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

Mya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Growing up, I always would watch and often times assist my grandfather, James Williams do art work in the backyard of his home or at locations for the clients that he had through out Savannah. At the time, I saw myself being an artist. Unsure, I was consciously seeking a career during that time, but I knew I had something. Late 2018, I started painting and within the few months left of the year I found myself taking the art of painting a lot more serious. Learning a few skills from videos on Youtube and teaching myself how to manipulate acrylic paints the way that worked best for me. During those first months of me painting, my focal point was on Dragon Ball Z, and I created this dope collage of many characters. That piece was one of the first paintings that I had given as a gift to a coworker at the time for her son. That was when my dream of being a full time artist grew stronger. My dreams of artistry came more alive during the Covid-19 pandemic. There were many commissions requested and it felt good to see many costumers seeks art from me. So, to answer in a simpler way, At a young age unconsciously I always wanted to be an artist, but it was’t until the pandemic, that I actively sought my professional path in artistry.

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?

For those who haven’t read my story before, and anyone returning. I am a Savannah artist that has watched her grandfather growing up creating for numerous clients around Savannah, who has fell in love with art. From teaching myself how to draw, doing drawings for classmates, to painting and enjoying a craft that brings so much peace and joy. My focus during this time is realism. Avoiding portraits for the longest has became the very thing that I enjoy painting the most.
What problems you solve for your clients?
Unsure if I solve any problems for my clients, but I hope that my work, my style, and my over all service brings them joy. Just as much joy it brings me to just provide my service to any and everyone. Having a relationship with my clients has always been an important aspect. It allows me to get to know them better and even if they aren’t returning costumers, they often recommend me to other potential clients or events.
What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work?
The things that I am most proud of myself is that I allowed myself to express myself in my art, that it is my friend, my comfort, and I take pride in producing quality work. Art by Mya is constantly growing as a brand. Actively and artist in “Sunday Supper” and always looking for great opportunities to collaborate or even have conversations with fellow artist in any field of creation. I want my future clients, fans, or anyone who wants to know that I appreciate art from all walks of life. That I believe we are all creative individuals, no matter what the medium is nor the level of experience. Also, that we all have a purpose and to never let life or others steer you away from the things that you heart desires and what it wants to create.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing for me, is being in a room filled with other artist. Over the past two years, I have met so many new faces and quite a few old faces. These relationships have grown tremendously. Getting the opportunity to network with others that have the same passion as I, has been very inspiring. We all have different backgrounds and reasons for creating. Often sharing advice when it comes to how to do something or even deals on supplies. Being apart of something and it being a community that you know isn’t going anywhere is truly an amazing feeling.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This is the first time that I’ve shared this part of my story on record. God allowed Art to save my life. It stills saves my life.
Before I started painting in 2018, that year I was going to take my life (a lot of people don’t know this). Growing up, though I was happy and goofy. I struggled with depression after finding out that my mom had stage 4 cancer. That depression did venture into my adulthood and the circumstances of during that time fueled many thoughts to end it. One late night, I decided to drive to the top of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge and park my car. Which isn’t a great idea. In that moment, I was thinking wait til no cars are coming. I wanted to be alone and when I was, I was determined to just go. I was scared. Even with my heart fluttering, I felt it had to be done. Once, I looked down, my life did a quick flash of the things that mattered to me. Death wasn’t it. Once, I decided that I wanted to live. Living a life meaningful meant a lot more. Maybe a month or two later was when I began painting. And every time I feel depressed, art is the thing I turn to besides God, because God didn’t give me this gift for no reason.

For those reading, please reach out to anyone you can if you are suffering from depression, I also am extending an ear and words of encouragement. because it’s not something to ignore.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/art.bymya
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/art.bymyafutch