We recently connected with Emida Roller and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emida , thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I always had a sense that I would become an artist when I grew up. From a very young age, I loved creating. My father was an art professor, and I enjoyed watching and helping him in his studio, which taught me early on that it was possible to make a living as an artist. My hands-on, tactile nature led me toward 3D art, but ultimately, I found my path as a mural artist.

When I first started, it was very part-time, but over time, as I gained more recognition, my workload grew. Now, I’m a full-time muralist and have found a way to keep the momentum going. I network constantly, share my work and stories about engaging with communities, and show people what I do. I also use social media to showcase my work and seek out unique opportunities.

At one point, I served as a lead artist for a mural organization (DAMA Madison, WI) and eventually transitioned into the role of Executive Director. This experience gave me insight into every aspect of the business, from creative work to leadership and management.

When you can pursue something you love, excel at it, and make a living from it, you’ve truly hit the trifecta!

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.

My journey into the world of mural art was shaped by a lifelong exposure to creativity, growing up with an art professor dad (Solomon Irein Wangboje) and a mom who always encouraged her artistic pursuits. My transition into mural painting happened out of necessity over two decades ago. Originally trained in 3D art, with a focus on metal design at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, I sought a more accessible form of artistic expression while raising my four very young children at that time.

Starting small, I worked with spec builders, painting children’s rooms and creating faux marble designs in master bathrooms. From there, I expanded my work into schools and local communities, where I found my true calling in community-focused mural art. Now, my work spans across towns and cities, making a significant impact in public spaces.

What sets me apart is my ability to combine art with community engagement. By using Polytab, a mural fabric, I ensure accessibility, allowing people of all abilities to participate in the creative process. The murals aren’t just about beautifying spaces but about empowering communities to tell their stories, share their history, and take pride in their environments.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to connect people through art. I use murals as a way to spark conversations, inspire change, and leave behind a meaningful legacy in the places I work. My brand is deeply rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and the power of art to transform both individuals and entire communities.

For potential clients and followers, my work is more than just about painting walls, it’s about building connections, creating lasting impact, and celebrating the unique character of each community I work with. Whether it’s a small residential project or a large-scale public mural, my work always aims to bring people together and make art accessible to all.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a mural artist, particularly in community-based work, is the ability to transform public spaces and create a sense of ownership and pride among those who live there. Seeing how a mural can brighten a neighborhood, bring people together, and spark conversations is incredibly fulfilling. I’m not just painting a wall, I’m building connections, fostering creativity in others, and leaving a lasting legacy that reflects the community’s story and values.

On a personal level, there’s the joy of seeing my vision come to life on such a large scale. The physical act of creating something significant and witnessing how it impacts the space around it is exciting. And, of course, the gratitude and excitement from the people who see themselves reflected in my work is especially rewarding, knowing I’ve contributed to something bigger than yourself.

Using Polytab in my murals is a brilliant way to enhance accessibility. It allows for more people to get involved in the mural-making process, as it can be painted indoors and applied to the walls or panels later. This not only makes it easier for community members with varying abilities or schedules to participate but also opens up the mural process to those who might not be able to paint on-site due to weather, mobility, or safety concerns. It’s a fantastic tool for inclusivity and community engagement!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One of the things non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey as a mural artist is the depth of emotional and personal investment that goes into each project. For me, creating murals is not just about applying paint to walls but conveying personal stories, community values, and cultural history into visual art. This process can be emotionally taxing, especially when you’re deeply connected to the subject matter or community you’re working with. It’s not just about technical skill, it’s about empathy, storytelling, and connecting with the people.

Another is the amount of time spent behind the scenes. While the finished product may seem to appear overnight, the reality is filled with brainstorming, research, dealing with logistical hurdles (like weather, permissions, lifts or scaffolding), and working within budget limits. The physical labor involved can be grueling, which can surprise those who don’t understand the stamina needed for large-scale projects.

The continuous nature of creativity, constantly refining, adapting, or even completely changing direction based on feedback or personal intuition might feel foreign to those used to more linear and predictable processes. Each mural I create isn’t just a job, it’s a living, breathing part of my artistic development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emidaroller.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemida/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmidaRollerProductions
• Youtube: @emidarollerproductions

Image Credits

Photo #5 and #8 taken by EyeSation Photography – Lakia Cullars

#1,2,3,4,6,7 were taken by Emida Roller.