Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Jackson.
Hi Melissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Melissa Elana Jackson and I am a 22-year-old woman with a deep passion for visual art!
My journey into the art world began at a young age. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I’ve always been skilled with a pencil. Visual art has been a part of my family for generations. My grandmother, aunts, uncles, sister, and father are all gifted with an artistic eye.
In elementary school, the art room was the only place you could find me stuck to my seat like glue. Of course, as a child, it’s the job of your parents and teachers to praise whatever color you put on paper. With that type of head booster, I volunteered to do anything to put my minimal yet growing love for art to work!
As I graduated from preschool, I got accepted into the Norland Middle School magnet art program. Although I was used to the easy praises from others, my new art teacher Ms. Atkinson was on an entirely different level. She accepted no excuses and she did not accept mediocre work! In my eyes, she was the Vincent Van Gogh of the 21st century.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has never been a smooth road and I don’t think it ever will be. That’s OK! Nothing in this world is perfect. One of the biggest struggles I deal with on a daily basis is me.
Of course, I can put the blame on other people and other things but that’s not realistic. Everything I want for myself will start and end with me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create visual art, paintings, and digital art to be specific. When it comes to my paintings, I specialize in oils and acrylic mediums. As for my digital art, the possibilities are endless! I am most known for my acrylic and oil paintings. I hope to have much more anion towards my art in the near future due to my new outlook on things.
I am most proud of my dedication to keeping going. There have been so many times when I felt like quitting was the best option. Unfortunately, quitting is paired with the questions of the unknown, and that is never a good combo!
What sets me apart from others is a very tricky question. No two artists have the same background, techniques, years of practice, imagination, creativity, happiness, etc. Everyone is different and that is what truly sets me apart from the others.
What do you think about happiness?
I wish I could answer this question but can’t. I haven’t felt true happiness in such a long time. It will be a celebration the day I sit down and can genuinely say that I have! For now, knowing that things will work out fine is the only thing that can bring me joy.
It makes me feel like that reoccurring feeling of sadness won’t be near for a little while longer.
Pricing:
- Digitals – $20+
- Self portraits – $150+
- Cartoons – $80+
- Paintings (other than self-portraits) – $150+
- Graduation caps – $80+
Contact Info:
- Email: artbymelissaj2001@gmail.com
- Website: https://artbymelissaj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbymelisza/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbymelissaj
