Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Mummert.
Hi Chelsea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
When I was a kid, I always loved arts and crafts. Joann Fabrics was my toy store. My mother was a wood crafter and painter so we would do craft shows together. I always loved the feeling of selling my own art to people who enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed making it. In High School, I joined a graphic design program that propelled me to college at Columbus College of Art and Design. I studied 3D animation there but decided I wouldn’t love it as much if I did it for a career. I got my first job as a graphic designer for Lincoln Electric. I spent three years there but didn’t really enjoy the work I was doing so I took a break from art. Five years later; I was working at Target but knew I could do better for myself. I was afraid to pick the pencil back up and start again; I felt very rusty and was worried my art wouldn’t be good enough. As scared and nervous as I was though, I knew graphic design was the key to my happiness. So, I worked on a few design projects for friends to build up my portfolio and put myself out there again. One day, I got to talking with a friend who told me about an open position for a design job. A month later I was hired! At that job, I met many other designers and artists. One of whom was doing his own paintings and showcasing them at local art shows. He inspired me to start doing my own paintings and enter my first ever art show. The first art show I had ever participated in and the first painting I had done in years sold! I will never forget that text message and the feeling of knowing I had sold an original piece of art to a stranger. That feeling is what has driven me to start going after my dream of being my own boss and selling my own art as a living. My business is still growing and I am excited for all of the new opportunities this year will bring!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say one of the biggest struggles is when I took a break from art. I was working at Lincoln Electric and having a tough time with my mental health. I became a very anxious person and had to step away from art to pursue other ventures. When those ventures didn’t work out; I was left with a large amount of debt and didn’t have a great-paying job. I was living with my sister and struggling to make ends meet. I was a visual merchandiser at target and had to pick up a second job at a kickboxing gym as an instructor. At this point, I had been working on myself, changing my mindset, and building my confidence. I met a guy at my gym who worked at a company that makes and sells lapel pins. I was nervous but applied for the open graphic design position and a month later, I was hired! Ever since then, I have been taking my art to new places and new heights!
The other struggle I face on a regular basis is my mental health and my confidence. There are many times I compare my art to others and feel lacking. I worry that I am too slow and that takes the enjoyment out of the process. There are times where I get so overwhelmed with my full-time job, life, and my own personal goals that I can’t seem to finish anything. On the flip side of that, there are times where I get lost in my projects and lose track of time. That moment when I complete a project and think to myself, “wow, I made this!” I become in awe of myself for what I have created. It’s never a smooth road but remembering to enjoy the process and reminding myself that I can’t compare my art to others because it is not like others; it is mine.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Most of the art I create is done digitally on my iPad. I love being able to take my tablet and paint anywhere the mood strikes. I also love working with acrylic paint because I love how messy it can be with the dry brush strokes and quick-drying paint. I was always drawn to the impressionist style with its bright colors and clear brush strokes. This and my love for animation have been major influences for my art. I love using bright colors and creating imperfect illustrations with fanciful ideas; things that don’t make sense or don’t occur naturally in nature.
A quote that I live by from George Bernard Shaw “You see things, and you say “Why?” But I dream things that never were; and I say, “Why not?”. That very well sums up my art and my life. Why not? Anything is possible!
So, to my next idea of bringing my art to graphic tees, I say “why not!”
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am a huge advocate for following your dreams. It is never an easy path, but it is so worth it! You never know what will happen but don’t be afraid to try.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thehoodedfox.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/the.hoodedfox/
- Facebook: facebook.com/thehoodedfoxart
