We recently connected with Melanie Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I have always made a living using my artistic abilities in some way. My parents set me up for success as a creative at a young age. I was encouraged to draw and paint before I started elementary school. They provided me with plenty of crayons, Play-Doh and craft materials as a kid. My mom took my sister and I to the local Ben Franklin regularly to pick out some type if craft making kit. I pick out my first paint by the numbers kit there and was off to the races. I also spent a lot of time with my two grandmothers and great-grandmother who taught me to embroidery, crochet, make latch hook rugs and create with pastels. My mom served as my Girl Scout leader when I was 7 years old until I was 14. I learned many important lessons in the Girl Scout program in these formative years, and it was there that I won my first art contest. Earning badges was a big part of Girl Scouts and there were badges for every kind of creative process you can imagine from painting to leathercrafting to carving to candle making, etc. Mom provided me with the space, moral support, and materials to earn badges…and I earned as many as possible. I learned so much about how to create things and how to use many different materials. I’m sure that this experience made me fearless as an artist and excited to try new mediums. My mom and dad also recognized leadership qualities I possessed early on, and they encouraged me to step into leadership roles whenever possible. This has served me well in my creative careers in the corporate world and as an art educator. My parents supported all of my creative endeavors and are still my biggest cheerleaders. Thanks Mom and Dad for letting me express myself!

Melanie, 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’m a working artist, high school art educator, and dog advocate living in Arlington, TN. I’m is most known for my large scale paintings of colorful, happy dogs. I get much joy from painting people’s pets, and I hope you can feel that through my work. It all started years ago when I painted my cherished poodle, Trixie. I enjoyed that experience so much that I continued to paint dogs. The paintings resonated with others and requests for commissioned work began to happen. Now, hundreds of commissions and many years later, I continue to paint custom pet portraits capturing the expression and personality of my client’s unique pets for them to display and enjoy in their homes and offices.

BIO
• Master of Art Education, Memphis College of Art
• BFA, Graphic Design, University of Memphis
• High School Art Educator, 2002-Present
• Director of Advertising, Catherine’s Stores Corporation 1989-1999
• Life Long Artist and Dog Advocate living in a suburb of Memphis, TN
• Artwork published in local and national publications (Artist’s Magazine’s “Acrylic Works” Compilation, and North Light Books “Incite” – Mixed Media Series, Volumes 2 and 4)
• My artwork can be found in personal collections around the country.

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

The most rewarding experience for me as a creative is being a teacher. I love having the opportunity to share what I know with others who sometimes don’t even know that they are creative. It’s amazing to see the “light bulb” come on when a student gets something for the first time. Sharing my knowledge and skills is a real privilege.

I teach AP Art at Arlington High School and it is challenging in the best sort of way. I have the opportunity to help young people find their artistic voice. I truly believe we can make the world a better place through art, and I pass this philosophy on to my students.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My best source of new clients is social media, primarily Facebook. I post new work on Facebook and Instagram regularly. When I was getting started I did a number of art festivals where I gained new customers many of whom now follow me on social media. I have many repeat customers who have become collectors of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melanieanderson.net
• Instagram: @melanietanderson
• Facebook: Melanie Trout Anderson

Image Credits
Dana Harris Tyler Hill