A Sleepy (and Courageous) Wildflower
Muse Monday Interview with Melissa
Hi lovely,
I am so pleased to welcome the lovely artist Melissa of
to join me for a Muse Monday Interview. Melissa writes one of my favorite newsletters here on Substack and we have been talking about this feature for a while now. I’m so glad to finally share her story with you. Let’s welcome Melissa!Welcome to Ink-Stained Compass, the newsletter by poet Caitlin Gemmell. Once a month, I interview a fellow creator in a Muse Monday feature. These Muse Monday features are always free from the paywall.
Hi Melissa! It’s lovely to connect with you. I only recently discovered your Substack publication and was immediately inspired by your story. Could you share with my readers a little about your experience with leaving a secure but soul-sucking environment to pursue a career as an artist? What inspired you to take that leap of faith?
Hi, Caitlin! Great to connect with you as well. You’re such a delight! I’m so honored that you reached out.
I left my job in December of 2023. I worked as a surgical technologist in the operating room. My job, in short, was to create a sterile field for each procedure and to assist the surgeons during operations. It might sound like an easy gig, but in reality it was physically and mentally draining. It was an emotionally strenuous position to be in. For 12 years, I put my heart and soul into my job until I just couldn’t do it any longer. I was burnt out and unhappy.
My husband didn’t like seeing me in such a miserable state. He encouraged me to pursue my dreams of being a full-time writer and artist. After much contemplation, I finally agreed and wrote a letter of resignation. I was afraid to take the leap without a safety net, but hopeful nonetheless. I had always heard that success is on the other side of fear, so conquering that fear became a necessity.
While my husband worked as many hours as possible to support our family, I worked to build my business. I created works of art, poetry and stories. I posted on social media platforms. I talked to local businesses about carrying my art in their store. I even sent some of my work to a couple big-name bookstores.
Alas, my efforts haven’t gotten me very far. My sales are few and far between. My husband is worn out and we are living paycheck to paycheck. Needless to say, I’m going back to work. Is that what I really want to do? Of course not. But I have to. I’ve recognized that success doesn’t come when we want or need it to. It has its own timeframe. Some of us have the ability to pursue our dreams full-time and wait it out. But others, like me, simply can’t ride that wave for very long before things come tumbling down.
There is a part of me that feels like a failure, but the only way I can truly fail is if I completely give up. That’s something that I refuse to do. When I start my day-job, I will continue to create art every chance I get; in the car before my shift starts, during my 15-minute breaks and at the end of the day when I still have some fight left in me. I will prevail!
That’s a wonderful reminder for creators that we are complex individuals and that our stable jobs/day jobs aren’t necessarily the same as our purpose. What we do for a living isn’t typically who we are as individuals. Have you always known you are an artist/creator? Has the need to create been present in you always, or did it emerge later in your life?
Although I have been writing and drawing since I was a little girl, it didn’t dawn on me that I could officially call myself a writer or an artist at that time. It wasn’t until my husband (he really has been a huge part of my artistic journey) told me how profound my work was that I began taking it seriously. His encouragement allowed me to believe that I was worthy of such titles; writer and artist. I had always been those things, really. It just took me many years to realize it.
Creating has always been a necessity for me. Art is my survival guide. It saves me time and time again; from depression, anxiety and times of feeling lost. Writing is my therapy. I find solace in the curve of each letter. Art and words have accompanied me through the good times and the bad. They’ll always be my sidekicks.
That’s so great you have a supportive husband who encourages you to pursue your passion and gifts. And I can certainly relate to creation as a necessity. What motivates you to keep going?
First and foremost, my husband and our daughters. The belief that they have in me is like a tight, warm embrace. They cheer me on every single day. I want to make them proud.
Secondly, I know that this is my calling. I know in my heart, even through bouts of doubt, that this is what I’m truly meant to do. This is a call that I can’t ignore.
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
In the moon, the stars, the clouds and the blue of the sky. In the forest, the lakes and the rain. In between the melodies of classical music. In the stories of my childhood; both the beautiful and the ugly chapters.
Is there a work of art you’ve created that you are especially proud of?
A couple of years ago, I taught myself how to sew and I made a few dolls. I treasure them with my whole heart. They took hours to make and they were totally worth it. They’re the coolest dudes you’ll ever see.
Oh my gosh! They’re fabulous. I hope you make more dolls one day. How do you find balance between pursuing your passion and tending to your family?
Juggling the two hasn’t been too difficult. I have set “office” hours to work on my creativity. The door is always open though, so there are moments when I am briefly distracted, but I don’t mind. My children are 17 and 18 years old, so they understand the importance of me tending to my dreams. They also have lives of their own, so they’re usually in school, working or hanging out with their friends. After my office hours, and on the weekends, we all spend a good amount of quality time together.
What are your preferred mediums and why?
I enjoy playing around with many mediums. I’ve dabbled with graphite, pastels, watercolors, acrylics and alcohol inks. What I am currently using, and thoroughly enjoying, is my iPad to create digital works of art. Working digitally, I have access to any and all colors that my mind can dream of. I can also fix any mistakes just as quickly as I make them. Another great thing about working digitally is that I can create art anywhere, without having to haul around tons of art supplies. Oh! One more thing. Working in this way has also allowed me to begin teaching myself how to animate my art, which really brings my imagination to life.
I’ve noticed you’ve been sharing animated clips of your art on Substack Notes. I’m really enjoying watching them. How has your artistic style changed over time?
I think I’ve always had the same style of art. My art pieces have typically conveyed something along the lines of being whimsical, whether landscapes or characters. What I have changed is my color palette and embracing the imperfections.
I used to paint with a collection of just six colors. Recently, I’ve been inviting other colors into my realm and I’m so happy that I did. I was never a fan of purple, but now it’s one of my favorite colors to add to my artwork.
Letting go of symmetrical lines within my art has felt so freeing. I find so much beauty in the flaws and imperfections. It adds that much more character to the art.
If you could offer advice to your past self, what would you say?
Keep going. It really is just that simple.
Is there a project you are currently working on?
Yes! I am working on putting together my first book of poetry and prose for adults. This is something that I’ve wanted to do for a very long time and I’ve finally mustered up the courage to do it. I’m not sure if it will end up being a physical book or just an e-book, but my goal is for it to be both. I want everyone, far and wide, to have access to it. My plan is to release it sometime in 2025.
That’s great news! I can’t wait to read it. Do you have any rituals that tie in with the creative process? For example, I always start my day by making a cup of tea which I then drink outside while I meditate on the day ahead and write my morning pages in my journal. This daily ritual helps set the tone for me to make space for my creative work throughout the day. Some artists might have a special talisman that they look at as they work, or a hat that they must wear, or something of the sort.
Oh, yes! Before I get in the creative headspace, I go for a walk in my neighborhood very early in the morning. It’s the perfect time to witness nature waking up. Once I get back home and am ready to explore my creative endeavors, I turn on classical music. It helps me to relax and focus more and allows me to tap into my artsy side. Beginning my day with nature and music sets me up for a good, productive day.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Some of the artists/illustrators that I am currently fangirling over include Jacob Souva, Jon Klassen and Sonja Wimmer. I’ve always had a fascination with children’s books. The illustrations pull me in immediately and make me wish that the characters were real. Each of these illustrators have their own unique style that I absolutely adore. It’s their art that has made me pick up several of their books. I have yet to put them down.
Jon Klassen is one of my favorite illustrators too. I’m not familiar with Jacob Souva and Sonja Wimmer but I’ll certainly look into them. Where do you see yourself in your artistic journey ten years from now?
I envision so many things that I hope come to fruition. I see myself writing and illustrating many books, for both children and adults. Maybe I’ll even have a bestseller or two. I hope that I’m signing books and writing little messages on random pages for my readers to find. Wouldn’t it be something if Joanna Gaines saw my work and asked to feature me in her magazine, The Magnolia Journal? I would faint! I would love it if stores carried my art prints and books and whatever other products I might come up with by then. Collaborating with other creatives could be pretty amazing. Oh, the possibilities are endless! These dreams make me excited for what’s to come. *fingers crossed*
Thank you, Melissa, for this conversation. It’s been a pleasure.
Bio
Melissa is a wife, mother, artist and storyteller residing in Michigan. She loves creating all the things that excite her inner child. When she isn’t working at her desk, you can find her in nature admiring the trees and shrieking at the sight of a spider.
You can view Melissa’s online shop at thesleepywildflower.com. You can find her on TikTok and Instagram @thesleepywildflower. If you fancy buying her a cup of coffee, you can do so at
Ko-fi.com/thesleepywildflower.
😭 You had me at, ‘courageous’. Thank you for interviewing me, Caitlin. Truly an honor. Let’s do this again in a year. 😘
I enjoyed this so much. Thank you for sharing this, Melissa!