We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dana Mooney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I feel like I didn’t have a choice in being an artist. It is who I am, and have always been. My early career path was a creative one, as a makeup artist turned prop stylist turned interior decorator to finally a painter. During covid, I had a baby and found that the combination of motherhood and the economy severely impacted my ability to make a living with my paintings. So I had to try a new career path that could pay the bills until my art started to pickup again. Long story short, I went back to school for digital marketing and worked in an office 9-5pm Monday to Friday for a year. So I finally got my first taste at a “real job” there. Now I know that I do not like working in that setting, and I continue to push on with my artwork, and freelance for digital marketing clients.
Dana, 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?
I’m an abstract painter based in Vancouver Canada. My background has always been in creative industries, from makeup artistry to interior design. I strive to create work that fits into the home or designed space, and have a versatile range of artistic ability to satisfy custom client requests. My artwork ranges from fine art and custom murals to home decor and design products and brand collaborations.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Artists need to be able to continue to produce artwork. Buy their art, help support their financial needs and keep talking about them to your peers. Word of mouth is still the strongest marketing tool in the online world we live in now, and without clients and encouragement we can’t continue to create.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Over the past few years I’ve had to pivot my art journey to a less than full time commitment. I had a son which obviously takes up most of my time these days, and covid affected my art sales as well. I now work as a freelance social media manager while focusing on my artwork 50% of the time. A bit of financial stability in today’s economy was necessary, but I am pushing through as I always have and will continue to paint and create.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danamooney.com
- Instagram: @danamooneyart
- Facebook: Dana Mooney, Artist
Image Credits
Tracey Ayton Photography