Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Masho Margishvili. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Masho, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

During my teenage years and early adulthood, I embarked on a quest to find a creative pursuit that would truly inspire me, to which I could entirely dedicate my efforts. While I found designing intriguing, I always knew there was something out there that would bring me true fulfillment.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in industrial design, I aspired to gain international experience through an internship at a foreign company. However, being a Georgian citizen in 2013, it was challenging to get an internship in a European design studio that could accommodate the necessary visa requirements.

Despite facing months of discouragement and nearly giving up, a turning point occurred when I stumbled upon a National Geographic video about Vietnam one night. Instantly captivated, I began exploring opportunities in the country, even though I was not sure about the viability of this decision. There were many reasons why this step seemed risky: it would be my first time traveling to Asia, over 6,000 kilometers away from my home country. I would take this journey as a 22-year-old solo female traveler with no prior connections in Vietnam, lacking the safety net of embassies or organizations to turn to in case of emergencies.

Nevertheless, I took a chance and submitted my resume and portfolio to a startup called Alpine Creative, which would later become an umbrella company for several successful businesses in Vietnam. After an interview with them, they offered me the internship, and within a week, I found myself on the plane to Hanoi, Vietnam. Initially filled with excitement, my nerves began to surface during the 17-hour flight as stereotypes and apprehensions about Asia clouded my thoughts, causing fear to creep in. However, I reminded myself that if I didn’t enjoy my time there, I could always return home. The moment I stepped out of the airport, my love for Vietnam started. Those three months spent in Hanoi transformed my life entirely. The internship proved to be a fantastic experience, introducing me to amazing people, while the country itself mesmerized me in every way. It was during this time that I started creating illustrations and discovered my creative universe, which I later named Masholand.

Masholand has since become my life’s work, finally fulfilling the lifelong quest I mentioned above. It has pushed me to create not just illustrations, but an entire world filled with characters, places, and stories. I use various media, including painting, animation, and mural arts, and continuously seek to learn new tools that allow me to express the essence of Masholand.

Had I not taken this risk, I would have missed out on discovering one of my favorite countries (that I revisited twice) and would have struggled for many more years in my pursuit of genuine self-expression.

Masho, 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 am an artist and designer from Georgia with a background in industrial and game design. For the past decade, I have worked as a freelance artist and designer, collaborating with various companies on UI/UX and graphic design projects. Simultaneously, I have been creating murals, illustrations, animations, and diverse artworks for both clients and personal projects. In 2019, I started teaching creative classes online through Skillshare, and soon I gained a Top Teacher status on the platform. Throughout my journey, I have continuously evolved my skills and explored new ways of artistic expression.

During the summer of 2013, I started drawing and stumbled upon a captivating parallel universe that I named Masholand. This universe is home to diverse creatures, including Rebellious Spirits, Stone Eaters, human-like Masholanders, Nosy Birds, dragonfruits, and more. Each of them has unique stories and resides in its preferred habitat. To convey the essence of Masholand, I utilize various artistic media such as illustration, mural painting, animation, game design, and beyond. As I travel to different countries and acquire new skills, my forms of expression continue to expand.

Remaining current with digital advancements is a priority for me. For instance, in 2022, I ventured into the world of NFTs, exploring their potential and embracing the opportunities they offer. This year, I have also been engaging in experiments with AI tools. By constantly learning new tools and techniques, I not only enhance my own artistic and design skills but also enable myself to assist clients in conveying their stories with greater impact. I believe that embracing these digital advancements empowers me to push the boundaries of artistic expression and effectively collaborate with clients to bring their narratives to life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My foremost desire is to authentically unleash the full expression of Masholand as it exists within my imagination. Once accomplished, my ultimate goal is to wholeheartedly share its story with the world.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Getting “the muse” after a period of struggle and stagnation is like a gift from the universe, which is always a sign that I’m on the right track. Additionally, by cultivating a deep connection with my emotions and thoughts during the creative process, I consistently confront my fears and embrace them as a part of my daily routine. Through visual expression, I try to convey these aspects in a way that resonates with others, evoking a sense of hope and inspiration for their own personal journeys. When it happens, it’s one of the most rewarding feelings.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://masholand.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/masholand
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masholand.masholand
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariammargishvili/
• Other: https://www.skillshare.com/en/r/user/masholand?gr_tch_ref=on&gr_trp=on

Image Credits
Niko Festival Giorgi Akhvlediani