art.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the power of creative problem-solving. Every day presents an opportunity to learn, even if we can’t see the end of our path. Each step we take is important. I find that my thoughts often turn to meditation while I create; when I don’t know how to finish a piece, my career has taught me to keep trying anyway. It’s ultimately up to me to bring my vision to life—if I don’t, it simply won’t happen.

Completing a work of art while resisting the urge to be a perfectionist is challenging. It’s tough to navigate self-doubt and ego, and to accept that not everyone will appreciate what you create. Yet, putting yourself out there despite these hurdles is essential. Self-employment embodies internal motivation, and I’m proud of myself and all my fellow creatives for showing up and doing this every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marisajean.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisa_jean_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarisaJeanArt/

Image Credits

Chris Dirker, Kelsey Long