Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Thomas.
Hi Madison, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, my family’s hobbies were all sports-related I remember at a young age struggling to have my “own thing”. I tried golf, tennis, dance, and running but none of them truly felt like mine. However, I was always intrigued by art and creating; I loved to craft and draw. The older I got, the more I realized how important art was to me. It helped me express what I was feeling and was a great outlet. While I loved art as a hobby I never thought it would create a path to starting a business. I would create things for myself and as gifts for others but didn’t have the time or knowledge to make them into something more. After a while, people continued to encourage me to see where it would take me. And that’s when I slowly started to dream of doing what I love the most. I had no clue where to start.
So I started off making an Instagram page in 2017 where I mainly shared animal/pet portraits, then I started creating hand-drawn greeting card designs, which led to creating digital designs through my iPad. Eventually, after much research and the sudden ability to focus more fully on my art starting in 2020 (due to the pandemic shutdown), I was able to open my own art shop through Etsy: selling greeting cards and digital planners. Since then, I have been able to expand the products I sell, open my own website, and set up at local markets in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine area. I’m thankful for my friends and family for believing in me and supporting me even before this was a goal. None of this would have been possible without them.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Like most things that are worthwhile, it was not always smooth sailing. To build something from nothing takes commitment, time, and research. I have spent many late nights creating, packing orders, preparing for markets, making content for social media, and researching how to run the many different aspects of my business. It is hard work that requires time and effort to see the results. We’ve heard the term “starving artist” and it is true this job comes with the inconsistency which at times can be stressful when you have responsibilities to care for. So, sure there have been highs and lows. However, at the end of the day, I get to do what I love and I’m so thankful for this opportunity to share what I love with the world.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a self-taught artist and graphic designer.
What probably sets me apart from others is the variety of items I offer. Some artists usually stick to one medium or one specific product to sell. However, I like to challenge myself by creating different kinds of art and love offering a large variety for my customers to choose from. I like to view my shop as a mini gift store where there’s something for everyone.
I would say I am mainly known for my paintings and custom portraits. I love using bright and happy colors. I enjoy creating a variety of types of paintings from abstract to realistic portraits, and small scale to large scale, Using acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media. I offer hand-painted items like plant pots, trinket dishes, and keychains. Recently, in 2022 I started making sticker sheets and individual stickers. I even have my own sticker club subscription where you get a monthly pack of stickers at a reduced price. My graphic designs include greeting cards, digital portraits, prints, and logos. I also collaborate with a friend where we offer DIY embroidery kits and other embroidered items. I love to inspire others to create their own art as well so I teach paint classes when time permits.
I am most proud of a mural I recently painted. While it was a personal project, I love how it turned out. It’s great to see my work on such a large scale.
How do you think about happiness?
I truly do enjoy making art for others. Being able to see someone get joy from my art brings me so much happiness and drives me to continue to create.
Pricing:
- Sticker club $14
- Logos starting at $50
- Paint Classes $7 per person
- Custom Portraits starting at $10
- Embroidery Kits starting at $12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mikocreationsco.square.site/
- Instagram: @miko_creations
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikoCreationsCo
