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Alumni success ‘spotlight’ interview with Mara Penny

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We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, that we are pleased to being a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We also ask them to share how the MATS courses have helped them learn and grow. You can see more Alumni Success stories here

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Mara Penny_BWPortrait_2015Today, we have an interview with alumni Mara Penny. Mara has taken our Bootcamp twice, MATS B twice, Home Decor, entered the Global Talent Search (made the top 50 in 2015) and attended our Global Art Gathering in the UK

Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design.  
I’ve been creative my entire life, so I guess I got started the day I was born ;)

Lilla always says “People buy your joy.” What brings you joy?’  

The creative process itself brings me joy.  When it’s going really well I get into a zone where time stops.  It’s hard to explain but it’s exhilarating and addicting.

Mara Penny_GTS 2015_MATS

What are you working on currently?

I just finished up the MATS Home Decor Class! I created a children’s line specifically for brothers and sisters who share a room.  It’s inspired by J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan Books and is called Neverland.  I’ll also be showing at Surtex for the first time with my art collective, Finch & Foxglove, so I’m busy making pieces for that!

What are some of the key things you have learnt from the MATS experience?  
Where to begin? Drawing lots of icons and shopping your own work was a revolution in my brain!  Breaking briefs into bite sized chunks also really helps to keep you from getting overwhelmed.  Not dumbing down your work was another big one and of course, people really do buy your joy!  
Mara Penny_Home Dec_Neverland Collection
How have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?
My first MATS class was bootcamp.  I thought it would be fun to have an assignment each month and push myself to create images I wouldn’t normally make.  Little did I know it would change my life!  I have grown so much, it’s truly astounding to me!! It’s funny because when you first start taking these courses it can be really intimidating looking at the caliber of work that comes out of these classes.  I slowing but surely started growing and getting better bit by bit, my confidence grew with each class.  Then a year into it, during my first round of the Home Decor class, something clicked, I suddenly got it.  
Any aha moments during MATS you would like to share?  
I’m one of those who get scared to show their work to art directors and Lilla pointed out that art directors need us.  They need us artists to create artwork so that they can continue having a job. That had never occurred to me and completely changed my perspective on sending work out!  
Mara Penny_MATS_Neverland Map
What are your key successes since taking a MATS class?  
I have licensed some work directly from assignments given in the MATS courses!  I was invited to join an art collective which is mostly comprised of MATS alumni (finding your tribe is no joke!) and I’m showing at Surtex!
How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art? 
It can be really intense. I like to get my house in tip top shape before I dive into a MATS class because I know I will completely ignore it for the next five weeks.  With that said, it is the very best thing I have ever done for myself.  And that’s the truth.  MATS has honestly changed my life for the better.
Mara Penny_MATS_Sweet Dreams Finch
 
What is your dream gig for your artwork?  Right now? 
I want to see my Neverland collection in stores!  That would be amazing!  Also, I would love love love to illustrate children’s books while my kids are still the target audience.
 
See more of Mara’s work here: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Would you like to Make Art That Sells?
We have the following courses currently open for registration HERE!
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 If you want to learn exactly what to put in your artwork to make killer portfolio pieces while staying true to your style and taste, MATS A and B is for you. Graduates of these courses have gone on to win work from clients such as Hallmark, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Oopsy Daisy, Uppercase Magazine, West Elm, Midwest CBK, and more. It is industry learning that works in the real world. These comprehensive courses includes access to videos of Lilla Rogers reviewing over 500 pieces of art.
Both MATS A and MATS B are open for registration, you can join anytime as they are self-paced.

Want a piece of the $60 Billion Home Decor industry?

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What is home décor? It’s all the gorgeous and/or functional items in your house. It’s a booming market that needs tons of art, with over $60 billion in annual sales. Its massive growth is due in part to the popularity of home design TV shows, Pinterest, and Instagram, and stylish online retailers like One Kings Lane and Dot&Bo.

Art directors NEED your great art!

Our next live e-course, Make Art That Sells: Creating Collections for Home Décor starts May 16 and teaches you everything you need to know to create killer presentations with your art. Registration is open and we look forward to seeing your gorgeous designs.

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