We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Steffie Molla a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Steffie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?
While I’ve been making art all my life- I’ve only had my business as you see it and started heavily sharing my work for almost 2 years now. The past 10 years has been college & various jobs. My current job is a ES art teacher.
Both higher Ed schooling and various jobs in corporate and non-corporate setting taught me any important non-art related skills that I think many freelancers need to keep in mind.
1. Professionalism-clothing. You are also your brand, how you dress matters. Even if you need to wear a tshirt, make it one that showcases what you are about. Much like how there is a dress code in the office, treat your shows like an event.
2.Professionalism- writing. Learn how to communicate. You don’t need to be boring, but know how to structure an email, text and message that gets your point across quickly.
3.Professionalism- time. The best part of being freelance is making your own schedule, but it can also be the hardest. Treat your time and commitments with the same amount of seriousness you would a contract job.
I got lucky because many of these skills were taught to me and expected through the higher Ed system. So to apply that going forward was very natural.
Steffie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I got her B.F.A in fine arts in 2016 at George Mason University and her M.F.A in Arts Education in 2020 at University of North Texas. I am an Art EC-12 licensed teacher in the state of Texas.
I have Lyme Disease, and was diagnosed in 2010. My art is a whimsical approach to a topic that could be considered uncomfortable in order to make a connection to those who don’t have a chronic illness so they might understand some of the challenges faced by those who do.
I’ve always been doing art, but I atstarted sharing my work online and created my business as you see it now in June 2020.
My goal for my work has always been to create “cool/fun/colorful/happy/interesting” art for disabilities. My brother is also a type 1 diabetic, and we both came from the “skater” world. We wanted art that you could wear and look at that WE liked. Art with meaning- especially trauma- doesn’t always have to be sad. Sometimes you can share the joy and even laugh at it, that’s ok too.
I love making illustrations about disabilities. I also LOVE doing logos and album covers! I’ve done logos for rappers, pop stars and DJs. As well as some album covers. I can also do murals.
If you need an artist to make you a colorful, weird request- I got you!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I don’t have every step planned out. I don’t know how I’m going to get there exactly. All I KNOW- is I am throwing every opportunity that comes my way at the wall and seeing what sticks. Because all you can do is try & see what does or doesn’t work for you to get to that goal.
I at some point envision myself not having to work two jobs. That would be nice- to just be able to only focus on my art.
Once art is 100% my focus I feel like my golden. I have so many hopes. I’m passionate about disabilities and accessibility. I would love to one day have the power to boost more disabled creatives up and find a way to make more spaces accessible to everyone.
I’m just happy my art relates to so many, and I hope it continues to do so.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The way you can support artists for free is by following ALL of their social media accounts. Engage on all their posts if you can. If you can’t afford to buy something, our follower and engagement with attract companies who CAN.
With the way everything is moving that follower and engagement has to be even across all platforms.
If you want to support with $$$- see if they have a low tier patron or stickers! They cost less but still go towards the artists.
Support in anyway counts and helps- just like voting for your fav musician on the awards shows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.steffiemolla.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steffiemolla/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steffierohr
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/steffiemolla
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQMz4PZKvIwjCwbFq8dZQ-Q
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/steffiemolla
Image Credits
All photos taken by steffie molla All artwork drawn by steffie molla