Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Hitt.

Hi Marissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began painting as soon as I could pick up a paintbrush.

When I wasn’t creating, you could find me outside, looking at illustrated children’s books, or cuddling with the family dogs.

Fast forward a few years later, I started showing my work in art galleries at the age of 5.

I remember walking up to a particular art piece that was rather dark. It didn’t offer the kind of joy I was so used to experiencing.

It was unsettling, but it showed me something important.

Every artist has a different perspective, but I choose to create paintings, home decor, & stationery that brings joy.

Pet paintings that showcase the personality of your furry family member.

Wall prints with the sweet nature of animals.

Stationery to give to cherished family & friends.

I get to share the kind of joy that comes naturally for children, yet can be cultivated at any age.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I sold some of my first custom pet paintings for $40… Customers & business coaches kept telling me: “Take your prices & 10x them.”

Pricing my original artwork has been a journey of discovery.

I have recognized that, in order to give produce exclusive art, it is essential to have premium prices…

Each commissioned pet painting is a highly personalized process.

I carefully study photos of your pet to showcase their personality in their portrait.

My goal is to capture your pet’s soul.

Your Melane & Co. original is created with joy & is a keepsake for years to come.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the age of 5, I started showing my artwork in galleries.

In high school, I launched my lifestyle art business, Melane & Co. “Melane” is my (& my mother’s) middle name.

Through Melane & Co., I create watercolor pet paintings, stationery, & home decor. I paint dogs, cats, all kinds of animals, & all kinds of florals.

I can also make your original painting into wall prints & cards, so you can showcase your one-of-a-kind artwork in more than one place in the home.

For example, my family has a couple of places where we store our stationery. We also have paintings of our family dogs (we currently have one Golden Retriever, but I have painted our family dogs who have passed away).

Because of Melane & Co., we not only have original paintings of our beloved pets, but stationery of their watercolor portraits. We can send their paintings to friends near & far. Each wall print & note card is a joyful art piece.

What sets Melane & Co. apart is the heart behind the art.

My mission is to create joyful artwork.

I’m inspired by a full life; a life with precious pets, of beautifully potted plants & gardens, & joy that is so easy for children to attain, yet can be cultivated at any age.

What sets Melane & Co. apart is my dear customers, who also pursue a life filled with joy.

I’m honored to create through Melane & Co., because the way we decorate our lives matters.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
It is difficult to encapsulate a specific lesson that I have learned along this journey. Every few months, there’s a new lesson I learn or a lesson I revisit.

That being said, the most important lesson I have learned, & continue to learn, is the essentiality of building a relationship with God.

It’s a joy to create artwork inspired by His handiwork. The Lord’s presence is seen in the smallest details: Our pets’ love for us, the growth of a flower, a card in the mail from a friend or family member.

Pricing:

• My prices vary by commission request, but here is an overview:
• 6″ X 6″ watercolor canvas painting – $ 220
• 8″ X 10″ watercolor canvas painting – $ 440
• 11″ X 14″ watercolor canvas painting – $ 540
• Wall prints & stationery in Melane & Co.’s online shop – $ 4.97 – $ 24.97

Contact Info:

• Website: melaneandco.com
• Instagram: ( @MarissaMelaneHitt ) – www.instagram.com/marissamelanehitt/ & ( @MelaneandCo ) – www.instagram.com/melaneandco/
• Facebook: ( Melane & Co. ) – www.facebook.com/melaneandco/
• Youtube: ( @MelaneandCo ) – www.youtube.com/@MelaneandCo
• Other: Pinterest: ( @MarissaMelaneHitt ) – www.pinterest.com/marissamelanehitt/ & ( @MelaneandCo ) – www.pinterest.com/melaneandco/

Image Credits
White floral arrangements by Victorian Gardens — (read about my work with Amy Cason, the founder of Victorian Gardens: www.melaneandco.com/post/the-heart-behind-the-art-amy-cason-floral-designer-at-victorian-gardens)
Photos by Jenny Shipley — (read about my lifestyle brand photoshoot with Jenny Shipley: www.melaneandco.com/post/an-inside-look-at-our-brand-photoshoot-with-florals-a-french-bulldog-swan-cards-joyful-moments)