We recently connected with Madalline Browning and have shared our conversation below.

Madalline, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been living off of my art full time for about 8 years. A dream I never imagined would ignite. I graduated with an associate in art / major in photography from a community college in North Carolina, while pursuing my career as a hair stylist. Then i ran away to the Wild west for 11 years diving into the wild world of marijuana.
One day scrolling Instagram I came across a mind blowing tie dye page and went down the rabbit hole, coming up for air very inspired. Something in my little brain just ticked and said “this is for you! make art on fabric!” So, i went to goodwill, gathered some whites, got a crappy tie-dye kit from Micheals and practiced every day until i felt confident enough to order the fancy dyes and fancy wholesale blanks. Luckily I know quite a few seamstresses with businesses, all women owned! They helped carve my path of working with other handmade artist as much as possible, as opposed to cheap sweat shop clothing. I’m extremely grateful for that.

Madalline, 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?

All of my creations are one of a kind. No two will ever be alike, which makes the art of tie dye beautiful & unique. I mostly work with other women owned small businesses who make organic handmade clothing. There are a couple of items that i dye that aren’t available through them,

But the majority of items are handmade from people i know which makes it that much more special!
Everyday i am grateful for living life as an artist. Like most artists, i want to learn all trades! Always craving a new outlet. I don’t like to label myself as one type of artist, i like to claim myself as a multi media wizard, meaning i dye, paint, make jewelry, carve stamps, make collages and stickers, digital art and more to come!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is learning that you are inspiring others without realizing how big of an impact you really are! I think that may be the best compliment i have ever received. People comming up to me and telling me how big of a inspiration i am. It brings tears of joy to my eyes. My advice to everyone is to make art, any kind, just create! Its an outlet of many emotions and you will most definitely be an inspiration to someone rather you realize it or not.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Knowing other artists that i was able to collab with really helped me on my journey, but also when starting, i discovered my drive and dedication to marketing myself. Regardless, this was 8 years ago and social media isn’t as small business friendly like it used to be which is very frustrating and intimidating, but i keep doing it and putting myself out there either way. Fingers crossed algorithms disappear and social media goes back to what it used to be!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thetyingalchemist.com/about-4
• Instagram: @thetyingalchemist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetyingalchemist?mibextid=opq0tG