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

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Above all things, I am consistent and I create quarterly goals for myself. I am in year 3 as a professional artist and I have learned so much. Creating art is a long process that doesn’t always have immediate rewards. I think it’s easy to feel disheartened when progress seems slow or when the monetary value of a piece is not what the market allows. In these moments of doubt it is so important to turn back to the canvas or sketch book and keep working, keep creating.

I stay connected to my artist network. It’s really important to stay close to the artist network as we can turn to each other in times of vulnerability. Artists take risks that can place us in emotional vulnerable positions. That vulnerability—whether in abstract or figurative form—is what connects the art with the audience. I remember a particular piece I created, which I thought was too raw to share. But when I finally did, it resonated with people in ways I hadn’t imagined. Taking risks and trusting your instincts can lead to moments of deep connection and unexpected success. is a shared experience, and success comes from having that support system.

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

I offer original paintings, prints, and custom artwork that reflects both the physical and emotional aspects of my life and the geography that surrounds me. I really enjoy capturing building lines, shapes and shadows which comprise so much of the city of Detroit. My backyard had become my muse and so much of my latest paintings are depictions of scenes from the simple urban garden we have built here. I’m most proud of the way my art has resonated with people—particularly as the growing appreciation for Detroit’s architecture and urban landscapes has led to increasing recognition and demand for my work. What truly drives me, however, is the desire to uplift others through my art. Whether it’s through the bold use of color, the emotional depth of my landscapes, or the stories I tell, I aim to create art that speaks to the heart and spirit. I want people to feel inspired, empowered, and reminded that beauty and meaning exist in the world around us, often in places we take for granted.

My paintings and drawings can be seen and purchased on my website at www.ashleymenthart.com and in local Detroit gallery spaces. I am also part of a collaborative called ArtClvb and exclusive paintings can be purchased on their phone APP called ARTClvb. Currently I have paintings on exhibit at The Scarab Club, Detroit Artist Market, and EMB Contemporary Gallery. This summer I will be at two art fairs (Palmer Park on May 30, 2025 and Belle Isle Art Fair on August 2, 2025).

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I use Squarespace for my website and this can connect to various platforms. I can easily create invoices and connect to product design platforms like Gelato. The downside of Squarespace is it was a bit took complex for me to manage on my own, I hired a website designer for some of the pages, like my portfolio.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My income from working full time as a registered nurse allowed me to fund the initial stages of my business. This income helped cover the costs of art supplies and materials, enabling me to focus on honing my craft and building a portfolio. However, over the past few years, I’ve noticed a significant increase in the costs of art supplies, which has become a real challenge for me as an artist.

The price inflation for materials like oil paints, canvases, and other essential supplies has outpaced my ability to self-fund, and it’s become increasingly difficult to maintain the same level of creativity and output without additional financial support. As a result, I’m now actively seeking grants and other funding opportunities to help bridge this gap and continue to produce and share my work with the community. These grants would allow me to invest in higher-quality materials and further expand my artistic practice without being hindered by the rising costs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AshleyMenthArt.com
• Instagram: AshleyMenthArt
• Facebook: AshleyMenthArtist
• Other: Look for me on the downloadable phone App https://www.artclvb.xyz/about

Image Credits

Profile photo of myself was taken by photographer Jeff Cancelosi