We were lucky to catch up with Marisa Jean recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marisa, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
Self-discipline is a lifestyle you have to choose every day. Anyone can work hard for a day or even a week, but the need for consistency is what challenges most people. When you turn your passion into your profession, something that once felt like pure fun will inevitably start to feel like work. But that doesn’t mean the joy is gone. It just means it now demands more of you, and you have to decide whether you can rise to that challenge. You have to mature with your passion.
For me, self-discipline means understanding that I’m not a slave to my impulses—to be lazy, to procrastinate, or to give up when something feels difficult. I’m not perfect, but every day that I try is a day I succeed. My self-discipline comes from a strong internal drive. I take a lot of pride in what I create, and I’ve found that working like a well-oiled machine allows me to create better work, more efficiently, and with even more purpose.
I’ve learned to love the full process: connecting with clients, drafting ideas, experimenting with materials, sculpting, painting, even hand-delivering the final piece. Discipline doesn’t take the joy away, it deepens it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a sculpted painter specializing in highly textured artwork that blurs the line between painting and sculpture. My pieces are built using a variety of media including sculpting paste, acrylics, gold leaf, sand, and more to create bold, dimensional surfaces that reach beyond the canvas and into the surrounding space. I love when the texture breaks free from the edges, interacting with the light and shadow of a room. It creates a different dimension of art, one that feels immersive and alive.
Before becoming a full-time traditional artist, I worked in the film and video game industry as a 3D character sculptor. That background gave me a deep understanding of form, movement, and anatomy, which I now bring into my fine art practice. I studied both sculpture and painting in school, and that foundation taught me how to balance structure with spontaneity. Today, I apply those same principles to every piece I create.
What excites me most about my work is the chance to bring something personal into someone’s home. I often collaborate with collectors and interior designers to create custom paintings that fit their space and vision. Every commission begins with conversation and freehand sketches, and I guide my clients through the process so the result feels meaningful and one of a kind.
Recently, I’ve begun offering private art lessons for both children and adults as an extension of my own practice. I’ve found that nothing sharpens your skills more than teaching them. These sessions are hands-on and personalized, giving students the chance to explore their creativity while I continue to deepen my own understanding of the craft.
Right now, I’m focused on connecting with more designers and art lovers who are looking for statement pieces that add movement and personality to their interiors. I recently completed a full catalog of my work, showcasing sculpted paintings and custom mural installations designed for luxury spaces. My goal is to keep creating artwork that surprises people, not just in how it looks, but in how it feels to live with it.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Time management has made all the difference in my ability to stay focused and avoid burnout. I keep a journal to track my tasks each day, and it is something I recommend to anyone just starting out. It is easy to assume you will have time to get everything done, but that is how you end up overwhelmed. You have to make the time by planning it. I write everything down the night before, what needs to happen, what can wait, and what would be a bonus. The more you do it, the easier it gets. It also clears your mind so you can start the next day fresh and ready to tackle what matters most.
Humility means remembering that you are part of a larger community. Being an artist is not just about developing your own style, it is also about staying open to others. If you see another artist’s work that inspires you, do not close yourself off. Reach out, ask questions, make a connection. We are each other’s greatest resource and support. Sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and lifting each other up is what helps the whole art world grow.
Communication has been key, especially when working with clients or collaborators. Being able to listen, explain your process, and speak with clarity and confidence makes every project run more smoothly. Art is deeply personal, but when you can connect with people through clear communication, your work becomes that much more impactful to them.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always open to collaboration, especially with interior designers, art consultants, and creative professionals who are looking to bring something custom and dimensional into a space. I specialize in sculpted paintings and textured wall murals, and I love working with people who value bold, tactile artwork that makes a statement. Whether it is for a residential project, commercial space, or something more experimental, I enjoy tailoring my work to complement the vision of each space and client.
As part of my process, I always offer free concept sketches. I’ve found that it helps break down walls and makes collaboration feel more fluid and approachable. It gives people a chance to explore ideas without pressure, and it opens the door to creative possibilities.
I’m also open to connecting with fellow artists and educators who are interested in creative exchange or workshop opportunities. I believe in building community through art, and I’m always happy to have conversations that lead to something new.
If you are interested in working together, the best way to reach me is through my website or Instagram. I’d love to hear your ideas and see how we can bring something beautiful to life together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marisajean.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisa_jean_art/
Image Credits
Images by Kelsey Long and Chris Dirker
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
