We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Justice Rao recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I believe that creativity isn’t something that comes and goes—it’s present 24/7 in each of us. Even when life gets busy and it feels like there’s no time to create, inspiration is always all around. For me, everything in my surroundings holds creative potential. Whether I’m walking outdoors or simply observing nature, I find little treasures that spark ideas and inspire new creations.
As a full-time student, I often don’t have time to sit down and work on a full-scale project. But I’ve learned that creativity comes in many forms. It doesn’t always have to mean a big piece of artwork; it can be as simple as a small doodle, a quick digital design on my iPad, or jotting down ideas as they come. These little creative moments help keep my imagination flowing and my creative spirit alive.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve always had a passion for art, a spark that started early in my life. As a child and teenager, I would lose myself in sketching the faces of girls and experimenting with different artistic techniques. Over the years, my love for creativity grew, shaping my journey as an artist and inspiring me to explore new forms of expression.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, I’ve immersed myself in mixed-media art, treating anything that could hold paint as a canvas. A few years ago, I revisited my love of drawing people. I’d spend hours in bookstores admiring books filled with quirky, whimsical characters, which sparked my own interpretations of whimsical girls. While I loved this process, I felt something was missing—I wanted my art to have more dimension.
That’s when I discovered clay. My first attempts at sculpting faces were far from perfect, but I was determined to improve. I practiced relentlessly, watching countless YouTube tutorials and taking online classes to refine my technique. Over time, my characters began to take shape, each one reflecting my love for nature, everyday life, and the beauty of imperfection.
Today, I create art dolls that embrace asymmetry and imperfection, celebrating the perfectly imperfect world we live in. I’ve been showing my work at craft shows, where I’m thrilled to see people smile when they encounter my creations. It’s even more rewarding when someone chooses to bring one of my characters home, knowing it will brighten their space. Recently, I showcased my work at an art show, an exciting experience that allowed me to share my creations with a wider audience. In addition to exhibiting in person, I also use Instagram and social media as creative outlets to connect with others and showcase my evolving art. I recently launched a website dedicated to my artwork (www.justicetreehouse.com), providing a space for collectors and art enthusiasts to explore and purchase my pieces online.
I’m still early in my journey as an artist, but I’m passionate about sharing the joy of creating art with the world. For me, making art is not just a creative outlet—it’s a way to express my deepest feelings and find peace and happiness in the everyday.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Persistence has been essential for overcoming the challenges that come with learning new skills, especially when my early clay sculptures weren’t turning out as planned. I kept practicing and learning from my mistakes, which helped me grow. For anyone starting out, I’d encourage you to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and to stay committed to improving your process.
Adaptability has allowed me to explore different mediums and techniques. When something isn’t working, I’m open to trying new approaches or combining materials in unexpected ways. To develop this skill, be willing to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with new ideas, even if they don’t work out at first.
Curiosity has been the driving force behind my creativity. I love learning, whether it’s through YouTube tutorials, art classes, books, or observing nature. Staying curious opens up endless possibilities for inspiration. My advice is to stay open-minded and continually seek new sources of knowledge and inspiration—you never know where your next great idea will come from.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
A book that has played an important role in my development as an artist is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This book truly transformed the way I approach my creative process. One of the most valuable lessons it taught me is the power of “morning pages”—the practice of writing three pages of free-flowing thoughts every morning. Morning pages helped me clear my mind, confront creative blocks, and spark new ideas. They made me realize that creativity isn’t just about making art; it’s about nurturing a creative mindset every day.
Another impactful concept from The Artist’s Way is the idea of “artist dates.” Setting aside time to do something playful or inspiring by myself has opened up my imagination in unexpected ways. Whether it’s visiting a gallery, walking through nature, or just exploring a new hobby, these artist dates have helped me reconnect with my creative spirit and see the world with fresh eyes.
Both of these practices have taught me that creativity thrives on curiosity, playfulness, and consistent effort. They’ve made me more intentional about carving out time to nurture my inner artist, even on the busiest days.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justicetreehouse.com
- Instagram: @justicetreehouse
- Facebook: @justicetreehouse
Image Credits
Melanie Thomasson
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