Creative Wave Movement

In the interest of empowering and encouraging the positive fire within, we’ve begun a series called, “Staying Hungry.” An artist collective has shared their tips, tricks and speed-bump warnings for continuing to feed the passions within. Making certain that their dreams receive the elevated care it requires to- not just survive, but to thrive- we’ve interviewed a few of them. Welcome to the “Staying Hungry,” series. East Coast collage artist, Emmie Brown, tells us how she continues to pursue her dreams in artistic style:

The talented collage artist, Emmie Brown.

CreativeWave Movement: There’s something about an artist that intrinsically speaks to persistence and perseverance. What have you found these two words mean to you as you’ve nurtured your passions throughout the years?

Emmie Brown: I never thought that I would actually get to be an artist for a living. I always thought that I would get some graphic design internship after college that would eventually lead to a job that I wasn’t that passionate about. After encouragement from my family, I realized that my dog collage business- that was really just a hobby- could actually be “a thing.” I taught myself to create a website, (and I am not techy, by any means), and honed in on my craft. Thanks to my supportive family, friends, and word of mouth, I was able to get my little business off the ground.

CWM: That is incredible. I love hearing how the ‘unexpected’ becomes the very blessing you never thought possible. Very cool indeed. I think it’s important that we talk about what challenges we sometimes face as artists. As you pursue your creative gifts professionally, has it ever proved challenging to see that all of your efforts are surely producing your dreams? Because they truly are, with every little step, they are.

“Riley” – magazine collage on canvas, 10×10

EB: There are always moments of, “Maybe I should go in a different direction with my art,” or, “Would someone really put this art on their wall?” I think these are insecurities that most artists have.

CWM: Well they are. And I think we have to eventually know that, although those thoughts may come, we just gotta wack them things right out of our minds with truth that they will yield the BIG one day! ‘Staying Hungry’, I think also speaks to never staying complacent or stagnant in our ascent to dreams fully being realized. How do you maintain a fresh perspective on your artistic progress as an artist?

EB: I am lucky to be provided with subjects that I love; animals. That will never get old for me. Each pet is different, and my medium allows me to make each piece truly different. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to keep busy with pet portrait commissions, but I always look forward to doing totally different types of commissions too. It’s good to mix it up.

CWM: I happen to agree. The fun challenge is in the mix up for sure. What do you think is one of biggest areas that an artist must look out for in order to continue feeding their passions with fire and focus?

EB: I think that one intrinsic quality a lot of artists share is actually an inability to focus!

CWM: I would agree!! So true.

“Hali” – magazine collage on canvas, 18×18

EB: There are so many ideas and projects that we want to tackle. At the beginning of my day, I sometimes make a list of things that I want to accomplish that day. On a good day, I’ll get about a quarter of that list done. And that’s ok! It’s better to do a few things really well than fifteen things mediocrely. (Is that a word? )

CWM: Emmie, we’ll make it a word! Haha. We know exactly what you mean. To kind of round out this first episode of our “Staying Hungry” series, what are exciting tips you can provide fellow artists to maintain an excitement and zeal for their craft?

EB: Keep going with it and don’t give up! Don’t get discouraged if the clients and commissions aren’t pouring in or if people aren’t lining up to buy your art. Maybe it won’t be a full time job at first. If you pursue what you’re passionate about, everything will fall into place.

–CWM–