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

Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin—a small Midwestern city where pursuing a career as an artist seemed unrealistic. Despite being surrounded by a few talented artists throughout my childhood, I had never encountered anyone who could make a living from their craft. As a child, the artists that I admired in the museum I would visit on the weekends with my Grandma lived in far off places that seemed other worldly to me at the time. In my community, following creative dreams didn’t seem financially feasible.

The stereotype of the starving artist was constantly reinforced in school, by my peers, and as society as a whole, casting a shadow over my ambitions. It wasn’t until university, when I encountered successful artists—often my professors or guest speakers—that I began to see a different reality. Before that, whenever I mentioned I was pursing art for my undergrad, I often faced skepticism and dismissive attitudes.

Pursuing a creative career often invites judgment from those who, for one reason or another, possibly didn’t believe in their own potential. I came close to being swayed by these doubts, but my parents played a crucial role in countering this negativity.

Despite the skepticism I faced from others and my own self inflicting narratives, my parents always recognized and nurtured my artistic talents. They never discouraged me or suggested that my dreams were unattainable. Instead, they supported and encouraged my ideas, pushing me into challenging situations because they believed in my potential. Their unwavering belief in me led them to practically insist that I see my creative endeavors through and attend art school, which ultimately set me on the path to pursuing my passions. And I’m so grateful to have people in my life who could see me and my potential, and cared about helping me see it too.

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.

As a multidisciplinary artist and designer, I’ve recently embarked on my professional journey following my graduation last summer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. My academic years were a time of deep exploration and where my passion for jewelry making began to unfold, a craft that has since become central to my artistic identity. Currently, I balance a day job with my personal artistic endeavors, all while preparing for the launch of my brand, “ESSAR.” This platform will be my canvas for all things related to metalwork—and potentially much more, so stay tuned.

My ultimate vision is to collaborate with like-minded individuals and brands, as I believe these partnerships foster profound human connections. For me, collaboration is more than just working together—it’s about creating meaningful dialogues and shared experiences and connecting to a greater audience through these themes. My personal work delves into philosophical, spiritual, and anthropological themes, reflecting my endless curiosity about the human condition and our various life experiences across different timelines.

I strive to create spaces that encourage exploration and open-mindedness. The goal is to foster a community where we can all learn from each other and our surroundings. Through my art, I hope to spark conversations and build connections among people, bridging gaps through shared ideologies, experiences, and lessons.

I want my audience to know that I am self-made and deeply committed to both my craft, the materiality and the people who engage with it. My brand is designed to be inclusive, aiming to bring people together through meaningful jewelry that represents important personal and cultural values. I hope that each piece not only adorns but also inspires dialogue and fosters a sense of community among those who wear it. None of us are alone <3.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Looking out for one another is the most important thing society can do for one another.
A supportive environment is crucial in nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem . Welcoming diverse perspectives and new voices into the creative sphere enriches conceptualization and expands possibilities.

There seems to be the common misconception in our field that the pool of opportunities are limited, fostering a scarcity mindset where individuals feel compelled to protect their own chances. I personally believe that creativity thrives on collaboration rather than isolation and that the creative process was never meant to be a solitary experience. As the saying goes, “Lighting someone else’s candle will never dim your own.” I think this is a powerful reminder that supporting others will never diminish one’s own creative potential and success.

When the same handful of individuals continuously produces work for a broad audience, it risks becoming repetitive and stagnant. I believe this stagnation contributes to a culture of rapid consumption and disposability, which can hinder both collective innovation and stunt personal growth. In an age where content is consumed at an unprecedented rate, audiences seek fresh and innovative ideas – out with the old, in with the new. Everything we ingest holds power, and I think people should consider and move with a bit more thought when putting out work.

I think the creative community should prioritize intentional work and when put in a room full of opportunity, actively invite emerging talents into these collaborative spaces. By doing so, we can foster a more dynamic and enriching environment that not only benefits individual growth but also advances the collective creative landscape.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Being an instinctively creative person is not something that can be sustained at a peak level continuously. The structure of modern society often does not align with the natural rhythms of creative individuals.

The process of generating exceptional ideas involves grappling with an equal measure of less effective or even discouraging thoughts. This duality—where “good” cannot exist without its counterbalance of “bad”—is particularly pronounced for those with an inherent creative drive. There are times of intense self-doubt and periods of profound confidence in one’s ideas. At times, one’s work feels like an extension of life itself, while at other moments, engaging with it can seem overwhelmingly burdensome.

This ebb and flow is exhausting, and burnout is an inherent part of the creative journey. It’s important to remind oneself of this reality during periods of creative stagnation or thoughtlessness. I often have to remind myself that I can never lose something that is apart of me. Embracing the full spectrum of the creative process can help navigate the inevitable ups and downs that come both physically and mentally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://essjayar.cargo.site/header
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_essar_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-reckmeyer-60a0b71b9
• Other: Stay tuned for my website for ESSAR launching soon !