We recently had the chance to connect with Devyn Mata and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Devyn, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
What I’m being called to do now is something I used to be afraid of—embracing art as both my work and my purpose. For a long time, I let doubts and outside voices convince me that being an artist wasn’t a “real” path, so I stayed in jobs that left me unfulfilled. But art was always calling me back. It’s where I find clarity, healing, and play, and I want to share that with others so they can experience those same benefits.
Choosing this path is about finally listening to that voice inside me and giving myself permission to pursue what truly makes me happy. I know fear will always be there, but I’ve realized regret would feel so much heavier. That’s why I’m ready to step forward, take chances, and help others do the same.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Devyn, and I’m the founder of Mind Over Mata, a creative brand that combines art and mindfulness to help people reconnect with themselves through creativity. With Mind Over Mata, I create both digital and physical products, as well as experiences, that encourage self-expression and make art feel approachable.
This September, I’m launching a podcast on Spotify and YouTube, where I’ll share stories, reflections, and guided practices around creativity. In October, I’ll debut a YouTube series called Yes MAM (Medium a Month), where I explore a new art medium each month and invite others to explore along with me.
What makes Mind Over Mata unique is its focus on taking the pressure off “perfect” art—it’s about enjoying the process, trying new things, and finding moments of calm and joy through creativity.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that has served its purpose and now needs to be released is perfectionism. For a long time, I thought everything I created had to be flawless before I could share it. That mindset pushed me to learn and improve, but it also kept me from putting myself out there. Now I see that creativity is about the process, not perfection. Releasing that pressure allows me to create more freely and connect with others in a more authentic way.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have been times I almost gave up—in fact, there have been times when I did. I’ve started and stopped projects in the past, gone back to “regular” jobs, and questioned whether this path was really possible for me. Even recently, financial struggles made me wonder if I should walk away again for the sake of stability. But every time I think about giving up, I come back to the same truth: when I imagine my dream life, it’s filled with art, travel, and time with the people I love. A traditional job might provide consistent pay, but it can’t give me that sense of purpose or fulfillment. Choosing to keep going, even when it’s hard, is my way of honoring that dream.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies in the art world is the belief that only “real artists” — the ones who are highly trained, technically perfect, or making a full-time living — are the ones who count. That mindset goes hand in hand with another misconception: that art isn’t a “real job,” that it’s only a hobby, especially when it comes to more traditional forms like painting, drawing, or crafting. But the truth is, creativity has value at every level. Art shapes our culture, it impacts our mental health, and it connects us to each other. You don’t need a degree, a gallery, or a paycheck to be an artist. If you’re creating, if you’re expressing yourself through your work — you are an artist, and that matters.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m outdoors on a beautiful day, creating art. There’s something about soaking up the sun, feeling the breeze, and being surrounded by nature that makes me feel grounded. Pair that with being in a creative flow — paintbrush in hand, lost in my own little world — and it’s the perfect balance. Those are the moments where everything feels calm, aligned, and exactly as it should be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindovermatastudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind.over.mata
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mediumamonth
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