We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Manzelmann recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I feel unbelievably grateful that I get to be a full-time artist! AND I think about a “regular job” all the time! I have been working for myself for about 12 years. I went all-in on growing my business as an artist about 2 years ago. Before that I had a separate company that I built with my ex-husband, which was also a very random and unique business model, so I haven’t had 9-5 type hours really ever in my life. What I day dream about sometimes is having a job that I don’t think about when I’m not there, ya know? One where I know my duties, they’re clearly laid out, I go to work, do the job, and when I’m finished for the day, I don’t really have to think about it. There is a lot of pressure in being a solo-entrepreneur, and always feeling like there is more I should be doing, at all hours of the day. But it’s not lost on me that I get to do something that feeds my soul, and allows me to have autonomy over my days.

Melissa, 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 was always a creative kid and explore various creative outlets. I was 18 when I had my first son, and 22 years old when my 2nd son was born. As a young, single mom I didn’t have the time or money for creative exploration. I spent the better part of a decade in survival mode, before my boys and I found our footing in Austin, in 2010. Fast forward (past my 2nd marriage, building a business, living in the suburbs) to 2021, I was going through a divorce, one kid out of the house and another wrapping up high school, and it was a lot of change and loss. I wasn’t even 40 yet, and I started asking myself, for the first time ever, “what do I want to do?!” I learned that I really enjoyed my own company, so that was fun, haha! I was spending more time alone than I ever had, painting and processing. A friend saw something I was working on and hired me to paint a wall mural in one of her clients homes. I agreed, even though I didn’t know if I could pull it off. The client was thrilled, friends encouraged me to post that and other pieces of mine on social media, and I was fascinated to see the warm responses. Then I ended up with another commission!
Now I know this sounds crazy, but within a month of this random wall mural opportunity, I felt almost pushed by the Universe, into putting on a solo art show. I even traded in my paid off car for a truck so that I could haul large canvases. On paper, none of this looked logical. I’m self taught, and I had barely painted anything since I was 16 (over 20 years), and now I’ve decided to put on a whole show and buy a truck?! Then I got a phone call from a girlfriend, out of the blue, who wanted to start an events business, putting on pop-up art shows. So thats what we did! And that first show was hands down one of the best days of my life. I’ve been doing this ever since! Making that bananas decision to go all in on being an artist was bold AF, but it felt so clear to me.

I use mostly acrylic paint on canvas, but also play with mixed media, inks, and collage Every day is basically brand new information to me! I am constantly trying to learn and grow as an artist, as well as a business owner. I think one of my biggest technical strengths, that I have developed over last 2 years, is my use of color. I LOVE color! I feel like I do a really good job of making the colors marry each other on the canvas. There is a lot of movement, emotion, and energy behind my work, and it is truly an honor when anyone is moved by or drawn to a piece of mine. On top of selling my original paintings, I now offer prints, and recently started playing around with putting some of my art onto clothing which has been really fun!

I also LOVE doing commissions and that has become a large part of my business. They are always a challenge, but its really special to me to learn about my clients, and to get to create something that is uniquely tailored to them and their space. Delivering those pieces is always a big deal, and never not emotional for them and me. In fact, I think that has been the thing that helps me push past my ever-looming imposter syndrome. I LOVE people! I have always cared deeply about everyone. I feel like my true gift, is not my artistic ability, but rather my ability to connect with people and that is why I have been able to sell my work. When purchasing artwork, especially large pieces, it’s an investment as well as a statement of personal expression, and I think people want to feel like the art speaks for them and to them.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When I first left my company, and was trying to figure out what to do next, all I knew is that I really wanted to help people. I didn’t know what that looked like though. At the time I thought if I could wave a magic wand, I would be a therapist. But going to school didn’t make sense for me. I thought about being a life coach. I always say that I’m here to serve the person that I used to be. I would have loved to have a “me” when I was younger and struggling to help/guide/mentor.

Then these opportunities to create and share my artwork kept opening up. As a result, people have reached out to say that they started writing poetry again, or drawing again, painting again, etc. We grow up and forget to just play! We want to be creative, but don’t because we’re worried that it won’t be any good. I try to be vulnerable and show myself fumbling, learning, and playing, as an artist. Knowing that it has inspired others to explore their creativity again, without concern for the outcome, is straight magic to me!

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

I don’t know if this is a lesson per say, but the way I manage my time and is very different than it used to be. Painting was always a luxury and something I might do at night after everyone was asleep or out of the house. I had to really work on peeling myself away from doing arbitrary admin type stuff at my desk or doing house work, and allowing myself to create when I wanted to. And not just that, but that creating is not something I have to feel guilty about indulging in. This is my livelihood now! There will always be emails to respond to, bills to pay, appointments to make, dishes to do. Those lists are never ending! That hustle mentality that I’ve applied to my whole life is a very different energy than the creative flow. Toggling between the two have been a challenge for me. I’m still working on the balance because the business side of things is super important, and I think I’ve toggled too far into a flowy, structureless state, haha!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MelissaLynnArt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_lynn_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaLynnArt
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-manzelmann-9278a652
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaLynnArt