We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
When I was seven years old, I wrote my first book. It was made out of tattered and torn red construction paper held together by staples. I used a green crayon to draw pictures and to write the words that were likely spelled wrong with letters that were written upside down. I don’t even remember what the book was about, but I remember being proud of it. I let everyone read it. The “oohs” and “ahhs” were palpable. One of my aunt’s friends read it and appeared to be especially delighted with it. So delighted that she asked me how much the book was. I told her that it was $20. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head, but she bought it. She bought a 6-page book that was barely legible from a seven year old little girl who didn’t know what to do with $20 besides buy candy. Little did I know, this would be the beginning of my destiny.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My friends and family call me Melissa but, as an artist, I am known as The Sleepy Wildflower. I like classical music, rainy days and spending time with my husband and our two children. I’m really just an ordinary gal with a big heart, a love for words and an imagination full of whimsy and wonder. I have been many things in my lifetime, but I’ve finally realized my calling and true happiness lies in being an artist and storyteller.
I’ve always been a writer. I can remember writing poems for my mother every Mother’s Day when I was young. As I grew into my teenage years, I wrote poetry nearly every day. The words just fell out of me. Every sheet of paper became a getaway at first and then a sanctuary as time went on. Writing was my safe haven. Every word was just as beautiful or just as ugly as the things that I was experiencing. I still write poetry from time to time, but I have found an even greater joy in writing short stories.
In 2020, I started a podcast called, We’re All Wildflowers Here, that encompasses my love of storytelling. Each episode was created to provide a calm and soothing experience for every listener. Although I took an extended break from the podcast, I will be returning with more stories very soon. Until then, I invite you to listen to the episodes, Daydreaming and I Was Born a Caterpillar, especially on days that feel heavy. As I embark on returning to We’re All Wildflowers Here, I will also be including stories that are based on my original art pieces.
I didn’t truly consider myself to be artistic until about five years ago. Prior to that, my drawings were really just simplistic doodles on paper. When my husband gifted me an iPad, those doodles turned into symmetrical faces and moths. I spent a great deal of time coming up with new designs and I let my imagination lead the way. Seeing my creations in digital form and even seeing them in print was magical. But, alas, something felt off. Everything was too symmetrical, too perfect. It wasn’t even close to real life. So what did I do? I picked up a 6B graphite pencil and began drawing haphazardly on paper and canvas. Asymmetrical eyes, nostrils and ears. Using an actual eraser feels blissful. I find incredible beauty in the flaws and in the imperfections. The process of getting my hands dirty while blending pencil marks makes me feel closely connected to the art that I create. Most of my drawings tend to include people from my imagination and the beautiful things in nature that help to calm and soothe us; moths, owls, the moon and stars, wildflowers and towering trees. Each piece has its own unique story.
I believe that art is intended to make us all feel something. As I combine storytelling with art, I hope that it gives people a profound sense of tranquility and peace and makes them think. When someone chooses to purchase my art, I hope it’s because they connect with it on a visceral level. I am really proud of the art that I make and the stories that I tell. In each piece, I leave my heart and soul.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Growing up, I always thought that I had to work in a factory or in the medical field to make an “honest living” because that’s what my childhood role models were doing. So that’s what I did. For 27 years of my life, I worked on production lines and in operating rooms. While the money was decent, I was mentally and physically exhausted and I wasn’t happy.
I remember coming home after a long day of working at the hospital and my husband asking me about my passions in life. When I told him how much I loved writing and drawing, he suggested that I pursue those things and said that I could even make a living doing those things if I worked hard enough. My mind was blown. At the time, making a living as a writer or artist was unfathomable for an ordinary gal like me. It had never crossed my mind. But when my husband brought it to my attention, my mind began to race with excitement and ideas. My husband taught me to look inside of myself to find what truly makes me happy. The answer was always writing and drawing and, because of him, I’ve been making art and writing stories ever since.
To my husband: Thank you for believing in me and seeing the potential in my work. Whether I sink or swim, I’m so glad that you convinced me to take a chance. Thanks for always being my #1 fan. I love you.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I don’t have a big audience on any social media platform. I can’t tell anyone how to get 200k followers overnight, or even 1k. Those big numbers don’t matter. What matters is how many of those people actually engage with you. Those are your true fans. Those are the ones who can’t wait to see your new work and will always be there to cheer you on in some way. So my advice is this: Share the work that you love to create and share it often. Show your face in photos. Even if you’re awkward (I surely am), speak to your audience through videos. People will love your vulnerability and authenticity. They don’t only want to connect with your art. They want to connect with YOU.
Contact Info:
- Website: thesleepywildflower.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thesleepywildflower
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxno7jjrnwmu1JKTt0YFd4g
- Other: TikTok: tiktok.com/thesleepywildflower Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bhKLROIJEnDoI8TKmwN7P?si=c5c702a44561433a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-all-wildflowers-here/id1509728741 Etsy: etsy.com/shop/thesleepywildflower
Image Credits
The Sleepy Wildflower