We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Mercede a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I went to college for art because when I thought about studying something I thought, well, what do I like? What do I enjoy? And it was art. When I asked my parents about this, they said, as long as you get a degree, that’s fine. So I did.

After college I traveled around for a while, working odd jobs here and there and eventually was like, I need to figure out what I’m doing here.. what am I doing with my life. I remember one day I was working one of my odd jobs with a buddy Arti and I recall thinking : There are so many things I could do. I could pursue dance or singing, or writing or acting or painting. All creative endeavors… but .. which one!?? 

My mom had recently shared this quote… she read in an Oprah magazine : “until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.”

This is good quote for my indecisive self (I should refer to it more often!) and on that day, December 5, 2005, I chose art. Painting. & I’ve been committed to that ever since. 

I started selling my work and making a living doing my art. 

I never dreamed of being an artist. I always assumed I would be like my mother, married, with children. Running a household. I’m neither of those things at the moment.

It wasn’t like I set out to BE an artist. Its what I am. Its what happened to / for me by pursuing my passions. My interests. From following my gut. My heart. 

In some ways I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I am proud to be an artist. Its unique and special. But like one of your other questions asked.. do I ever wonder about a different path? A different career.. something more stable with a regular paycheck that I don’t have to hussle for? YOU BETCHA!  

I was thinking a bunch about that this winter. I thought what other career could satisfy me. I like the sound of an accountant, but don’t want to go to school for that. Or a detective/ spy could be fun! I don’t know. 

Then I come back to the fact that I just LOVE doing art. So I’m looking to elevate my career. Learning how I can do that. Raising my prices a little. Stepping more into my worth in order to level up.

Jennifer, 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?

When I started finding my voice as an artist, I could identify it by a feeling. It is a blissful, free feeling. It is a connection to the moment. So my work is spontaneous. My most authentic work is when I don’t know what is coming next and I allow each action to guide the next.

I sell original pieces, I license my art to companies for various products, I paint murals, I teach children and adults. I LOVE having a variety of avenues to make income. I also teaching swimming, mostly to kids. That is another big passion of mine.

My journey has been one filled with art shows in galleries, commissions, elementary school art fairs, travel teaching gigs and residencies, large community group shows

Currently I am enjoying people commissioning pieces from me. This ranges from abstracts, to florals, to pets, to homes! I have developed an extensive body of work that people can draw ideas from and together we come up with a plan that both meets their vision and inspires my creativity. I love bringing people’s visions to life, even though I’ll admit its a little scary because.. what if I don’t get it right!?! It IS always best if they are attracted to most of my work. Then its less of a risk. I also love this process because it is work that is a guaranteed sale! So for me, right now, that works well!

One of my favorite things about my art is my color choices. I love playing with color combinations. Periwinkle. Coral. Mint. Neons mixed with muted Greys.. yum yum yum!

My work has been described as toddler art meets grafitti, meets fine art and I just LOVE that. Its such a compliment to be in all of those worlds.

I am a 2D artist. Drawing and painting. After college I had to make a list of all the rules to break from academia. Using colored pencils and paint on the same piece was one of those rules. As was having to paint big. You don’t have to paint big to be an artist.. you just have to do art to be an artist, in my mind.

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

Do you know anyone who can help me make a lot of money off of making and selling them? I’m clueless but totally down!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Ok so sometimes I might need to stay up late to work on art change our plans for the morning (10:30) because I need more sleep. And while, surely, I could have managed my time better, stopped working, went to bed earlier and kept our commitment.. my work is not like your work. When inspiration, when the creative flow is going, I go. And I don’t like to stop! I know I should.. cause.. food, shower, sleep, brushing teeth, etc.. but.. I don’t always do that.

So when I ask to make our meeting time 11:30 instead, please know I’m not trying to be flaky or unreliable, I just operate in a way that needs flexibility. Thank you for being the friend who understands that, or at least allows space for it even if you don’t!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jennifermercede.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennifermercede
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennifermercedeart