Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Manuel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been an unofficial artist ever since I was a kid, but I knew I didn’t want to be a starving artist my whole life! So, I chose a path that was the best of both worlds, and I got my BFA at LSU in graphic design. I took one watercolor class in college, but for many years didn’t really touch a brush. About five years ago, I decided to break out my watercolor palette and do some painting for fun. It reminded me how much I love the medium.
I’ve since been doing custom watercolor portraits of families, pets, houses, and more. It’s super rewarding doing personal, custom art for people. I love seeing and hearing reactions of how my work touches peoples’ hearts!
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 have always been very risk-averse, so I don’t take big chances. My art business started as a hobby, with no real risk involved–just the way I like it! I kept working my day job and painting on the side. Over that last few years, it’s grown slowly, mostly through referrals and word of mouth. My challenge is to remember that “comparison is the thief of joy.” I follow other artists on social media who do similar art to mine, and some of them have really blown up and gained thousands of followers (and I assume many more customers), and it’s hard to keep from comparing myself to them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve worked as a graphic designer for 20 years. When I decided to really make a go of being a watercolor artist, I had an advantage because I was able to design myself a logo, branding, and a website that is 100% me! When you are a designer for another company, person, or brand, you always have to put their goals and objectives first in your designs. It was such a breath of fresh air to design just for me!
My graphic design background also comes through in my watercolors. I go about painting from a designer’s perspective, using the principles of design–contrast, hierarchy, proportion and balance, just to name a few.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that surprises most people who don’t know me is that I’m just as comfortable with a saw as I am with a paintbrush! I’m a very accomplished do-it-yourselfer, and I have a garage full of power tools. I’ve tackled countless home projects & renovations over the years. I’ve done demo, drywall, tile, plumbing, electrical, trimworm, and lots, lots more!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thewatercolormanuel.com
- Instagram: @thewatercolormanuel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewatercolormanuel/
Image Credits
Michelle Manuel
