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Alumni success ‘spotlight’ interview with Felicia Spahr

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We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, and we are pleased to feature a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We’ve asked 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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felicia matsphoto Make Art That Sells Alumni success ‘spotlight’ interview with Felicia SpahrToday, we have an interview with Felicia Spahr who has taken MATS A.

Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design

After years of being in advertising, then starting my own business, I suddenly had a powerful insight: that I was an artist, and I needed to do something about it. I fell in love with painting, and committed to sitting down at my kitchen table every day and making art like my life depended on it. I basically went from Square 0 (non-existent drawing and painting skills) to…something much better :)

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

One of my favorite things in the world to do is have people over my house and entertain them. I’m in love with the art of conversation, how to make people feel at home, how to present the food and table so people feel like they’re experiencing something wonderful.

Felicia2 Make Art That Sells Alumni success ‘spotlight’ interview with Felicia Spahr

Which is your favorite market(s) to design for and why?

I love wall art because I feel like I can express myself the best within that market. I feel like I think in shapes and color, and I love to put that all on paper and try to make sense of it.

What are you working on currently?

I’ve been learning Japanese brush painting and calligraphy, and have been working on pieces that are basically geometric abstracts of deconstructed calligraphy characters. I love combining how graceful I feel when I do calligraphy with a geometric piece that I have to be much more methodical and precise about creating.

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Felicia’s artwork featured in UPPERCASE magazine

What are some of the key things you have learnt from the MATS experience?

One of my favorite parts of the MATS experience was the constant reminder that there is so much work out there. This is a new world to me, so hearing Lilla say that and show us all the assignments her artists were getting made me feel like the world was expanding and my dream was possible.

How have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?

They really helped me integrate thinking about how other people would feel looking at what I create. Creating art is not just about me–it’s about an intimate relationship with who is looking at it. If I’m not thinking about them when I’m making the work, what am I doing?

felicia uppercase2 Make Art That Sells Alumni success ‘spotlight’ interview with Felicia Spahr

Any aha moments during MATS you would like to share?

The second time I took MATS, I felt like I could evaluate my work like an art director or agent. This was huge for me, as I didn’t really know how to critique my work before. But putting myself in their shoes and seeing the art through their eyes helped me create not just artistically better work, but work I felt people would love.

What are your key successes since taking a MATS class?

Recently getting my paintings published in Uppercase Magazine was a huge win. When I got the email saying they had been published, I nearly lost it. I’ve been working so hard at this and to get that little win felt like my effort had paid off. Now, I’m just motivated to get back at my kitchen table and keep getting better.

How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art?

If you feel like you don’t quite “get” how to get your work out there and have people love it and buy it, MATS helps you figure out exactly how markets work, and how to sell without selling out. There is no reason why an artist who creates great work should be struggling to make a living from it.

What is your dream gig for your artwork?

I’d love to create art for Anthropologie. Every time I look at their catalog and see the wall art, I drool.

See more work here: Website | Instagram

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Graduates of our 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. Find out more HERE and start today!

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