We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Ionescu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As a little girl, I found inspiration in books, movies, and the world around me, spending countless hours trying to create. Sometimes I would draw, and other times I would embark on practical builds, using whatever materials I had available to me. My art teachers in middle school nurtured my artistic curiosity and craft. I vividly remember the night I walked into an art store to buy supplies and saw a pair of college students purchasing their own art materials, and I could see myself embarking on a similar journey in the future. My path was not straightforward–it was filled with twists and turns—and ringing with discouraging advice. However, I remained steadfast in my creative dream, applied to SCAD, and began an ongoing journey of growth and exploration in the world of art.

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

Hi, my name is Michelle Ionescu and I am an author, illustrator, and fabricator. The first part of my creative journey began in the animation industry, where I worked for over eight years. During that time, I have done a bit of everything—making props and sets, creating puppets, animating, rotoscoping, and designing. It was a challenging and fun time where I was able to pick up a variety of skills and learn the importance of adaptability. Because of some life changes, I had to make a career shift and move closer to my family. It was at this crossroads where I decided to invest more time and energy into personal projects. One of these projects was writing and illustrating my first children’s book, titled The Night Song. This book was a leap of faith in pursuing a dream I had long buried beneath a busy life. I have often felt that life places us exactly where we need to be, allowing us to do what we need to do. For me, it was reconnecting with my roots and following my childhood dream of writing a book, as well as working on several more. The Night Song is more than just a story about the various sounds that fill the night; it’s also about embracing the present moment and approaching life with curiosity rather than fear. With this in mind, I began another artistic venture: painting watercolor illustrations at events. It has been an honor to create lasting snapshots for people to take away from their memorable experiences. I’ve discovered that being adaptable and open to new opportunities has not only allowed me to make art, but has also connected me with people in ways I never imagined.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal would be to be an independent artist and have the autonomy and flexibility to establish a brand. After working in a collaborative industry and helping make others’ visions a reality, I realized I want to do that for myself. I enjoy creating various forms of art, and I want to give myself the chance to explore different styles to see which ones resonate with me the most. People often associate an artist with a specific aesthetic, but I hope to express myself through a range of mediums, including children’s books, portrait art, and pop culture art.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The one thing I have always loved about being an artist is the ability to create pieces that not only resonate with people but also can transcend time. Art is all around us and influences our daily lives in ways that we might not even realize. From the clothes we wear, the books we choose, and the gifts we buy, we are being influenced in one way or another by art. It’s a magical feeling when you know something you’ve created has made a difference in someone’s life. Through social media, I have connected with people from all over the world and experienced their genuine connection to my book and my art. In a world bursting with content, it is encouraging to know that my voice can connect with the right audience out there! This realization gives me the confidence to continue creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michelleionescu.com/
• Instagram: @michelleionescu.art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ionescu-7582aa65

Image Credits

Debby Handolescu
Nigelle Garrett