We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mimi Doyo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mimi , appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I can confidently say that I am genuinely happy as an artist and creative individual. Throughout my journey, I have indeed pondered the idea of having a regular job, but I’ve come to realize that my passion for the arts is what truly fulfills me, and I don’t see myself committing to a traditional job outside of the arts community in the long term.
I have had some experience working in non-creative roles. I served as a student success coach at my community college within the arts department, where I assisted students in navigating their career paths and connecting them with relevant resources. While this role allowed me to contribute positively to students’ lives, I couldn’t help but feel that it didn’t fully utilize my creative skills and talents. The desire to create, innovate, and express myself artistically was always burning within me. During one summer, I worked in customer service at an ice cream store. It was a fun job, especially since I had friends and family working there with me. However, I soon realized that, although enjoyable, this kind of work didn’t provide the long-term challenge and satisfaction that I craved as a creative artist. It reaffirmed my belief that my true calling lies within the realm of artistry.
Currently, I work part-time as a teacher assistant at a weekend program for high school students, where we teach them the foundational skills of fine arts. This position strikes a perfect balance for me as it allows me to maintain a flexible schedule, essential for dedicating ample time to my career as an artist and continuing to create the work I am passionate about. Additionally, it enables me to share my knowledge and inspire the next generation of artists, which is incredibly rewarding.
While I have explored non-creative roles in the past and occasionally considered what it would be like to have a regular job, my heart firmly belongs in the arts. My experiences have reinforced my commitment to pursuing a creative career, and I find great joy and purpose in the path I’ve chosen. I am confident that my dedication to my craft will continue to drive me towards artistic excellence and fulfillment.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a Filipino-American artist deeply rooted in my cultural identity and family history, which serve as the wellspring of my creative inspiration. Born in California in 1999 and currently residing in the vibrant Los Angeles area, my artistic journey began at a young age, offering me a means of solace and self-expression in a sometimes overwhelming world.
Art has always been my trusted companion, helping me understand and navigate life. Supported by my mother, who recognized the significance of creativity in my life, I embarked on a path that led me to where I am today.
My formal artistic education commenced during high school when I dual-enrolled at Rio Hondo Community College during my junior year. These early college courses in drawing and painting, along with a professor’s recommendation, led me to join Ryman Arts, a non-profit organization for high school artists. Ryman Arts not only provided me with a community of passionate individuals but also further ignited my love for the arts.
Simultaneously, I continued honing my skills and techniques as a painter through coursework at Rio Hondo. In 2019, I proudly graduated from Rio Hondo with an Associate’s degree in Studio Arts, earning the Outstanding Student Award in Painting and Drawing for two consecutive years.
My journey continued at California State University, Long Beach School of Art, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. I remained steadfast in my determination to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Drawing and Painting. The support and camaraderie of my peers and friends played a pivotal role during these trying times. In my final two semesters, I had the privilege of serving as the student President for the BFA Drawing and Painting Club, successfully reactivating the club and organizing events for fellow students. This year, I accomplished my goal of attaining a Bachelor’s degree in Drawing and Painting.
Throughout my journey, I’ve also taken on roles as a Teaching Assistant at Ryman Arts and a Student Success Coach at Rio Hondo Community College. These positions allowed me to share my passion for art with others while providing support to fellow students.
My artistic expression predominantly manifests through introspective paintings of my family home. These pieces encapsulate the essence of its renovation while delving into themes of culture, poetry, and music. My work encompasses familiar domestic settings, everyday objects, and elements of my cultural heritage, including lyrics from Filipino folk songs. Through these compositions, I explore memories and the rich history that is an integral part of my cultural identity.
I craft sharp, meticulously rendered focal points that sharply contrast with the more painterly world that envelops them, symbolizing how memory can be fragmented yet visually articulated. My painting process embraces technical mishaps and the nature of paint, incorporating gestural mark-making and the use of a palette knife. I deliberately leave parts of the painting undefined to allow the layers and textures of the paint to shine through.
One creative process I’ve been most drawn to involves starting with sketches that envision how my childhood home appeared before my father’s remodel in 2002. These sketches serve as the foundation, evolving into paintings that begin with a monochromatic blue palette. As I progress, I explore colors that hold personal meaning or emotional connection. I delve into memories from places that function as sanctuaries for my family, contemplating experiences of sadness, trauma, loss, and adaptation to new changes brought about by the pandemic and family challenges. In my work, I ponder how one moves forward in the face of loss and what that journey entails. Does everything turn blue in a moment of grief? These questions are at the heart of my artistic exploration.
My artistic journey has been shaped by a deep connection to my cultural heritage, unwavering family support, mentorship from professors, and a sense of belonging within the artist community. My art reflects my passion for storytelling, memory, and identity. I invite potential clients, followers, and fans to join me on this artistic voyage, where I endeavor to share my unique perspective and inspire introspection through my work.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In my view, supporting artists, creatives, and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem within society is crucial for the enrichment of culture and human experience. To achieve this, there are several key aspects that society can focus on:
Firstly, addressing the disparities and challenges within academic art programs is paramount. Many academic art programs, not only in California but across the country, suffer from inadequate support and lack of diversity within the educational system. These issues can hinder the potential of aspiring artists and creatives. It’s essential for institutions to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to resources and opportunities.
Financial and educational funding are also critical aspects that need improvement. As someone who has worked within academic art programs, I’ve witnessed many of my peers struggle to pursue their creative careers due to financial constraints and limited educational support. Society can play a significant role by advocating for increased funding for arts education and scholarships to alleviate the financial burden on budding artists and creatives.
Furthermore, recognizing the profound importance of the arts in our society is essential. Through the arts, individuals can share their creative visions and ideas, fostering innovation and cultural enrichment. Historically, the arts have played a pivotal role in bringing people and communities together, serving as a bridge to connect us to our past, present, and future. It’s vital for society to value and support these cultural connections that help maintain our collective identity.
Lastly, understanding that a career in the arts encompasses a broad spectrum of skills, knowledge, and talents is crucial. Artists and creatives bring to life their hopes and dreams through their work, and they contribute significantly to our society’s cultural fabric. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of creative careers and supporting artists in their endeavors will help sustain a thriving creative ecosystem.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my social media following has been a journey that gained significant traction relatively recently. After completing college, I realized that my education had played a crucial role in my networking. In particular, Instagram became a platform where I stayed connected with my art community and peers. This ongoing connection allowed me to not only showcase my work but also engage with and support the creative endeavors of those within my network. It opened up a new avenue for networking that I hadn’t fully explored during my college years. I believe that one of the advantages of being a recent graduate is that the art world often looks for emerging artists who are just starting out. So, my journey coincided with this interest in up-and-coming talent.
For those new to building a social media presence, here’s some advice based on my experience: Social media can be intimidating, especially in the beginning. Don’t hesitate to set your account to private for added comfort, as many, like myself, prefer to keep personal and professional lives separate. It’s crucial to prioritize your comfort and safety. As a young artist, it’s perfectly fine to say no or block individuals who don’t align with your goals or make you uncomfortable online. Social media platforms have unique cultures and dynamics, so staying informed about changes, fake accounts, and advertising is beneficial. Stay true to your artistic identity and share what you genuinely love; authenticity often resonates more with your audience than conforming to trends. Lastly, remember to prioritize your mental well-being over numbers and validation. Building a social media presence can be a rewarding journey, but it’s essential to navigate it with care and consideration for your own comfort and authenticity. Stay true to yourself, prioritize your mental health, and don’t be afraid to curate your online network to align with your goals and values.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mimidoyo
- Facebook: @mimidoyo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-doyo-8b162519a/
Image Credits
James Doyo