We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Mercilliott. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.
Hi Melissa, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
It’s a work in progress. The more you work on something, the more comfortable you get and then you realize that everyone else also feels like that at some point too. Time and experience helped me feel more confident, but I never want to come off that I know everything because I don’t, and no one does. I can only share what I know and try help others along the way. I just tell myself- I’m here and I’m doing the thing, so I must not be an imposter.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
After years of teaching art, I decided to move on and create art full time. I started with original art, vinyl stickers and cards online only, and that evolved into commissions, wholesale and lots of artisans markets! I’m currently working on a desert themed Tarot deck, which has turned into a massive research project. Meanwhile I’m still making wildlife art, participating in local fairs and hoping to open a storefront that would function as a Tucson public market for artists and makers. There is so much local talent to be shared and I would love to help make that happen!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Self motivation, passion for what I’m doing, and a background in teaching Art. Being self employed means I have to be able to motivate myself to get up and do what needs to get done, and take initiative to learn what I don’t know. No one is going to tell me the next step or push me to be productive, so it’s important to be internally motivated in some way. Obviously if I wasn’t passionate about what I’m doing, I would lack the motivation and determination to push through the uncomfortable parts. I also think that being an art teacher prepared me to wear all the hats I need to wear to make this happen. I was taught not just art making, but how to manage multiple projects, manage paperwork, socialize with other people and be able to help others, to pass that knowledge along. Of course having technical skills in art helps as well, but anyone can be an artist, as artistic style and taste is in the eye of the beholder.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My entire family has always been very supportive of living a creative life. Everyone has a different artistic skill, either musically, with woodworking, painting or quilting so it was natural that I would also choose to be creative. They often had other jobs, but some of them made a living by creating their art, or teaching within their interest. I was taught that it is ok to change interests, try new things and switch it up when it’s not fun anymore. I think it’s important to feel empowered and supported within our families, and I hope my kids will get that mindset as well!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mercistwodeserts.com
- Instagram: mercistwodeserts
- Facebook: Two Deserts
Image Credits
Sam Lynn Brooks
