M shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi M, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am without a doubt wandering, and I think we all are at least a little bit. I feel that even when we take detours in life from what we are trying to achieve, it is teaching us something equally important to help us work towards the goal in the long run.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an 18-year-old graphic designer, artist, creative, however you want to define it. My page and “brand” are still very much in their infancy, so I couldn’t put it in a box just yet, but what I could do is tell you what I hope for it to become. I want to inspire people to create; that is my only goal. I once heard this quote, “create it now, make it look good later”, and I try to stick by that. Confining your creativity based on your current skill is only holding you back. You could create the “worst” piece you’ve ever made, but if the idea is there, it’s good. I won’t lie, it’s extremely upsetting when you get a great idea and the execution isn’t to your standards, but you have to think about the big picture. You see people’s “worst” work all the time and get inspired to create your best. Long story short, JUST CREATE!! I have been working to spread my work around my city, stickers, flyers, and framed work. I want that to be a big part of my brand, people finding me and my page just because they were in the right spot at the right time and spotted my sticker or frame.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Honestly, I don’t think I could give just one answer. Every relationship in my life I have had or still have has influenced and changed me in one way or another. Regarding my creative career, I would have to say my relationship with my peers has shaped me a lot. The welcoming arms my now friends in the community have opened to me means the world. I feel that without their support, feedback, and friendship, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I think a lot of artists go into posting thinking they’ll do it all themselves, myself included, but you quickly learn that’s impossible. You need others, other creative minds, and other good people to help push you along.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me a lot, most importantly, that it can always be worse. I think that even when it feels like rock bottom, I have to remind myself of what I do have. I say that not to invalidate myself, but in an attempt to stay above water. It has taught me to take advantage of what I am struggling with in art, and share it even if it seems too vulnerable, because at least one person will see it and feel seen.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I try my best to portray my true self on my page but I think you can never show 100% of yourself all the time just like you can’t in real scenarios. I think sometimes my art gets my true self more than people in person do, and sometimes it’s the opposite. It is a balancing game and I think as long as you aren’t being deceptive, then you’re being as transparent as you can.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I have. A lot of my “tap dancing” moments come from working with good people, which almost always results in me helping out smaller artists and their communities. I am truly so thankful to be able to do what I do, even on a smaller scale. I think I can speak for a lot of creatives when I say getting a commission from either somebody you’ve been hoping to work with for a while, or just having the outcome be something you’re extremely proud of, is so rewarding and makes all the long nights worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/mdoesphotoshopportfolio/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdoesphotoshop/
- Other: I am available for commissions, you can reach me via Instagram dm or email me at mdoesps@gmail.com
