We were lucky to catch up with Annie Rumohr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Annie, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I don’t think mental health your is something you overcome. It’s a daily battle we all struggle with. Some of us are fighting bigger battles, with less protection. Some of us have armies and full armor. It’s not comparable. However, for me personally, i do struggle with a mix of mental health issues. To get everything done, I simply try to take care of myself and balance what I take on with what I can handle. I try to rest when I need. I talk to people, go to art therapy, and create. For me, making art is an outlet for energy I don’t know how to express any other way. I highly recommend trying yoga, journaling, or sketching without any intentions of a completed goal. I also love “mindless” projects like coloring, crocheting, Diamond art to distract me and keep me busy when anxiety is high. Regular walks and activity keeps me moving and quiets the mind as well. Take time for yourself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a full time artist. I work from my home studio. I sell original art, art prints, and jewelry online and at local markets. I try to create work that makes people smile, is relatable, and makes people feel empowered.
I custom commissions. It could be anything you could think of, but I do a lot of pet portraits.
I currently do markets in Fargo, ND but I’m starting to branch out and travel to more shows. I hope within the year to take it farther across the country.
I will also be expanding my online and wholesale market this fall.
I hope you find something you love.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I do think my love of learning definitely helped push me to grow and absorb as much so can. I’m always eager to try new things, study a new subject, or dive deep into research in something.
I also have a passion for figure drawing, which helps tremendously in my portraits. I love drawing dancers, for example, because of their use of movement and the positions and great muscle definition you get to draw. Gymnasts, and other athletes are equally as beautiful to draw. I have studied and practiced drawing people that now portraits are second nature, and are my my favorite.
A third skill would be my ability to organize. It is common for artists to be messy and a bit chaotic, and I can be those things. However, I also have the skills to pull it together (eventually! Ha!) organize, plan, and keep records, to do all the tedious tasks myself.
My bit of advice would be to try everything, play and have fun. Then Really zone in on one or two specialties. Learn what you’re good at managing at what you might need to ask for help either within the community or hire someone. You don’t have to do it all yourself. There is an amazing community of artist who love to help each other. Find your people, and get involved.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to work with small businesses who would be interested in selling my items in there stores. Especially my art prints. I would love to grow my online and whole sale this next year and to connect with ships who have a market for my work would be amazing. I’d also be interested in connecting with people for art licensing and commission work.
Hope you find something you love!
Contact Info:
- Website: Esmerayart.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/esmerayart
- Facebook: Facebook.com/esmerayart
- Other: Tiktok :@esmerayart
Image Credits
Image credits to artist Annie of esmeray art
