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

Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

The answer to that question is difficult. Ideally, yes I wish I could have dedicated full time to being an artist much earlier. I believe I would be further along in my ongoing development as an artist. I say that because, even though I have been drawing and painting since grade school, my knowledge and progress has dramatically increased since moving to New Mexico fifteen years ago. However practically, I started out looking for a paycheck because I didn’t know how to make a living as a fine artist. Initially I pursued freelance illustration work and commercial art jobs. Eventually I was promoted into management of print production operations. I got married and had three sons to support, so transitioning back to being an artist was not economically possible in my judgement. I considered becoming a portrait artist, but again that transformation didn’t seem ployable.

Michael, 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?

The answer to this is somewhat described in my last answer. It became obvious that I had drawing abilities at an early age and received positive praise as a result. Ever since I have identified as an artist and have been creating art continuously through my life. I had two good art teachers in high school. I received the senior art award. I majored in art at Southeast Missouri State College and graduated with a BS in Art Education. I tried to find work as an illustrator, initially, but ended up getting work commercial art, which led me into publishing and print production. Meanwhile i would create every chance I had.

What I believe sets me apart from most other artists is my ability to draw better than most.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I would say in general I am driven to achieve a better result in whatever I’m doing. I am always looking to improve things, including my art. I am satisfied when I have finished, like the result and see that I am improving in some area. Accolades from others is reinforcing, but mostly I have to satisfy my idea, at the time, of what is good art. That is a high bar I have set for myself. I do, often get frustrated with a painting during the process, but I always come back and try to solve whatever problems I previeve.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes. When I had stressful jobs to come home from I would spend several hours painting, but not interacting with other artists. Since living in New Mexico I have learned a lot from such interactions. We have a plein air group that goes out weekly to paint and critique each other. Not always a feel good experience, but very helpful. There is so much to learn about art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://meyersart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meyersart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.meyer.33483903
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meyersart/