Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Johnson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Meredith. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was raised south of Houston in a small town called Fresno, Texas. As a child, I became intrigued by nature and the wilderness all around. I’d spend my free time drawing mimosa trees, hummingbirds, blue jays and even wild boars. I kept picture stories in my daily journal to record events and exercise my imagination. Then I became a teenager and I discovered “tagging” and mural street art. I joined the National Junior Art Honor Society in High School working on various projects. I gained some formal art training and education. I went on to college at Houston Baptist University. And surprisingly I stopped art. I made Obama t-shirts to promote the First Black President however, I put my craft down. For 8 Years straight…I did not create. Thereafter, I could not create. I’d Lost “it.” Here I was an adult with the financial means to finally support my childhood dream but I just could not. I realized that I had no motivation. I realized that I was a corporate android. I was living life by following processes…when I knew of my creative abilities.
It bothered me deeply that I could not sketch anymore. Was I unhappy? I was depressed; my creativity was suppressed by life’s traumas. But, I was not ready to give up on myself. I decided to go back to my teenage years when I was active in sports, spiritual life, and art. I felt like I’d literally lost myself…the artist in me. I am a firm Believer that I was made in the image of the Most High God…yet I did not recognize myself in the mirror. I did maintenance on my mental and spiritual health with the help of physical activity. I lost a lot of weight but I regained my confidence as an artist. I practiced traditional canvas art but I picked up digital graphics/illustrations. I admit, it was a process filled with frustrations but I fought through it. I almost quit. I did not feel that I could compete with everyone else on Instagram and/or social media…I was a decade behind.
Then I worked myself up to draw a digital portrait of super Producer/Rapper, David Banner. I was so nervous that I posted the illustration on Instagram and then I turned off all notifications on my phone. The next day, my Instagram and Facebook were lit up! He re posted my Illustration and also encouraged me to keep going without a tag or mention from me. I was shocked and humbled. My first art post was seen by millions of people on the internet across social media platforms. I began to gain business yet I had no name. Suddenly, I was kinda popular. Mero was a nickname coined by my closest friends and I’d just watched the film “August: Osage County” starring Meryl Streep. I decided that my Brand would include everything that makes me who I am. #fitMind, #fitBody, #fitSpirit; MeroStreep.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
From a very early age, I experienced struggle. I was always in a state of trying to “belong” because I came from a poor neighborhood. I was the kid that was bullied. I was that girl that did not participate because I just did not have the money. However, I was the smartest person in the room..in whatever room I stepped into. I held onto Hope and my Belief that my adult life would be far greater than my childhood.
MeroStreep – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Creative Consulting Artist. I specialize in canvas acrylic art, crafts, and digital graphics/Illustrations. Basically, my abilities range from painting a nice picture to hang to designing logos for your business. I am proud to be a female black-owned business that is eclectic. My brand is honest, positive and creative. I work with clients in a collaborative effort to meet all business needs and expectations.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is creating a positive impact. I am successful every time that I inspire a person to feel. I am successful when my love for my craft is received and re gifted out to the universe.
Pricing:
- Canvas Art -$150+
- Business Designs/Logos-$125+
- Cartoon Portaits-$65+
- Digital Illustrations-$100+
- Cover Art-$150+
Contact Info:
- Phone: 3467023658
- Instagram: MeroStreep
- Twitter: MeroStreep
- Other: Behance: MeroStreep
Image Credit:
MeroStreep
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