We recently connected with Mynecia Steele and have shared our conversation below.

Mynecia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

The core of my story is being led by and trust in God. There have been many moments where I’ve stepped back from the craziness of life, looked around and realized how I’ve gotten into this hectic mess. Usually, I’m getting in my own way. It’s during these times that I have to remind myself, “…God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

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

Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to cross paths with other creatives. The collaborations that were birthed through those encounters have led me to where I am today. A commission artist who specializes in book illustration and digital art. I also sell printable files of my artwork on Etsy. And, as of the 2022-2023 school year I am an elementary through middle school art teacher.

Over time, I’ve found that women of color have been my biggest supporters. As a woman of color, I’m all for it! I love uplifting and supportive community that’s formed around my brand. The most consistent partnerships that I have are with Divine Legacy Publishing and Created By Moneeka. As a trio, we’ve helped dozens of first-time authors bring their stories to life.

My personal artwork usually focuses of the female figure, body positivity and inclusion in regard to skin tone hair types, etc. My artwork is available for sale on my Etsy shop: ThisIsMyne.

Aside from illustrations, my top services are portraits and logo designs. I regularly draw family portraits and in-remembrance-of portraits. I also help first time business owners brand themselves with customized logos, and existing businesses with logo redesigns.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I put my fears aside and listen to that voice in my head I know what I need to do. It’s rarely an easy process, but it’s always for the best. Some may call that voice intuition, conscious, or even a vibe, but I call it the holy spirit. I owe every success to God.

Let’s be real, it was only by faith that I had the courage to quit my job and pursue my illustration and digital art career, full time. But, that’s my 2022 story. Let’s back up to the beginning.

In July of 2018 I graduated from Troy University. I’d minored in graphic design, but my degree was in multimedia journalism. From that alone, you can probably tell I wasn’t sure what I would do next. I had the background and experience to go out and pursue journalism. Obviously, as time went on, I realized that wasn’t where my heart was, but we’re not there yet. After graduating, I moved back in with my parents in my hometown and began applying for jobs in the journalism field, and a few arts related gigs, as well.

Most of those application attempts ended in rejection, no response, or occasionally me allowing fear and anxiety to take over, and in-turn not moving forward with the process.

In the meantime, I’d saved up to purchase an iPad and apple pencil as a graduation gift to myself. I also had more time on my hands to draw for fun. Those fun drawings drew a bit of attention on social media. Friends of friends began reaching out for my creative services and overtime I discovered my niche. I joined some art groups on Facebook, and that’s how I met my publisher. Then, boom I was a full-time illustrator and digital artist.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I even tried to work a 9 to 5 for a while. I learned a lot and made great connections during that time. Only problem, it was an art adjacent job. I was helping other creatives and creative organizations find resources to fund their works and programs. Meanwhile, my own art career was struggling. There God was again, asking me why I was running from my path. So, I’m back at it full time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thisismyne.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/this.is.myne/?__coig_restricted=1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myne.bymya
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/its_steele_mya
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAF2rKKtXXzcIoj8bTa7g7g
• Other: https://linktr.ee/thisismyne