We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marissa Monroe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marissa below.

Marissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

In general being an artist has made me happy, but it has caused low moments that have made me more emotional than a regular job might.

When you turn your art into your full time job, the balance between work and life becomes paper thin. My hobby and passion (aka what most people do to unwind) is also my work. I dedicate so much time to it, that when things go wrong – it breaks my heart. It’s a consistent struggle to balance the need to make money with the desire to create what you truly want to.

Because of the emotional rollercoaster, I often think about having a regular job. While that can also have negatives associated with it, it does come with consistent income, reasonable hours, and a more promising future.

The life of a successful artist can be glorified, so it’s important to understand what you’re really getting into before you fully commit. While some people may think the lows are worth it for the highs, that’s not the case for everyone. I often think it would be nice to work a consistent “regular” job and keep my art as a hobby. Keeping those two things separate is probably a lot better for your mental health.

But ultimately I know I’d regret not giving my art my full attention during this phase of life. I strongly believe that you get back what you put into things. Art is no exception. To experience all the positive things associated with being a successful artist, you have to risk the negatives. That’s a risk I choose to take everyday.

Marissa, 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 moved to NYC at 17 and very quickly fell in love with the idea of becoming an artist. If I had to label myself, it’d probably be designer. I create designs and sometime I tattoo them, sometimes I work with brands and they use those designs on products, and sometimes I use my own designs on products I put out.

I spent a lot of time creating a style of designs that’s very unique to me. I try to take the world in my brain and bring it to life. My favorite thing about this job is getting to connect with clients. I feel like I’m growing a little club of people who love all things pink, fashionable, and luxurious.

My main artist outlet is tattooing. In a male-dominated industry, I try my best to carve out a corner for me and my clients to feel at home in.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best way to support artists is by supporting their art!

The most obvious option is buying their art. Art takes time and artists are typically not being fairly compensated for that time. While it can be more expensive to buy something from an individual artist – you’re getting something that has thought and love poured into it. This also enables artists to keep on creating.

That being said, it’s nearly impossible to buy art from every artist you support. Which is why supporting them in other ways, is just as important. For example, sharing their art with your friends, reposting and tagging them on your social media pages, commenting on their posts – are all things that encourage artists to keep doing what they do!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve always been a competitive person, but being in a creative industry has taught me that art should never be a competition.

This industry is all about learning from one another, then taking what you’ve learned and putting your unique spin on it. It’s a community, and no one should be your competition.

As long as you are creating something unique, there will always be room for you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pinkprincezzz.com/tattoo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkprincezzz/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkprincezzz?lang=en