Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Haley Manchon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Haley, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I was instilled with this desire to do whatever the “right” thing was, probably in part due to my personality, arguably even more so in how I was raised by my two loving parents. This was especially the case in school. I cared a lot about being a good student – studying, note-taking, staying organized – and these are all things I still practice routinely today, just with different subject matter. I think my introverted nature contributed to it as well; it was easy for me to stay home and practice drawing.
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?
Hello! I am a figurative drawing artist, illustrator and graphic designer based outside of Philly. My work focuses on capturing the subconscious through semi-transparent layers of colored pencil and a surface called dura-lar. I’m represented by MK Apothecary Gallery in Collingswood, NJ, and exhibit my work both locally and internationally. This is balanced with a graphic designer role for an agency in Old City, Philadelphia. I enjoy the position because the work is still creative, but it exercises a different kind of muscle. I also get to collaborate with others and stay up-to-date on digital tools, which I love.
The most exciting thing about pursuing a creative career is that there will always be new avenues of discovery. If you feel tired of what you’re making, there is an opportunity to shift the work. And when there’s something new in your life, it tends to creep in your creative expression as well.
For upcoming work: I’m excited for a series of shows coming up this spring season! I’m definitely keeping busy. I don’t think I can publicly announce what they are yet, but you can keep up with me on Instagram (@haley_manchon) or via my newsletter (signup through haleymanchon.com).
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?
1. Optimism + Tenacity. The art world can be extremely daunting. The more you learn, the more you realize you have yet to learn – and it’s easy to compare yourself to others. You have to be patient and be kind to yourself, understanding that as long as you’re taking steps you’re still moving forward.
2. Work Ethic. There are a lot of responsibilities to a creative career aside from just making the work. Understanding best business practices, meeting deadlines, and holding yourself accountable are both necessary as an artist and appreciated by the galleries, clients, and fellow creatives you work with. The work ethic applies to your practice too – it’s important to ask yourself what you can learn and what you want to improve upon in everything you make.
3. Striking a Balance – It’s really important to make time for other aspects of life too! There are days when you need to crunch for a deadline, but it’s not healthy to be stuck in the studio all the time. I’ve personally found that having a healthier work-life balance inspired more ideas and left me feeling more motivated when it came time to draw again.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Some of my favorite books have come from the artist James Jean, with “Eternal Spiral” being his latest release. He dives into his thought process and exposes how the work develops from start to finish, complete with a comprehensive series of install shots, details and color studies. I’m in love with his ability to tell stories, use color and push the boundaries of where his characters can live through subject matter and material. I hope to adopt some of that vision into my own practice, bit by bit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haleymanchon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haley_manchon/
