We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Montrose. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.

Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was always an artist kid, like lots of kids are. In the second grade, my parents found out about a local artist who was teaching some other kids in my class after school at her home. My parents enrolled me in those classes. That continued all through elementary school, and then I took a break in middle school to play in the school band. At this time, I thought maybe I would like to be a veterinarian.

It wasn’t until I got to high school, that I considered that the arts were a viable career options. I walked into my high school art room, and the teacher had painted job titles all over one wall of jobs that required the person to be an artist; it was filled with potential jobs. My teacher was very clear that you CAN be an artist professionally, and there are a lot of options to choose from. That pretty much convinced me that my path would be a creative one.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Michelle Joy Montrose, and I’m a multidisciplinary artist. I allow myself to pursue whatever creative itch or project comes my way, and refrain from sticking to a single path. Some may call this inadvisable, but I call it going with the creative flow. I work in bodies of work and seasons of creativity. Sometimes I go on a sewing spree where I make garments and fiber arts, and then a few months later when the weather begins to brighten I’ll find myself outside with my easel doing plein air paintings. I’ve always been a creative person, and my parents encouraged me to pursue my artistic talents. They are my flag bearers and #1 fans. That said, it’s hard to pinpoint an entry into my career in making art. However, in the area of selling art, there was a definite turning point.
When I was 19 years old, I got into college and realized I should also be starting my business, so that by the time I graduated I would kind of know what I was supposed to do. So I drove over the Spanish Village at Balboa Park to see what “real artists” were doing. During that visit, an artist at the painting guild, Southwestern Artists Association, noticed my colorful short hair and crazy outfit and asked if I was also an artist. I said yes, and they invited me to attend their meetings and join the guild. A few months later I filed for a business license, and began to show with them. I’ve had paintings in their monthly show ever since!
Though my entry point into the art career world was oil painting I have branched out into many arenas.
(these were a bulleted list, but the formatting didn’t transfer)
Oil painting, originals and commissions of realistic portraits, and colorful scenes. I also do lots of florals and a few fantasy paintings.
Prints thereof
Private oil painting classes
Illustrating children’s books
Book binding
Online classes
In person classes
Custom orders
Fiber arts & Sewing
Quilts
Historical costumes
Fantasy costumes
Modern garments
Wearable fiber art brooches
Stuffed animals
Fiber bowls
Comics
Colorist
Illustrator for small comic strip
Character design/ concepting

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I’m going to continue to ignore the existence of NFT’s. I think it is a fad and I am not worried about it, nor are many of my professional artist friends.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before I graduated college, I was aware of the fact that it would be financially challenging to be an artist. So, I got a part time job working for a non-profit while building up my business. A few years later, I was making as much at art as I was at my part-time job, and for me that was the moment when I knew I was would have to fly out of the nest. There was no way for me to continue to grow my business and also work part time, so I took a leap of faith and quit the part time job to do art full time art. It was a difficult decision, but once I made it I knew I’d made the right choice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michellemontrose.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemontrose/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063466902841
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-montrose-763a2283/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiniMakes
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/michellejoymontrose