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

Alright, Madison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I cannot remember an exact moment that I decided to pursue art professionally, I feel like it was a gradual process. Growing up I’ve always loved art, and it didn’t take long for others to notice I loved it as well. This quickly became a catalyst for my family and peers to label me as an artist, and it was a title that fit very well.

However, it wasn’t others labeling me as an artist that influenced me to pursue it as a career.
My natural drive to create and my love for the arts is what influenced me, the path I was taking always felt familiar. Besides practicing art everyday, the first time I explored pursuing it professionally was in high school. I made my very first commissions as a 16 year old and also experimented with putting my artwork on t-shirts! Although it didn’t feel professional at the time and I had a lot to learn, these baby steps I took into my career were actually huge. This gave me a glimpse of what I was capable of and the possibilities of my future as an artist.

When I graduated high school in 2017 I decided to get a degree in Painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design. This allowed me to refine my artistic skills and explore what I wanted to do with my artwork before I officially started my business, Synclair Studios llc, in 2020. This is when my career really started to pick up, it felt like the beginning of a beginning. I started taking commissions again, selling prints of my artwork and participating in art events.

This journey into pursuing art professionally is still on going. And although I can’t recall an exact moment of declaring it as my career, I do know that every time I have doubted myself or tried to stray from this path I’ve been on – it feels wrong and I always end up coming back to it, and that feels like a declaration in and of itself.

Madison, 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?

My name is Madison Bryan and I am a 23 year old artist from Maryland. I received a B.F.A in painting, from Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA in June of 2022. I love exploring different mediums, but I mostly work work with acrylic paint. I create portraits, some illustrated of characters and others that are paintings used to convey an emotion or events in my life. I use portraiture to explore the complexities of emotions and vivid colors to help express that.

My passion for creating art is just about as old as I am, but my decision to start my business didn’t happen until 2020. Since then I’ve been selling my artwork and creating affordable avenues where all kinds of people can enjoy my artwork too. I participate in art events and galleries where I can meet and connect with art lovers alike. I’ve also been doing commissions and worked with people to create personal portrait paintings for themselves, family members and friends.
I aim to stay connected with my audience and through my work i’ve been able create the strongest connection of all.
I am not only passionate about creating meaningful connections but conversations through my art, and using it as a tool for emotional expression. These special moments that have been made through my art is something I value a lot.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is connecting with my audience! I love hearing when people can relate to my art or they see themselves in it. I believe art has the ability to unify and connect people in so many different ways, and knowing that I contribute to that is something I am really proud of, it is certainly very rewarding.

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

I think the best ways society can support artists is by becoming curious, interested and getting involved! I think the fast paced society we live in has put artists in a position where they are forgotten about. For example, people may consider buying a painting from a department store instead of an individual artist. There is nothing wrong with this, but just like supporting any other small business whether it be food, clothes, etc. buying from artists is more impactful and helpful. It also creates a more personal connection with the artwork you’re buying that you might not get from artwork you see in a store. Another really easy way to support artists is online. If you see something you like – share it! Liking, commenting and even sending artwork you see online to someone you think will also be interested is a great way to show support, and it doesn’t cost a thing. Lastly, bringing up an artists name to others can open many doors of opportunities for them, so if the situation allows it share an artist you have in mind. This goes for everyone, even fellow artists.

There are so many more things you can do, but these are the big three I can think of. These things are super helpful and strengthens communities as a whole, which is necessary for a thriving creative ecosystem.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.synclairstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddie.sb/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-bryan-8a4343219/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/maraschinochrry

Image Credits
Melissa Suarez Photography