"You Are Never Too Old to Reinvent Yourself" with Michelle Platt
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Photo Credit Savita Whittier
Six years ago, at the age of 47, Michelle Platt changed direction in her life from being a mom and educator to starting a new career. When she learned that her father had Parknison’s, she left her teaching position in a private school and moved from Oregon back to Texas to help him with his remodeling business. But in her spare time, she has reinvented herself as a self-taught artist and her business continues to grow.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
My background was actually in education, but with my kids grown and gone, and my father’s health condition, it was time for a change. After decades of teaching, I retired and reinvented myself as a
remodeler and as an artist.
What inspired you to start your business?
One day, after a religious retreat, I was stuck inside on a rainy day. I picked up a pen, found a piece of paper and just started drawing an interesting image of a farmer I found on the internet. To my own surprise, it was good! Like, really good. You could see the story in the old man’s eyes and feel the texture of his weather-worn skin. I was inspired to do more. I continued to produce a number of pen and ink pieces over the next few years, selling both prints and originals here and there. Then one day I took a watercolor class. In my mind watercolors were those little plastic trays with dry, hard circles of color that you used in elementary school. That wasn’t real art! But once I learned the right products to use and the basics of how to control it, I was captivated. Painting everything from nature scenes to jazz musicians and abstract art, I refuse to limit myself to one style and challenge myself to constantly grow and create. Currently, I am obsessed with a new medium, alcohol inks, and am excited for the new direction it is taking me.
Where is your business based?
It is based out of my home in Austin, TX. My studio is a corner of our dining room that has amazing light.
How did you start your business? What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
Initially I sold to just family and friends. But soon friends of friends started to inquire about my work and ask for commissions, and then total strangers. Posting pictures of my work on Facebook and Instagram has kept a steady flow of sales and commissions. Then six months ago I inquired into a local gallery and was accepted. From there my career as a creative entrepreneur really started to take off.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is the fear of leaving a steady, well-paying job to take this leap of faith in myself. For now I am balancing my “day job” with the need to make time for my art and build the business end, as well as keep a happy, healthy home life, and that has its own challenges.
How do you stay focused?
My passion for creating artworks that inspire people and give them a sense of pleasure and serenity in these frustrating and uncertain times, keeps me focused. In fact at times it is all I can think about, and I have to force myself to do the mundane chores that are required day to day, rather than stay up all night painting or creating my new website.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
I don’t see other artists as competition. With billions of people out there, each with their own experiences and viewpoints, there can never be too much art. The things I create are going to resonate with a lot of people, but it’s not for everyone. That’s the beauty of art. Each viewer has their own interpretation of each piece, and they will be drawn to the ones that pull their heartstrings for their own reasons. I paint my own reality and my own desires and trust that it will intersect with others’ reality and interests.
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
I want other women to know that you don’t need a huge following or a perfect, fancy website to follow your dreams. You just need a passion for what you do and a willingness to put yourself out there.You have to ignore that little voice that tells you you can’t; and just have confidence that you CAN!
What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
In 2021 I participated in a one-week webinar by Jessica Serran geared toward helping artists create their most epic art career. Jessica opened the door so I could see the possibilities and helped me shut down my fears. In fact, I only got the courage to approach the gallery after the webinar.
How do you balance work and life?
You can’t focus on just one or two dynamics of life, because it is the summation of all the factors that make you who you are. So you have to make the time for work, for family, the house, for your dreams and your own spiritual well-being. When I am spending time with my husband I give myself to that 100%, but when I am in my studio, I give that 100% as well. ‘Do what you are doing, while you are doing it,’ is my motto.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
Creating new art pieces is very relaxing, but if I am not doing that, I love dancing, especially West Coast Swing, and watching movies with my husband.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
My focus for the next six months will be developing and releasing my new website for online sales, expanding my collection of semi-abstract alcohol ink, and participating in shows. My next show will be in Galveston TX on March 18-19 and I am working on a solo exhibition for late spring or early summer.
How can our readers connect with you?
Currently I can be found at https://www.facebook.com/michelleplattart and https://www.instagram.com/michelleplattart/ As soon as my website is live I will announce it on these platforms. If you are in the Austin area, stop by to see my work at Mercer Street Art Gallery in Dripping Springs. Email me at michelleplattart@gmail.com to let me know when you are going and I would love to meet you there!