Meet Alana Clumeck

We were lucky to catch up with Alana Clumeck recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alana, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’ve never been a particularly confident person, so fully stepping into the identity of “artist” took time. To build that confidence, I set small, personal goals within my craft. Each one I achieved helped me trust myself a little more. Over time, these small wins added up and reshaped the way I saw myself.

At the core of it, I create because I have to—it’s like an itch I can never quite scratch. Even if it weren’t my profession, I’d still be making art. Staying true to that passion has helped me overcome imposter syndrome. It reminds me that being an artist isn’t about external validation—it’s about the drive to make, explore, and share. That’s what has given me the confidence to own the title and share my work with others.

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?

I’m a visual artist working primarily in oil and acrylic. My work is inspired by nature and grounded in the belief that art should evoke wonder—stirring emotion, curiosity, or reflection in those who experience it. I strive to create pieces that are not only beautiful but also distinctive and meaningful.

Much of my inspiration comes from my faith and the beauty of creation, both of which are deeply woven into my art. I often incorporate symbolism, using focal points—frequently animals—to represent specific feelings, Bible verses, or messages I want to share. Repetitive patterns and intricate details are common in my work, inviting viewers to look closer and discover layers of meaning.

I don’t confine myself to a single genre, because there’s simply too much beauty in the world to do so. If I had to describe my style, I’d say it’s centered on “creation”—in all senses of the word. I alternate between oil and acrylic depending on the texture or effect I want to achieve, and I love exploring how pattern and subject can work together to spark curiosity.

What excites me most about painting is the sense of possibility. If you can imagine it, you can bring it to life on the canvas. There’s nothing quite like watching an idea that’s been taking shape in my mind for days emerge in full color. I also really enjoy collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life—it’s incredibly rewarding to translate someone’s ideas into a piece of art they connect with deeply.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I’ve never been to art school. My journey really began in my teenage years, quietly watching my mom paint while she was attending art school. I’d sit in her studio for hours—not painting, just observing. I didn’t actually pick up a brush myself until I was 30, but when I did, all those years of observation came flooding back. It just clicked.

Looking back, the three most impactful elements in my journey have been:
1. Observation – I truly believe observation is one of the most underrated tools for learning. Just watching someone else work can teach you so much—technique, process, rhythm. If you’re starting out, immerse yourself in the world you’re drawn to. Watch videos, attend workshops, study how others do it.
2. A commitment to lifelong learning – You don’t need formal training to grow as an artist. I’m constantly learning, experimenting, and trying new techniques. Creativity is limitless, and the more you stretch yourself, the more you discover what you’re capable of.
3. Resilience – Art is subjective, and not everything you create will resonate with everyone—and that’s okay. I’ve learned not to get discouraged if a piece doesn’t sell right away. Some of my paintings sat in storage for years before finding the right collector. Now, I see each piece as simply waiting for its person.

To anyone early in their creative journey, I’d say: start small, stay curious, and don’t box yourself in. Push your boundaries. Try something new, even if it scares you a little. Art is forgiving—you can always paint over it and begin again. And most importantly, trust that your work has a place in the world. The right person will find it.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I start to feel overwhelmed, I go back to basics: list-making. It’s not a groundbreaking strategy, but it works for me. I write down every task I need to complete in order of deadline, and then I tackle them one by one.

I also make it a point to clean my studio after finishing each task. A tidy workspace helps clear my mind and makes it easier to focus, even though the studio usually ends up in chaos by the end of a painting!

One thing I’ve learned personally is that creating a piece of art requires uninterrupted blocks of time. Time management is key. Before I start a new painting, I do try to clear my schedule as much as possible so I can give it my full attention when I need to.

My advice to others would be: find a system that works for you—whether it’s lists, time blocking, or setting boundaries around your creative time. And don’t underestimate the power of a clean, organized space. It makes a big difference in staying calm and focused when things start to pile up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alanaclumeck.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanaclumeck/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanaClumeckArt