We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erin Micozzi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Erin , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence has developed with age and experience. I did not have a linear path as a professional artist – I took time off from making art, I worked in many different roles and my journey has led me down a range of career paths, many of which were not centered in creativity. Although many of these roles were not my “dream job”, I am grateful for each experience. With each new role I grew – I learned how to use my voice, advocate for myself, pivot and adapt. I learned how to work with people, remain accountable, and multitask.
I credit these life experiences for my success as a professional artist. Owning a small business is so much more than creating art – I am a bookkeeper, a social media team, a sales team, and a personal assistant all rolled into one. Had I not had such a diverse work history, I am confident that I would not be as successful or as fulfilled as I am in this career. I strongly believe that my unique career journey has given me the confidence to take my business to the next level, and continue to adapt and grow with an ever changing and competitive market.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a live event painter, I create art in the moment – in front of guests and spectators. This includes painting at weddings, concerts, universities, and sporting events. I capture moments, quick and gestural, and the attendees are able to watch a piece of artwork come to life in front of their eyes.
No two live-painting experiences are the same, and every piece of art that I create is unique to that moment.
Over the past year, I have expanded my services to paint live in front of crowds at concerts and professional sporting events. This has been an unforgettable experience for attendees, many of whom have never seen art created in person. I have found that creating art in public has the power to bring people together – it is an unforgettable experience that fosters connection and creativity.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As I reflect on my own journey, it has been my desire to learn, patience and consistency that have been most impactful. Staying grounded and humble, yet confident in my ability – knowing that I can continue to hone my craft if I remain patient and continue creating. There is no finish line, no end to this journey. My projects may change over time, but the goal is to keep improving and creating art that makes me proud and fulfills my promise to my clients.
If an artist is just starting out on their live-painting journey, my advice to them is to push past fear and doubt and just go for it. There will always be excuses to wait, and postpone their dream for a time they feel ready, but at the end of the day action cures fear. The only way to become an event artist is to put yourself out there and paint in front of a crowd. I recommend starting small, in a comfortable setting, perhaps for friends and family, and then build upon that experience. With time they will build the confidence to keep going, and keep challenging themselves.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always open to new collaborations. As an independent artist, I value community and connection, and so much of my growth has been through the relationships I have built with other businesses. I strongly believe that partnerships and collaborations can be an ideal way to expand networks, create new relationships, and to position your brand in front of clients and communities that might have never found you otherwise.
What is so exciting about being an artist, is that I can collab with so many industries, and have an impact. From fashion to hospitality, to sports and beauty, the possibilities are endless for partnerships. Art, and even more so live-art, can have a positive and meaningful impact on every industry. Working with brands that align with my business is one of the best parts about being a creator.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erinmicozzi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.micozzi_artist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074020842062
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