Meet Michelle Schultz

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Schultz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michelle, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

My first year after going all in on my art career while raising three young children, I hit a paralyzing burnout. I couldn’t even look at my paints for months, and my brain felt like I was walking through a fog. I tried to be compassionate with myself during this time, but it felt like this burnout would never end. After months of not being able to pick up a paintbrush, my online artist community started a 100 days of painting challenge. Small daily paintings sounded manageable, so I joined in. Slowly I found my love for my craft again and painted only what felt fascinating to me. Being in community and following my joy and curiosity brought me slowly back to life.
Once I was back in to flow again, I vowed to take care of creativity and honor it. My mindset changed and I began looking at my path as an artist as a career that would last a lifetime. I now honor my intuition of when I need to rest. I listen to my body and often let my creativity flow with the moon cycles or my menstruation. I also learned to say no to opportunities that only supported my ego and not my soul.
As artists we need to live deeply to have life experience to paint from. I let burnout be a part of my process now to realign my path. When I embrace the ups and downs of creative life, burnout no longer something to fear.

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

I am a fine artist based in Bend, Oregon. After earning an art degree from the University of Georgia, I began the first 3 years of my artistic career exhibiting work in Wellington, New Zealand. My work is influenced by my Lebanese heritage and roots in the American South.
I have been creating acrylic paintings exploring feminine strength and ancestral connection by capturing the intimate moments within my own spiritual journey. Vivid colors communicate the sensitivity and emotion in my work. Through paint I create a channel for the viewer to connect to ones’ own sense of self more deeply.
I also am the host of the podcast She Who Paints where I share knowledge and healing for other creative entrepreneurs.
I will soon be releasing a new collection of paintings! Make sure to go to my website (www.michelleschultzstudio.com) and join my Collector’s Circle newsletter for first access to new art and follow my journey on instagram @michelleschultzart.

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?

The three qualities that helped me on my journey are my determination to not give up, my ability to think outside the box, and a positive mindset and belief in myself.
For anyone just starting out, I recommend finding what you love and jumping in feet first. You can figure it out as you go along. It is never going to be perfect, so just start.
I also recommend finding people you look up to who have the life you want, because over time you will start to believe that it is possible for you too. Start building your community now.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The book Atomic Habits was so helpful to me on my journey. I love how creating the life you want can start with the most simple actions. If you want to start a habit going to the gym, start by putting your running shoes on or just going for five minutes. When you apply this to your creative practice or business, it takes a lot of pressure of and creates a positive, achievable outcome.

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