We recently connected with Anton Merbaum and have shared our conversation below.
Anton , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Discovering one’s purpose is an ongoing evolution, but in my case, I have chosen to follow a path that that feels authentic and meaningful. The Japanese concept of Ikigai describes it best – referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a reason for being. The path I’m pursuing as a painter and fine artist feels resolutely correct to me, even as the journey continues to unfold.
Trusting my intuition has played a critical role in this process, guiding me towards what resonates most. Refusing to stay in a state of misalignment has been a driving force. It took a lot of false starts, trial and error, and difficult sacrifice to be able to identify and fully commit to what feels aligned. Through experience you’re able to discover where your passions, skills, and values lie, so that you can find a way to merge them in a way that feels natural and meaningful on a personal level.
Taking the leap to launch my painting business – Anton Paints – I’ve faced challenges and made sacrifices. But each step has equipped me with valuable skills. This journey, though still in its early stages, feels like a genuine alignment with my true purpose to live a creative life on my terms.
One of the important considerations in setting up my painting business was to ensure the flexibility to allow me to delve into more personal work purely for the joy of painting and creative exploration. While I may be an entrepreneur, at my core I’m an artist who lives and breathes the art of painting.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
From a young age, I was immersed in the world of fine arts – my mother is a phenomenal multi-disciplinary artist and I essentially grew up in her studio. I formalized my skills through training at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) where I received my BFA, and participating in intensive master classes in Italy. However, pursuing a career in painting seemed out of reach and came with its share of uncertainty. Before fully committing to my artistic career, I explored various paths within another area of interest – the events industry. I moonlighted as a Master of Ceremonies, served as a regional film festival director, and was hired as a senior producer at an experiential agency.
The impact of the pandemic led me to an unexpected two-year stint in corporate finance, but I knew in my core that this path was not aligned with my true self. It is only recently that I found my Ikigai by merging my passion for painting and my fine arts background with my interest in branding, marketing, events, and communication. My personal brand – Anton Paints – is essentially a one-man studio, where I can apply my extensive fine arts training to a variety of unique offerings. I specialize in live wedding and event painting, that aims to elevate this niche into high art and treasured heirlooms. I also take on custom commissions, portraits, and have recently received commissions that tap into the real estate market. This journey has also opened doors to teaching and innovative concepts, such as a reimagined paint party concept. The ideas just keep coming!
Someone jokingly referred to me as an “evangelist painter” because I’m passionate about sharing my love of painting and art history by encouraging people to pause in our fast-paced digital world and appreciate the unique window into the human experience that art offers. It’s important to take a moment and smell the roses! However, I do use digital tools to demystify my process and make art more accessible. Exciting developments are on the horizon as I continue to expand my reach as an artist and educator, inspiring others to embrace the beauty of art and creativity.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I was fortunate to have had several mentors along the way whose experience and advice proved invaluable. I hope that sharing the skills and qualities I found most impactful on my own journey will resonate with those who are early on in their quest to find purpose.
First and foremost, effective communication is absolutely vital. Whether it’s through written or verbal means, the way we communicate shapes first impressions, fosters authentic connections with clients and audiences, and builds meaningful relationships in both professional and social spheres. Becoming a proficient communicator can truly set you apart on your journey. It can be as simple as replying in a timely manner to a text, or respecting someone else’s time by showing up on time or even early.
Another crucial quality is having a sense of vision. This vision itself may at times seem abstract, but it’s about envisioning the life you want to lead in an authentic way. It’s easy to get sidetracked or distracted, but a vision, even if it’s not crystal clear, can lead you to determine your ultimate desires beyond mere financial independence. Use it like a roadmap. Ask yourself what kind of lifestyle, balance, fulfillment, and excitement you truly crave.
Lastly, in terms of areas of knowledge, self-acceptance has been transformative. It’s not always an easy path and it can often be painful financially and even emotionally to pursue what is authentic to you. Listen to your inner voice. For instance, I resisted the artist’s path for a long time, but now that I fully accept it and own it, I feel intrinsically aligned with this creative journey. My advice for those starting out is to embrace self-acceptance as a guiding principle, as it will lead you to a path that resonates deeply with your authentic self. You’ll know when it feels right.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Discipline and follow through. Hands down. I’ve always had a challenge staying focused on a single project or seeing an idea all the way through if I began to feel any doubts about its potential. But I’ve observed a tremendous shift since committing fully to my business. Perhaps discipline is what naturally comes when you’re hungry enough, and when you fully believe in what you’re building. I think it comes back to that sense of purpose – the discipline will follow if you’re completely invested in something that truly feels meaningful and fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: antonpaints.com
- Instagram: @anton_paints
