We were lucky to catch up with Michele Young recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michele, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

As a retired teacher, I’ve learned how to stay focused and persevere over time. During my years in the field of special education, I taught moderate to severe physically impaired and intellectually disabled students with complex needs.  I completed an enormous amount of paperwork, took countless mandatory classes, and taught in poor working conditions. Toward the end of my career, I adapted to the shifting political landscape, with new restrictions and demands.  Teaching in the school system was both stressful and rewarding, but the rewards motivated me to keep going. I’ve developed patience and resilience and learned not to give up. Now that I am retired, I’m confident I can overcome any obstacle as I pursue my goals as an artist.

Michele, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I often hear people say that they come from a family of creative people, and I am one of them. I was influenced by many artistic family members.  I can remember drawing from a very early age, specifically with colored pencils. I did well in high school art classes, won some awards, and wanted to major in art education. But my college art professor said my style was too realistic and that I would never make it as an artist, so I changed my major to Special Education.  I had a rewarding career teaching students with multiple physical and intellectual disabilities, but over time, the profession became increasingly stressful. I had not picked up my pencils since college, and many years later, I began watching videos and reading books about colored pencil techniques as a way to get my mind off the pressure of teaching. My husband noticed my interest and gifted me with art lessons. Things progressed from there, and I created a website, sold my artwork and entered art shows. My goal was to build a foundation while teaching full-time so I could transition my hobby into an art career when I retired from the school system in May 2023.  I continue to sell and show my work in both colored pencils and pastels, and I teach art classes at two local non-profit organizations. I  also created a YouTube channel for adults with intellectual disabilities. I have combined my creativity and love of art with my love of teaching, and I am excited about the new chapter in my life.

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

I have pivoted twice in my creative journey. From a very early age, I was drawing with colored pencils and wanted to major in art. The first time I had to pivot was when my college professor said I wouldn’t make it as an artist. I had to shift gears and figure out what else to do with my life, so I stopped drawing and became a Special Education teacher.  Late in my teaching career I picked up my pencils again to relieve the stress of teaching. Colored pencils can be physically demanding and can cause repetitive strain injuries. This forced me to pivot for the second time. I learned how to use pastels which are less taxing than colored pencils.  I experimented with different combinations of paper, pastels and colored pencils until I found a mix of supplies that worked for me. Combining the strengths and advantages of colored pencils and pastels, along with exercising and taking frequent breaks allows me to continue to create art without physical limitations.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is combining my love of teaching with my love of art. After a career teaching special education in the public school system, I am now teaching art classes for two non profit art centers in my community. I love the process of drawing and that feeling that comes from creating and completing a piece of artwork. But for me, the act of teaching is a very rewarding experience. I enjoy seeing people from all ages and all walks of life lose themselves in an art project and forget about the stress of life for a couple of hours. I love how students can take a single project and make it their own in such unique ways, and how each person’s creativity and personality shines through their artwork. My hope is that my art classes spark a lifelong hobby or love of learning and creating. It also brings me joy when a student overcomes doubt and creates something they are proud of. I always hope that little bit of confidence they receive from creating one small art project will nurture growth in other areas of their lives. Teaching also inspires me to learn new techniques and explore different mediums so that I can share them with my students. I find it is nurturing individual growth and confidence that makes teaching art classes so fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.micheleyoungart.com
• Instagram: @micheleyoungart
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@mrsyoungsvideos