Conversations with Melanie Damore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Damore

Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Melanie Damore and I am an Artist and Entrepreneur from Erie, Pennsylvania living here in Denver. I was a K-12 Art Teacher for almost a decade, but in 2021, I started Denver Art Days to teach adults, and began my full-time painting career.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In some ways, my road has been incredibly bumpy, but hard work and focus consistently drives me forward. I think the biggest struggle of being a full-time artist and business owner is finding the best ways to consistently grow financially. Things can get pretty scary considering how expensive our cost of living has become. There are days where having a normal 9-5 career with a consistent paycheck sounds so relaxing and relieving, but I am beyond happy getting to wake up, paint, share my skills with my students at Denver Art Days, and flex my schedule. Bumps and all, I wouldn’t change it for anything, I am so confident in my future, and I am living my dreams.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
If you’ve ever been on a hike with me, you’ve seen me lose my mind over landscapes; the colors, depth, wildflowers, and mountain peaks. Don’t even get me started on clouds. My oil paintings reflect my obsession for reimagining, recreating, and dramatizing the gorgeous landscapes I have experienced. I want to share how calm and fulfilling those landscapes made me feel, especially knowing, most people aren’t willing or able to travel to such remote spots.

I love to dramatize my landscapes by painting them large, sometimes warping the lines to create movement, adding sweeping clouds, and exaggerating the colors to match my memories.

Aside from my paintings, I have taken on a passion project to create digitally illustrated designs for all of the 14er peaks. I have 15 stickers currently being sold nationwide, and will eventually have illustrations for all 58 peaks in Colorado. Pikes Peak, not surprisingly, has been my top seller.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I joined a community workspace for artists called the Art Gym. All of the artists there work to lift each other up. We are all constantly sharing call for entry opportunities, grants applications, markets, networking events, etc. to help each and every artist succeed. I have had several of these professionals work with me at Denver Art Days, and they have been incredible assets and teachers.

I have also immersed myself in networking with other small business owners in the area to talk through everything from social media/marketing to customer service to sales taxes. I met most of these people just by talking about my business in public, posting to a facebook group, or sending a direct message on social media.

Community is always there and almost every person I have met has been eager to help. Anyone struggling – take an hour today, post to a facebook networking group, instagram page, or reach out to a friend. Brand new business owners, check out the SBDC for free business mentorship and classes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melaniedamore.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanieday_art/
• Other: www.denverartdays.etsy.com and www.denverartdays.com