We recently connected with Joey Melinda Morgan and have shared our conversation below.

Joey Melinda, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I use Photoshop to create my digital composite imagery artwork. My day job requires me to use Photoshop on a daily basis so I started learning/using the program over 15 years ago. I use the digital skills that I learned ‘on the job’ to now create artwork utilizing photos that have been merged and manipulated into a single composite image.

To speed up the learning process, I could have taken online Photoshop courses, watched videos and or read the instruction manual cover to cover. :-)

Basic photography skills are essential as well as understanding how an image will print. Enlarging a low resolution image (72dpi) up to 24×36 or larger, isn’t going to give you optimum results. And trying to correct it in Photoshop may not work, so starting with a quality, high resolution (300dpi) image is ideal.

The easy answer would be to blame the ‘day job’ as being an obstacle that stood in the way of learning more. But really, lack of time management and unwavering focus are the true obstacles.

Joey Melinda, 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 been in the Graphic Arts industry for over 20 years working mainly as a Production Artist and Photo Retoucher. Over time, I have been able to transfer those same skills learned ‘on the job’ to my digital composite artwork. To speed up the learning process, I would have taken more Photoshop courses to learn tips and tricks to become more efficient and increase productivity.

Chemistry and copper also inspire me. The effects of chemical reactions on copper produce an array of mind-blowing vivid colors and patterns – I like to say it’s when chemistry becomes ‘art’. I could probably create patina copper all day, everyday! I am currently making small patina copper sculptures to display air plants. However, the goal is to create much larger free-standing and wall pieces.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my two-dimensional work. Putting a different spin or in my case, a twist and a skew, with nature’s textures in order to create abstract work that stands out and is thought-provoking.
Also, since my work is digital, I am able to scale and add customizable elements according to a client’s needs.

What am I most proud of? My perseverance. I have been juggling the full-time job-part-time artist life for many years and although it can be frustrating at times, I am very happy that I am able to do it. That being said, I have been accepted into an artist residency in Puebla, Mexico in October 2023 and in 2024 I plan to focus on my art 100%.

What I would like potential clients to know about my brand is that I will soon be adding a fashion element. My artwork will soon become wearable!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The ultimate goal or mission that is driving my creative journey is to focus on my art full-time in 2024. I am currently taking the financial steps to make that happen.

Creating new composite imagery work, adding wearable art, and learning to weld copper in order to make larger sculptures are all on the agenda for 2023. My plan for 2024 and beyond, is to market my work more consistently through online resources, social media, and in-person events.

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

I would have to say the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the act of creating. A very close second is when a complete stranger buys your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://artmixedup.com
• Instagram: @artmixedup
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/artmixedup
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/artmixedup