We were lucky to catch up with Cherry Chandra recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cherry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.
My very first paid client found me through Instagram. I had just returned from an amazing backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, where I created murals in various places in exchange for free stays and food, so I hadn’t actually earned any money yet. This client loved my work and decided to take a chance on me, giving me the freedom to design whatever I wanted for their space.
I chose to draw aquatic animals like manta rays and whales because one of the partners was an avid scuba diver and had a passion for marine life. It was a fantastic project that allowed me to blend my artistic vision with their interests. What made this project even more special was the incredible support I received from the client. They provided free meals while I worked, which made the experience even more enjoyable. This project remains one of my favorites because it marked the start of my professional journey and combined my love for travel, art, and unique experiences.
In the end, they moved the office somewhere else so they had to say goodbye to the mural. I remain grateful for the chance to express my artistic talent as it was such a magical experience to be appreciated the way they did to me.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi there! My name is Cherry Chandra and my artist name is Mikhaela Cherry. I’m a mural artist with a passion for transforming spaces through vibrant and meaningful artwork. My journey into this creative field started during a backpacking trip around Southeast Asia, where I began painting murals in hostels and cafes in exchange for food and accommodation. This unique experience allowed me to hone my skills and develop a distinct style, combining cultural influences and personal expression. I began working as a paid professional mural artist in 2016 when I started gaining traction through social media and word of mouth.
I specialize in creating large-scale murals that bring life and color to both interior and exterior spaces. My work often includes elements of nature, surrealism, and abstract designs, tailored to reflect the personality and vision of my clients. I provide a range of services, from custom mural commissions for businesses and homes to community art projects and collaborations with other artists.
One of the key problems I solve for my clients is transforming dull, uninspiring spaces into visually stimulating environments that attract attention and create a lasting impression. My ability to listen to my clients’ needs and translate their ideas into vibrant, unique art is what sets me apart in this industry.
What I’m most proud of is the positive impact my art has on people and communities. Seeing the joy and inspiration my murals bring to others is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, my adaptability and willingness to experiment with different styles and techniques have allowed me to create a diverse portfolio that appeals to a wide audience.
I also try to create awareness with my art whenever possible. For example, for my mural at Atlanta Art on the BeltLine, I designed a whale mural and added a link to donate to an ocean conservancy, encouraging people to help protect marine animals against plastic pollution.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is all about passion, creativity, and connection. Each mural I create is a labor of love, designed to resonate with the space and the people who inhabit it. I’m always excited to take on new challenges and collaborate with others to bring their visions to life. Some of my notable clients are Rimowa, Instagram, No.18 coworking space, and Dogtopia. Thank you for your support and for joining me on this artistic journey!
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
Absolutely! One of my most memorable experiences happened when I was still in Jakarta, just starting my journey as a mural artist. At the time, I didn’t have a full-time job, so I decided to reach out to an art boutique hotel in Jakarta to explore potential opportunities. With no formal degree in art and no connections in the industry, I took a chance and emailed the head curator of the boutique hotel, asking if they had any openings.
Initially, the curator replied that there were no available positions. However, he took the time to check out my Instagram portfolio and was impressed with my work. To my surprise, he wrote back and offered me a paid project to create a mural at one of their locations, along with free accommodation.
This opportunity turned into one of the best experiences of my life. I stayed at a beautiful hotel in Bali, complete with an amazing pool and excellent food service, while working on the mural. This project also led to several group exhibitions in both Bali and Jakarta, which helped me gain significant exposure and establish my name in the art community.
This experience taught me the power of persistence and the importance of showcasing my work, even without formal qualifications or connections. It was a pivotal moment in my career that opened many doors and solidified my path as a professional mural artist. I am happy to say that we still stayed in touch after all these years.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Certainly. There was a period in my life where I was completing 5-6 murals a month for two years straight. The intense workload eventually led to burnout, triggering an episode of my bipolar disorder that lasted for eight months. During this dark time, I couldn’t leave the house, I lost my appetite completely, and I had to cancel or abandon several mural projects halfway through. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life.
Despite my deep love for art and mural work, I had to step back to focus on my recovery. I am incredibly thankful for my parents, family, and friends who never stopped supporting me during this time. Their unwavering support inspired me to make it my life mission to maintain both my mental and physical health.
Even when I felt like breaking down and couldn’t muster the strength to face the day, I forced myself to show up with a smile for my clients. There were days when I felt utterly defeated, but I pushed through, knowing that this was my passion. I have to admit, that some bridges were burned because of my struggles, but I kept my head up and kept moving forward. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the need to prioritize my well-being. It wasn’t easy, but pushing through those tough times reaffirmed my commitment to my art and helped me grow stronger both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mikhaelacherry.com
- Instagram: @mikhaelacherry
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherry-v-chandra-27a34038/
Image Credits
Headshot photo by Patrick Joshua