We recently connected with Mimi Doyo and have shared our conversation below.
Mimi , so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, How have you overcome/beat Creativity Blocks (writers block, etc)?
Creativity blocks are a constant thing for me. Back in school, I had a routine, deadlines, and constant feedback that helped push me through those moments. But once I graduated, it was a whole new routine. The freedom felt like I was able to breathe again, but honestly, it also felt a bit scary – like starting from scratch.
At first, I was all in, spending every day in the studio, cranking out a painting each month. It felt liberating, but then I hit a wall – total burnout. Turns out, the non-stop project thing wasn’t the magic formula. It made me realize I needed a change.
So now, I’ve started this sketchbook routine. Every day, even if it’s just for ten minutes, I sketch something. No pressure, no big expectations. I do it in the morning with my coffee, sitting by a window, or outside when the weather’s good. It’s simple but keeps the creative energy flowing without driving me nuts. Sometimes, you just need to chill and let the ideas come to you.
The next part of the interview is where we’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc.
Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc)
I’m a Filipino-American artist, born in California in ’99, and my art revolves around introspective paintings that dive deep into the world of my family home. I weave elements of culture, poetry, and music into my canvases, often featuring everyday objects and familiar domestic scenes. It’s my way of taking a journey through memories and the rich historical tapestry that shapes my cultural identity.
I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until high school that I saw the potential to make art a serious career. For me, art is a means of expression – a way to connect with the world and share what inspires or challenges me. As a quiet and sensitive kid, art became my voice, allowing me to communicate my experiences and emotions.
Now, as a full-time artist, I continue working in my makeshift home studio, occasionally participating in live painting at community art events. What excites me the most is the opportunity to give back to my community. I’m involved with two non-profit organizations: Ryman Arts, where I am a teacher assistant for high schoolers helping them learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting, and Stay Arts, a gallery in the city of Downey that collaborates with local schools, bringing art to their afterschool programs.
It’s fulfilling to share my passion with the younger generation and contribute to the local art scene. As for new things, I’m always on the lookout for exciting collaborations, events, or projects that allow me to expand my artistic horizons and continue connecting with people through my work.
Three Most Important Qualities, Skills and/or Areas of Knowledge
Reflecting on my journey, three crucial elements stand out. First, patience has been key, understanding that opportunities may not come immediately. My first job came through connections and hard work during school, teaching me that when one door closes, another opens. Even in my practice, I remind myself to trust the process, especially when a painting isn’t going as planned. Sometimes, a change in perspective is all it takes.
The second key quality is balance. Managing my creative path, lifestyle, school, work, family, and personal life has been challenging. Prioritizing self-care is crucial, realizing it’s okay not to finish all goals in a day. Separating priorities to maintain balance is essential, especially after a demanding workday.
The third vital aspect is letting go of expectations, crucial in the creative realm where high project expectations can hinder. Embracing mistakes and adapting to changes is crucial. For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate patience, prioritize self-care, and embrace the unexpected by letting go of rigid expectations. Lastly, never take anything for granted. Appreciate the good in challenges, as tough moments can turn into the biggest inspirations. Keep your eyes open, learn from everything, and let challenges fuel your creativity. Your journey might just surprise you positively.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Dealing with overwhelming feelings is an ongoing challenge, and my strategies have evolved. Especially in this hectic phase of being a young adult, I’ve realized that when life gets crazy with work, deadlines, and family commitments, that’s precisely when I need to hit the brakes and slow down – though easier said than done, of course.
A small but effective tool for me is keeping a notebook. When the world is spinning too fast, jotting down a simple list of tasks helps me regain control. Having a physical list to check off eliminates the constant mental clutter that tends to overwhelm me. It’s a simple act, but seeing those checkmarks makes me feel less stressed and more accomplished by the end of the day.
Even on days when tasks aren’t the issue – maybe work was a bust – as a creative, expressing my feelings becomes my go-to coping mechanism. Art has always been my trusty outlet, but sometimes, I need more. That’s where music comes in. Playing my guitar, singing in my own private space – it’s therapeutic. I’ve become more mindful of my breathing, taking time for myself, and enjoying my own company. Having multiple outlets has been a key strategy in finding what helps me unwind or relax at the end of the day.
So, my advice? Don’t limit yourself to one form of expression. Find what helps you relax or recharge at the end of the day. Whether it’s scribbling in a notebook, strumming a guitar, or anything else that speaks to you – having a variety of outlets is a helpful tool, especially when it comes to coping with feelings of overwhelm.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mimidoyo
- Facebook: Mimi Doyo
- Linkedin: Amy (Mimi) Doyo
Image Credits
James Doyo and Charlotte Doyo
