Meet Lynn Giunta

We recently connected with Lynn Giunta and have shared our conversation below.

Lynn, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I think that I have naturally always been an optimistic person. As I started to explore what my artistic voice was outside of my job, I realized that I am drawn to hope and positivity, that I love to do collage, and I especially like to do word collages. I never intentionally realized that was what I was practicing, but it just kept happening time and time again, until I realized this is who I am. And just like anything—when you practice something a lot, it becomes part of your identity. Practicing happiness and purposefully looking for things that bring me joy—has made me see those things first. I have a really hard time staying upset or angry about anything—the joy and gratitude in my life kind of push any negative thoughts away.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have my own very small business on Etsy. I’m still working professionally so the art that I put out on Instagram and on Etsy is very much personal to me. I have also done 4 children’s board books for a publisher in the UK—I’d like to do more! I love the power of words, and especially the power of positive words. I’m almost always collecting phrases. I listen in to conversations on elevators, I pay attention to what people are saying on social media. I use those bits and pieces and run them through my filter to come up with what words I want to create in my art.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I believe in the power of creative community! If I am making art with friends—it doesn’t matter if it’s the best thing I’ve ever made—I’m having fun. And if I’m having fun, that will show up in what I make. It gets you outside of your head. It stops the natural inclination that we all have to tell ourselves that what we are making isn’t worthy. Imposter syndrome is always sitting down with me at the table. I will often go through spells where I’m pretty sure I don’t have any new ideas. There are 2 things that really help me: one is to always have ideas going in my head (like jotting down phrases or sketching out an idea). I have a lot of scraps of ideas floating around in my sketchbook. The other thing is to stay curious—no one sees things exactly like you do. Keep trying new things and going new places—it doesn’t have to be someplace exotic! Trying a new coffee shop or going to a museum helps me recharge my batteries. I was really lucky—I had some fantastic creative people who mentored me along my way. Look for someone who might be able to mentor you, and then pay it back by mentoring someone else who is finding their creative voice.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents taught me the joy of making things with my hands. I always thought of myself as a crafter as opposed to an artist—even after I’d gotten an art degree! I still really like to make things with my hands. Computers are great—but my best work happens with just a pair of scissors and a couple pieces of paper. I hope that I’ve passed that joy along to my 3 kids.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Lynn_Giunta
• Other: https://collagegirlkc.etsy.com/

  CollageGirlKC etsy shop