So kind of you, Kayla! Thank you for reading a bit about me. I’m so glad that you like my art. 🥰 Here’s to hoping that my face or my art makes it into the magazine someday! 🧡🤞🏽
Of course! How you believe in yourself and your art is such an inspiration because I struggle with that almost on a daily basis. So thank you for being so candid on your journey and I can’t wait to see how far you’ll go. 🤍🌻
This was so honest - I often see posts about people saying to follow your bliss and all the doors magically open but that's not always the case. I am also finding myself seeking employment again after a decade of living as an author and publishing books. The creative life really can be an all day hustle with small quiet wins and a lot of crickets. It's cool you are still pursuing your creative ventures but seeking work elsewhere, too. Thanks for sharing this!
I think one way of looking at this is that by following your bliss, you are living a life that nurtures your soul. That doesn't necessarily mean to give up on stable paid work that is necessary for the more practical aspects of life, but to continue to do the things that your soul needs. I remember even Joseph Campbell who is credited with the saying "follow your bliss," saying that this will look different for each person. Not everyone will give up all their worldly possessions to backpack around the world as an example. Some of us need stability and have to weave these moments of bliss into our daily lives rather than drastically changing our lives for something entirely different than what we are used to.
Thank you, Andrea. You’re right - I’ve read those same stories of people following their dreams and all the stars align just right. I think that’s what gave me a bit of hope. But my journey hasn’t been at all like that. If you must find a job, I hope that it is something that allows you to continue to be creative and have time to write. May we both knock on the right doors soon. 🧡
This was so lovely to read! Thank you for interviewing Melissa Caitlin. It's inspiring to hear your experience with embracing your writing and art Melissa, and I hope you continue to pursue them (even if in the gaps between working), because doing so will fuel your soul. Those dolls are brilliant, genuinely so well-made and designed. I look forward to seeing what else you do! (And you as ever Caitlin❤️)
Thank you, Katie! I’m going to continue chasing my dreams every chance I get. I’m so glad that you like the dolls. I, somehow, forgot to mention their names. 🙃 Monsieur Pierre, Ferdinand and Hans Bernard. 🧡
Thank you, Caitlin and Melissa, for this. A thought-provoking piece about trying to follow our dreams. The dolls are fabulous, and the artwork is wonderful!
😭 You had me at, ‘courageous’. Thank you for interviewing me, Caitlin. Truly an honor. Let’s do this again in a year. 😘
It was my pleasure, Melissa. It was wonderful learning more about your creative journey. Yes! A follow-up interview next year sounds great to me.
I enjoyed this so much. Thank you for sharing this, Melissa!
Thanks for reading, Stephanie! xo
I love this! Her artwork is so unique and it’s so cute in all mediums! Those dolls are just adorable.
I could totally see her artwork in Magnolia Journal! I’m a subscriber to it so here’s hoping for the day I see her featured in an issue!
I'm eagerly anticipating the day Melissa's work appears in Magnolia Journal too. Thanks for reading and enjoying, Kayla!
Of course!! 🤗
So kind of you, Kayla! Thank you for reading a bit about me. I’m so glad that you like my art. 🥰 Here’s to hoping that my face or my art makes it into the magazine someday! 🧡🤞🏽
Of course! How you believe in yourself and your art is such an inspiration because I struggle with that almost on a daily basis. So thank you for being so candid on your journey and I can’t wait to see how far you’ll go. 🤍🌻
This was so honest - I often see posts about people saying to follow your bliss and all the doors magically open but that's not always the case. I am also finding myself seeking employment again after a decade of living as an author and publishing books. The creative life really can be an all day hustle with small quiet wins and a lot of crickets. It's cool you are still pursuing your creative ventures but seeking work elsewhere, too. Thanks for sharing this!
I think one way of looking at this is that by following your bliss, you are living a life that nurtures your soul. That doesn't necessarily mean to give up on stable paid work that is necessary for the more practical aspects of life, but to continue to do the things that your soul needs. I remember even Joseph Campbell who is credited with the saying "follow your bliss," saying that this will look different for each person. Not everyone will give up all their worldly possessions to backpack around the world as an example. Some of us need stability and have to weave these moments of bliss into our daily lives rather than drastically changing our lives for something entirely different than what we are used to.
Thank you, Andrea. You’re right - I’ve read those same stories of people following their dreams and all the stars align just right. I think that’s what gave me a bit of hope. But my journey hasn’t been at all like that. If you must find a job, I hope that it is something that allows you to continue to be creative and have time to write. May we both knock on the right doors soon. 🧡
I’ve been following Melissa at her Substack for quite some time. Am very glad to see her getting a bit more attention!
So sweet of you, Susannah! Thanks for riding along with me on this journey of mine. 🧡
Thank you for reading and supporting Melissa here! She deserves all the love and support. :)
This was so lovely to read! Thank you for interviewing Melissa Caitlin. It's inspiring to hear your experience with embracing your writing and art Melissa, and I hope you continue to pursue them (even if in the gaps between working), because doing so will fuel your soul. Those dolls are brilliant, genuinely so well-made and designed. I look forward to seeing what else you do! (And you as ever Caitlin❤️)
And thank you for reading, Katie.
Thank you, Katie! I’m going to continue chasing my dreams every chance I get. I’m so glad that you like the dolls. I, somehow, forgot to mention their names. 🙃 Monsieur Pierre, Ferdinand and Hans Bernard. 🧡
Thank you, Caitlin and Melissa, for this. A thought-provoking piece about trying to follow our dreams. The dolls are fabulous, and the artwork is wonderful!