We were lucky to catch up with Miriam Baranov recently and have shared our conversation below.

Miriam, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

To prepare students for a fulfilling life and career, we need to broaden the educational narrative to emphasize that success is not a one-size-fits-all path. The arts, in particular, demonstrate this beautifully. From my own journey, I’ve learned that becoming a successful artist doesn’t necessarily require a traditional college education—it requires skill, connections, and courage.

In high school, I remember feeling the immense pressure to follow the “natural next step”—go to college, get a degree, and join a structured program. This is often presented as the only legitimate path, but it’s far from the truth. Many students who aspire to become artists face significant barriers, such as the high cost of education, or end up enrolled in programs that don’t fully prepare them for the realities of the art world. Traditional art degrees often emphasize electives and theory over the craftsmanship and industry knowledge that actually lead to a thriving art career.

From my perspective as a classical realist focusing on figurative realism and portraiture, success comes from three key pillars: a strong portfolio, meaningful connections, and the confidence to pursue opportunities.

Building a Portfolio: A great portfolio isn’t built in lecture halls—it comes from mastering the fundamentals. That’s why atelier schools, where students train under master artists in an apprenticeship model, are making a resurgence. Alternatively, finding a direct apprenticeship with a skilled artist can provide an equally valuable experience. These paths focus on craftsmanship and practical skills, often bypassing the unnecessary extras of traditional programs.

Making Connections: Networking is vital in the art world. It’s about showing up to events, meeting people, and cultivating relationships. This isn’t something a degree guarantees; it’s a skill you develop by being present and proactive in your field.

Developing Confidence: The courage to put your work out there, negotiate, and navigate the art business is essential. This “confidence muscle” grows over time with experience, but it’s something many students don’t learn in the confines of academia.

This isn’t to say art college is useless—there are incredible programs out there—but it’s crucial to recognize there are many valid paths to becoming a successful artist. Education systems should celebrate and support alternative routes, equipping students with diverse tools to chart their own courses.

Let’s encourage students to think creatively—not just in their art, but in how they design their futures. The world of art is vast, and so are the possibilities to thrive within it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Miriam Baranov, a fine artist specializing in classical realism, with a particular focus on the human form and portraiture. Art has been a central thread in my life for as long as I can remember. My fascination with art began in childhood, spending countless hours marveling at the stories told through iconography in art museums. This passion rekindled in my mid-20s when I was working as an engineer in California. A visit to the Legion of Honor art museum left me mesmerized, but also deeply curious about the gap between what I was creating and the masterful works I saw there. That moment became a turning point, driving me to pursue the path I’m on today.

What I Offer
As an artist, my work is multifaceted. I provide:

Portrait Commissions: Capturing the essence of individuals and their stories through detailed and emotive paintings.
Murals: Transforming spaces into inspiring and interactive art pieces that bring communities together.
Workshops and Mentorships: Helping aspiring artists hone their craft through tailored guidance and hands-on learning experiences, both locally and online.
Unique Projects
There are three recent projects that stand out to me as defining moments in my journey:

Recreating a Beloved Church: I painted a historical church based on my client’s vivid memories and old photographs. The church, though significantly remodeled, held deep sentimental value for him. Visiting the site in Springfield and immersing myself in its atmosphere allowed me to capture the essence of both the place and the memory. The resulting painting brought my client to tears of joy, becoming a cherished centerpiece in his home.

Community Mural for an Ice Cream Shop: This summer, I had the privilege of creating a mural for an up-and-coming area. The piece brightened the plaza and brought joy to visitors, especially children who found it interactive and inspiring. Being part of this project allowed me to connect with the community, answer questions about the process, and spark creativity in young minds.

Teaching and Mentorship: Teaching has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I’ve received heartfelt feedback from students who feel like they’re finally living their dream of studying art. Through personalized mentorships, I’ve had the honor of helping artists grow, whether they’re based locally, across the United States, or abroad. It’s a joy to witness their progress and to know I’ve played a role in their artistic journey.

What Sets Me Apart
What distinguishes my work is the deep emotional connection I strive to create through my art. Whether it’s a portrait that captures the soul of a sitter, a mural that uplifts a community, or a lesson that inspires an artist, my focus is always on authenticity and craftsmanship. My classical realism style blends timeless techniques with modern relevance, creating works that are both elegant and impactful.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the emotional resonance my art brings to people’s lives, from the client moved by a painting to the student who discovers their potential. At the heart of my work is a commitment to uplift and inspire, and that’s what I hope to share with all who engage with my art.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work. I invite you to explore more of my art and connect with me—whether you’re interested in commissioning a piece, joining a workshop, or simply following along on this creative journey.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been staying true to who I am as an artist while genuinely focusing on my clients’ needs. It’s about deeply listening and understanding their vision, ensuring the work reflects their story and emotions.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that it takes exactly 10,000 hours to become a master. While practice and dedication are essential, mastery isn’t simply about clocking hours—it’s about deliberate, focused effort and learning from the right sources.

When I started my journey as an artist, I believed that if I just kept putting in the time, I would naturally improve. But over time, I realized that aimlessly repeating the same mistakes didn’t lead to progress. It was only when I started seeking mentorship from skilled artists, analyzing my work critically, and focusing on specific techniques that I truly began to grow. Mastery isn’t about the number of hours; it’s about how you use those hours to refine your craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://miriambaranov.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/miriambaranov
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080681634467
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/miriam-baranov-67a36146
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miriambaranov