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

Melanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

For my entire career, I’ve earned a living from creative work in one form or another. I was fortunate to earn a BFA in graphic design from Miami of Ohio, which led to a successful career in advertising. I worked in Chicago full-time as a Creative Director until 2014, when my husband and I decided to move to Miami. I took the move as an opportunity to make a career out of my true passion – painting.

While I used to beat myself up for not pursuing a painting career right out of college, in hindsight I’m so grateful for my experience in advertising. I learned how to manage deadlines, write more effectively, present to clients, collaborate with creatives, supervise people, market myself and more. These skills have been invaluable in my fine art career.

Since 2014, I’ve had commissions and sold work, but never enough for painting to be my only income. I supplement my art practice with freelance design work and teaching. Gradually, I’ve been able to do less freelance work and only take teaching jobs that pay well. I parted with more paintings during COVID lockdown than ever, with art lovers spending more time at home and wanting to redecorate. I’m hoping that trend will continue!

My painting career has been like any other – there are steps that I’ve had to go through to get to the next. I first exhibited anywhere that would show my work. I had to really put myself out there to get exposure. I also worked hard on building communities of artists and using my art to fight for social and environmental justice. I made so many like-minded connections.

Now, I’m being asked to exhibit my work or be part of events. I’m currently having my first solo show at The Frank Gallery in Pembroke Pines, FL (on view through April 23, 2022). This was a major milestone for me – it’s like I got a promotion!

Melanie, 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?

I have always been an artist who likes solving problems. This led me to graphic design as an initial career, though painting was my passion. I grew up in Nashville among nature and developed a deep respect for the animals and plants we share this planet with.

As my artwork has evolved over time, it’s become solely focused on climate and social justice. Feminism has also integrated itself into my work; lately I’ve been exploring the links between the patriarchy and global warming. There is so much oppression that we force upon each other and non-human animals. Empathy and compassion are surely the solution, so my goal with each painting is to foster more empathy.

One way I may differ from other painters or even other artist activists is that I back up my art with action. I’m most proud of the instances when I’ve used art, design, writing, community organizing or a guerilla art activation to get policy passed.

Each of my paintings brings awareness to a threatened species or place. My After-image Series forewarns that the beauty of our world may someday only be an after-image – the image you see under your eyelids after staring at something bright – if we close our eyes and do not act to protect it.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In the U.S., respect for artistic professions is severely disproportionate to the quantity of art consumed. We saw it throughout the pandemic – polls taken continually ranked artists as the “least essential workers”. And yet, how would many of us have gotten through lockdown without visual art, movies or music?

There is a vast disconnect. Art has the ability to open minds, create change and soothe our souls. It’s time we as a society see careers in the arts as the essential contributions that they are. It’s time to re-integrate art, music, theater and dance classes back into schools.

If you enjoy the arts, become a patron and supporter to the maximum extent that you can. If you’re not able to buy an artist’s original work, purchase a print or share their work online. Support artists who are women, BIPOC and/or LGBTQ. Champion platforms, institutions and events that pay artists. Stop asking artists to do things for free. Most creatives I know are very giving people, but they need to eat.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started with Facebook and Instagram and while I’ve dabbled with other platforms, these are the ones I continue to pour energy into. My philosophy is to focus on two and do them well, instead of being on every platform and not being able to manage them all. Facebook is great for connecting on a deeper level and I’ve become friends with people I met there, who have later bought my work. Instagram can bring people in quickly with just a visual and I’ve been discovered by galleries that way.

Facebook easily facilitates the creation of community. I started two different artist collectives, Inspiration Pollination and The Artful Activist, which allowed me to connect with like-minded creatives and activists. These connections have led me to collaborations and opportunities that never would’ve been possible otherwise.

I may not have a huge Instagram audience yet, but it’s comprised of 2300 people who are either friends or fans, which I find very valuable. I’m constantly looking for new ways to connect with art lovers there who respond to my work. Creating appealing reels that show my process has drawn in new followers. While running giveaways can keep existing followers engaged, I’ve found that the followers I gain are mostly folks looking for free stuff.

I’m fortunate to have friends who share my work on both Facebook and Instagram. I try to do the same for others, as facilitating connections with new audiences is often the best way you can help artists! It’s truly the most genuine type of promotion.

Perhaps the best thing I’ve learned – no matter what platform you’re on – is that staying relevant and top of mind is invaluable. Whether it be posting your new (or old) work, an upcoming exhibit or even a cat video, people like to be entertained and catch inside glimpses of your life and artistic process, which will keep them coming back.

Contact Info:

• Website: melanieoliva.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/melanieolivaartist
• Facebook: facebook.com/melanieolivaartist