We recently connected with Mariah Watts and have shared our conversation below.

Mariah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 took a course in college and gained a foundational understanding of Adobe’s “Big Three” – Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. As a photographer, I favored Photoshop and realized I could reimagine dreams and ideas beyond this reality. Once I was comfortable navigating those systems, YouTube became my go-to for learning how to take my art to the next level.

To speed up my learning process, I wish I would’ve been intentional on networking with other creatives, joining groups and following Adobe and some of their best artists earlier. I would’ve known the questions I should’ve asked sooner and I would’ve found my niche earlier as well.

Some skills that were essential for me are having a process- I love going for a long walk on a nature preserve before starting a project. Researching artists as well as myths and legends- this is where I gain a lot of ideas from. Finally, knowing how to network in your community and capitalize on it.

My biggest obstacle when I first started, was finding my place in this world. As a young creative who had just graduated college, I had to figure out my place in society. I was a student-athlete my entire college career, and once sports was over and I had my degree in my hand, a lot of my time was spent figuring out who I was outside of sports and an interest I was looking to make into a career; and not necessarily honing my craft.

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

Mariah was first introduced to photography as a child. During her elementary, middle and high school years, she gained familiarity with a camera through journalism programs her schooling had to offer. I’ve always had a vivid imagination and learning how to make a picture say more than 1,000 words opened up opportunities I could only dream of.

I tell fantastical stories that lie in the most vivid part of the imagination. If you had dream you are looking to reimagine, I can help you bring it to life.

My process almost always starts outside. This was never the case until I started documenting some of my walks. I started noticing life I would have otherwise ignored had I not gone outside looking for inspiration. Every image I create outside of client work, is always inspired from a memorable detail on a walk. My mission is to inspire others to dedicate more of their time outside to find that “thing” that inspires them.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My ultimate goal is to inspire others to get outside and enjoy life beyond four walls and to be intentional when you can. Because I seek inspiration from the outdoors, I plan on doing as much as I can to protect that. As I seek to inspire others to get outside to “smell the roses”, I also plan on getting to get to a financial point where I can rely on proceeds from my art to be donated towards environmental initiatives.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love watching others relate to my work. Because art is subjective, anyone can see anything when marinating on your masterpieces. When I’m able to insight an emotion or a memory with my work, I believe it humanizes the ink on paper.

Contact Info:

• Website: mariahwattscreations.com
• Instagram: m.c_watts

Image Credits
N/A