Jaimie Myers Art - An Explorer's Heart

Jaimie Myers

It has been way too long since we have had an artist on the blog, so I’m super excited about today’s artist! I first came across Jaimie’s art one afternoon on Pinterest. I love the bright colors and the simplicity of her work. The crazy part is that she only recently started to share her artwork and sell it on Etsy. I reached out to her to do an interview – here are her answers:

Describe your artistic journey up to this point.

I’ve always been interested in making things look pretty. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a book illustrator. In middle school, I was really into musical theatre. In high school, I was the queen of the tri-fold presentation board. But I never considered myself an artist then. I dreamed of being a scientist or a chef, but I still never considered myself an artist. The first time I felt like I was making art was when I was learning photography and taking portraits. Once I had kids, making art with them was always a way I could easily connect and bond with them. The messes never bothered me. But I still never considered myself an artist. About a year ago, I decided that I wanted to have more focus in my life. I started painting on a regular basis, just for me, and soon, my Instagram audience and I never looked back. I knew that I needed to define myself so I just loosely say “artist and writer.” Now I know that many of the things I do are art, that it doesn’t have to be paint to be art. When I write, I am an artist. When I take photos, I am an artist. It doesn’t matter how good I am, but to be able to define myself that way allows me to create more freely.

Who are your artistic influences?

I try really hard not to compare my work to others that are creating similar art to me. This leads me down an unpleasant spiral. Instead, I try to be influenced by other people who are working hard at what they are doing. A few women that really inspire me are Danielle from Thyme is Honey, Kendra from House of Hipsters, Lindzi from The Trendy Sparrow and a couple of artists that really inspire me are Lisa Congdon and Alisa Burke.

What’s your advice for young artists wanting to pursue art as a career?

Just do it. It’s really as simple as that. In this ultra-digital world, creating art and putting it out into the world is the first, most important step. Try not to compare yourself to others. Find a community of people who support you no matter what. Be kind. The next steps are more difficult (like starting a business, marketing, selling, etc.) but if you can learn to put yourself out there and feel good about it, I’d say that is the most important step.

What has been your educational journey as an artist?

I didn’t go to school for art. I graduated from college with a degree in Journalism. I am a self-taught photographer and watercolor artist. There are endless resources for learning either on the Internet. CreativeBug, Skillshare and CreativeLive are all great resources for teaching yourself a craft.

What’s the inspiration for your work?

My biggest inspirations are my children and nature, specifically the ocean. I find myself thinking of the ocean often when I paint. I love the playfulness that children bring to the world and that inspires me to add a bit of whimsy to my work. My daughter has been creative since the minute she was born. She could draw or create all day and that inspires me too. She just keeps making things and she isn’t doing it for anyone but herself. I like that.

You can find more of Jaimie’s work on her website – www.jaimieemyers.com

Also, be sure sure to check out her Instagram – @jaimieemyers

Do you have a favorite piece?