We were lucky to catch up with Mélyna Leclerc recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mélyna, thanks for joining 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?

As an artist and a creator at my core, I find immense joy in bringing my visions and ideas to life. It’s more than just a personal endeavor; I believe I have a responsibility to share my creativity with the world, as if I’m channeling these ideas for a greater purpose. Am I happy in this role? Absolutely. I consider it the best job in the world, and I can’t envision myself anywhere else.

However, the life of a full-time artist comes with its set of challenges. The uncertainty of when the next sale will occur or if there will be enough to cover monthly bills is a constant concern. It’s more than a full-time job; it’s a multifaceted role that demands wearing numerous hats. To succeed, I must be more than just an artist. I am also a content creator, particularly since a significant portion of my sales happens through social media. Managing these platforms alone can be a full-time and occasionally frustrating job. On top of that, I have to take on roles as a manager, video maker, accountant, and more.

The thought occasionally crosses my mind – would it be easier or less draining to have a regular 9-to-5 job? Yet, upon reflection, I realize that the stability and financial security of a traditional job might not compensate for the fulfillment I derive from being an artist. The creative process, the impact on the world, and the connection with my audience make the challenges worthwhile. Despite the uncertainties, I remain dedicated to my artistic journey, finding fulfillment in the unique blend of passion, purpose, and perseverance it entails.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Art has always been a significant part of my life’s journey. After studying fashion design and working as a makeup artist for 11 years, I discovered a yearning for more creative freedom. While I loved transforming faces with makeup, I missed the ability to bring my own visions to life. The challenge of manifesting my clients’ visions, rather than my own, inspired a pivotal decision in 2016 to exchange my makeup brushes for paint brushes.

As I reignited my passion for painting, I began sharing my artwork on social media, and to my surprise, it resonated with a broad audience. Witnessing people connect with my creations brought profound joy, affirming my belief that my life’s mission is to give form to my unique vision.

Today, my artistic endeavors have expanded into various services. I create diverse collections, allowing people to purchase directly from my website or social media platforms. Additionally, I offer a personalized touch through custom paintings, engaging in an exclusive and intimate process with clients. Through private video calls, I draw inspiration from their energy and ambiance, infusing a piece with a deeply personal touch.

Participating in art shows has become another significant aspect of my journey, providing opportunities to connect with new people and clients. What distinguishes me as an artist is what I call “controlled chaos” in my technique. The challenge of managing liquid in movement is intricate, yet after years of analysis, I’ve mastered the ability to control this chaotic element, a source of immense pride.

Living solely from my art is not an easy path, but it is one I take with courage and unwavering faith. Beyond talent, I believe that faith is the key factor in achieving success. Manifesting this belief daily, especially during challenging periods, has proven to be a powerful force. I subscribe to the law of attraction, and through this mindset, I’ve seen the tangible impact on my journey. Ultimately, the combination of talent, faith, and dedication has allowed me to not only create art that I love but also to thrive in the unconventional path of making a living through my passion.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Certainly, as a small business owner, I faced a pivotal moment in my career last year that forced me to reevaluate and change my approach. I experienced a burnout that I am still recovering from. This period of exhaustion prompted me to shift not only the way I conducted my job but also my mindset, and it continues to be a work in progress.

The primary culprits behind my burnout were the pressures of social media and the inclination to take on every opportunity that came my way. Social media, while a valuable tool for global connections, proved to be a double-edged sword. The constant algorithm changes created an environment where success was elusive and required significant effort with no guaranteed outcomes. The highs of a viral post were often followed by sudden drops in engagement, and I found myself more connected to the results on social media than to my actual artwork.

Additionally, my tendency to say yes to every opportunity, driven by the fear of missing out, led to a relentless schedule. Participating in numerous art shows per month, including an 11-day show before Christmas, left me physically and mentally exhausted.

In retrospect, I’ve learned to let go of certain expectations and prioritize my work. I now focus on creating content that doesn’t drain me and have accepted that not every post needs to be a success. I’ve taken a step back from the constant pursuit of statistics and post with the intention of nurturing my community, free from pressure or expectations.

Furthermore, I’ve recognized the importance of saying no and selectively choosing art fairs that align with my values. I’ve also explored hiring someone to assist with content creation, although this journey hit a roadblock when the initial person providing the service stopped. Despite this setback, I remain committed to finding the right support to help balance the demands of my business. Through these adjustments, I aim to cultivate a healthier and more sustainable approach to my work and well-being.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Certainly! Absolutely, there is a clear goal and mission propelling my creative journey. Through my experience with social media, I’ve discerned that my primary customer base and market reside in the USA, with a significant portion of my sales originating from states like New York, California, and Florida.

To further advance my artistic endeavors, my goal is to establish a presence in the USA by connecting with art galleries in key states and actively participating in renowned art fairs. However, a significant challenge I face is the high cost associated with these prestigious art fairs. Currently, I am actively seeking financial support to overcome this obstacle and enable my participation in these esteemed events.

In pursuit of this objective, I engage in manifestation and visualization exercises, envisioning myself securing representation in the USA and actively participating in the acclaimed art fairs. I firmly believe that with dedication and patience, the right opportunities will manifest at the perfect time, bringing my creative journey to new heights in the vibrant art scenes of states like New York, California, and Florida.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://en.melynaleclercartist.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yna.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yna.art.artiste
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yna.art