We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makayla Elliott. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Makayla below.
Alright, Makayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Something that has stuck with me over the years, has been my parents inclusivity and with-ness. Growing up there was never an issue when it came to pursuing dreams. We would, and still do, imagine the countless possibilities there are to express ourselves creatively; ways to enjoy life doing what we love. They would say, “Whatever it is you want to do, we are right here with you.” Now, this phrase is not one they take lightly; they fully mean every word. I remember working on my first large scale painting, 4ft x 3ft, and half-way through I completely lost vision. Tears began welling up and I started telling myself I couldn’t do it. Believing I bit off more than I can chew; knowing I was trying something I had never done before, placing an immense amount of pressure on myself to make a perfect piece. Instead of letting me believe the lies that where swirling my mind, my family rushed in with encouraging words and fresh ideas. Verbally reassuring, speaking life over my work, and reminding me of who I am. Moments like these started to teach me how art brings people together. Art is meant to share and connect one another. Many of my paintings now hang on walls of families, friends, and clients. Home’s where people gather, laugh, cry, and grow. It all started with a healthy foundation, and my parents play a huge part in that.
Makayla, 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 really started honing my craft when studying at East Valley Institute of Technology for Fashion Design & Merchandising. Around that time is when a friend of mine commissioned me to do a denim jacket painting. I had never done a painting outside of canvas prior, but upon learning the technicalities of adhering paint to fabric I gave it a try. From there, most of my commissions came through word of mouth and pictures I posted online. It started with my Acrylic based paintings/projects and merged into my other talents such as: crochet hats/tote bags/plants, jewelry making, graphic design (one of which I got printed and sold as t-shirts), charcoal/colored pencil drawings. All of which I still offer today. With that, I learned a lot about communication with clients. Making sure I provide quality work, discuss layouts/colors/sizing ahead of time, and setting my quotes. Something I am most proud of is my willingness to take on a challenge. I do not think I would have heightened my artistic ability, at such a quick rate if I had not been open to try new things. For those that come across my work in the future, getting to collaborate and bring other’s creative visions to life is what I’m all about. My heart behind every piece is to usher in connection and empower others to tune into their creativity as well!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being an artist has given me this sense of freedom. It has given me an outlet to express myself creatively, and often times with more emphasis than I do verbally. There are no rules when it comes to Art, only tools to enhance your skills. Coming from a healing perfectionist, allowing myself to let “happy mistakes” happen has become therapeutic. Producing Art is not just a job for me, I love creating.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The mission behind this creative journey I am on, is to connect with others and bring out the creativity that others may not see within themselves. Whether it’s describing a piece, choosing the colors, merging ideas, or bringing innovative thoughts to the table etc. They are all part of the Art process. Everyone is an Artist and getting to see others come to that realization is so wonderful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: makayla.elliott
- Facebook: Mission.Art.Connects