We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Dinwoodie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.
Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I’ve always known, in my heart, that I am an artist. Whenever I would draw, as a teenager, I would feel the most like myself. Or at least like the person I wanted to be. I felt important, connected, unique. I’m sure this feeling is why I pursued a career as an artist.
And so, I went to art school and received my BFA. These four years were some of my favorite memories. Again, I felt connected, important, unique. I graduated in 2001, 24 years ago.
These past 24 years I have committed myself to ‘becoming’ an artist. Hanging onto the feeling of importance, connection, uniqueness. I have put all my money and time into this pursuit (whether it be online art sales training, website design, marketing courses, art market fees, and countless piles of art supplies).
All my free time goes into creating new work or learning how to generate sales. I’ve always had a part time job in order to survive, being a single person household, daily expenses and art expenses are a lot.
And so, to answer the question “do I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a regular job?’ YES. Everyday.
To have back all the money I’ve put into my art, I am sure I’d own a house!
To have back all the time I’ve spent creating and learning, I am sure I’d have a family!
This sounds dramatic. And maybe it is. But it’s the truth.
Would I go back and do it all differently? Because this isn’t an actual option, I’d like to think I’d say no.
I’m still here. Still creating. Still putting all my time into my art pursuit. Still hanging onto the feeling of importance, connection and uniqueness.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a visual artist.
My main discipline is portrait and figurative painting. I use a very energetic brushwork, abstract style. Usually lots of color and texture.
I have painted countless commissions for people, everything from musicians, celebrities, pet portraits, and family members.
I regularly exhibit my work, my last show was in the Grizzli Winery Gallery in West Kelowna.
I also paint murals. My most recent mural was at Pins and Pints bowling alley in West Kelowna. 54 ft long mural, my largest to date.
I have dabbled in block printing, fashion design illustration and my most recent venture is my tattoo apprenticeship. Which I aim to be tattooing later this year.
I constantly want to grow creatively. I will take on pretty much any creative opportunity, whether I’ve done it before or not.
I am also working on a new body of work, which I hope to exhibit this summer.
@melissadinwoodieartist
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The reward is in the connection to others. My goal is always to be of service to others.
I truly believe that what your passion is + helping others = your purpose.
I try to live by this, and not get too caught up in self indulgent art. (it’s hard sometimes, lol)
Whether it’s creating a painting of a loved one for a family, or having one of my pieces touch someone enough to bring out true emotion, or just helping a younger artist with advice or knowledge….it all comes down to connecting with people.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I try to read a lot. To learn and grow and become a better person.
Here are a few that I really loved and I believe have helped me:
The 5 a.m. Club – Robin Sharma
Atomic Habits – James Clear
You are a Badass at Making Money – Jen Sincero
101 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think – Brianna Wiest
The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron (this one should be highlighted, as I’ve read it countless times, and will probably start it again soon)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissadinwoodie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadinwoodieartist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissadinwoodieartist
