Daily Inspiration: Meet Molly McClure

Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly McClure.

Hi Molly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been a working artist since 2017. I started as a portrait artist in Manitou Springs. I have a background working in Architectural design, I was a project manager and decided to apply those skills to artistry. I went through a production phase and then started to establish myself as an artist in the Colorado Springs area by having shows and meeting other artists and gallery owners.

I created my first mural in 2018. I loved it. I created 4 large-scale public murals for free and it helped me to transition into the full-time mural artist that I am now. Currently, I have created over 30-40 murals in the Colorado Springs/Denver area, and I am beyond thrilled with my experience. Most of my work comes through networking and referrals.

Creating large-scale work is the most challenging and satisfying thing I have ever done and it brings me so much joy. I can’t emphasize my community enough. Community is everything. I love my community and want to uplift it as much as possible. My community is here for me and I am here for it.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been quite a bumpy and thrilling road, that being said, I wouldn’t change any of it. I have had to pick up service jobs from time to time when things get rough. Working in the service industry is a blessing because it allows you to continue networking and meeting amazing people. Everything is an opportunity if you allow it to be.

Learning how to run a business smoothly is always an interesting, fun, and never-ending project. I learn new things all of the time. I enjoy the business aspect of things, crunching numbers, networking, and delivery of goods, the whole thing is a blast. I find the challenge exciting.

At times, it can be quite stressful but I learn all of the time and I love the challenge. I’ve also learned that meeting people who like you and enjoy your work is so important, people want to help, and they want to see you strive. Never take a relationship for granted. People are amazing.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist for hire. I have a versatile style and love meeting my client’s needs. Right now, I love creating flowers. I try to incorporate them into almost all of my pieces. My work is very colorful and bright. My pieces can be striking but I think more than anything they exude happiness and playfulness. I work for a lot of different types of clients.

Primarily, I am a commercial artist, I occasionally do residential, but I enjoy playing with branding for my clients. I love working for schools and non-profits. I love adding color, I love creating things that the general public will enjoy. My art isn’t challenging, it’s a celebration. I am proud of how far I’ve come. I set out on this journey in the hopes that perhaps I would be successful. I never realized how far I would come in this journey. It surprises me all of the time.

I had the pleasure of creating a mural for Partners in Housing in the Spring of 2023, it spanned two buildings, it was a challenge, and it was hard, but it was so fun, and my clients were thrilled. The city enjoyed it and it made me happy to make so many people happy. I think of art as a reprieve, a reprieve from hardship, from stress, from the ups and downs of life. It is an honor to create something that allows a momentary pause.

I believe my work ethic sets me apart. I deliver exactly what I design for my clientele, and I take my work seriously and I take my client’s needs seriously.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Be flexible and enjoy the journey. Sometimes things far exceed our expectations. Be professional and timely. Take your work seriously. Never forget about taxes and do your research. Enjoy your community, be a part of your community, it’s crucial, and always have fun.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollymcclureart/