From Paint to Pattern: Melissa Johnson’s Journey into Creative Entrepreneurship
In her own words, Melissa Johnson—a self-taught watercolor artist, surface designer, and creative educator—shares how her journey from Midwest mom to creative entrepreneur unfolded. With a deep love for the outdoors and a passion for helping others embrace their creativity, Melissa reveals how teaching herself to paint during a transformative season led her to surface pattern design, coaching, and a thriving business rooted in authenticity, heart, and intentional growth.
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I’m Melissa Johnson, mom, watercolor artist, surface designer and creative educator. Born and raised in the Midwest, I enjoy all things outdoors, gardening, hiking, running and gravel road drives. My hands and feet are often stained with dirt and grass!
I’ve always been creative, building little worlds out of moss and found objects, took every art class in high school, love crafting but never thought art could be a realistic career. Fast forward, I taught myself to paint in 2021 and learned of surface design a year later so I’m a bit of a newbie artist.
I find great joy in the creative process, learning and connecting with others. My days are a blend of being present with my babes, creating and helping others embrace creativity and navigate their journeys.
The Spark
I opened an Etsy shop to sell watercolor art prints and custom work that became really busy. I was close to burnout in December of 2022 when I discovered the term surface design. The concept of creating art that could land on products and create reoccurring income sounded like a game changer. Spoiler alert, it is!
I started sharing my work then took Immersion to learn pattern design and the business side. I was contacted by several businesses soon after and celebrated my first licensing opportunities. It was then I realized that there was true potential to do what I love and create sustainable income in a healthy way that worked for me and our family.
Overcoming Doubts
I’ve had my share of doubts and uncertainties. As we all know when were on social media the things we’re interested in are fed to us so as artists and designers were seeing the amazing talent in other artists who are further down the path then us. It’s easy to get overwhelmed so positive self-talk and the ability to consistently show up to learn, practice and be authentic are integral and help grow confidence in time. We each have a unique voice. There is the right opportunities for each of us.
Challenges
Technology and navigating where to focus my time have been my greatest challenges. I had barely touched an adobe program prior to 2022. I am now proficient in both Illustrator and Photoshop which is amazing to me. We have to make the intentional decision to show up over and over to improve and provide ourselves with the knowledge and skillsets to grow our opportunities. It’s difficult and rewarding to learn new things. It’s also difficult to focus on the real tasks that move us forward toward our goals rather than busy work but that’s what changes you our trajectory.
Creative Process
My creative process varies. Sometimes I sit and paint, sketch, or write to decompress and practice. My process for creating a collection starts with an idea that typically has been stirring in me but also can be specifically chosen by a collaborator. I will write down initial ideas then do some research on Google, Pinterest, reference books, etc. Next, I’ll sketch and start to develop concepts more fully. I then start to create the artwork and motifs. I always create more than I need to give myself options to work with. Next, I scan in my work and start designing in Illustrator or Photoshop. I send out initial designs and artwork to collaborators then make any requested edits. Lastly, I send over files, create mock ups and share on social media to further market the work.
Lettering was actually what launched my career as an artist! I taught myself to letter right before learning to paint. I sold custom lettering projects in my Etsy shop first then started adding watercolor botanicals and florals.
Marketing Strategy
Instagram has had a great impact on my growth as an artist and entrepreneur. It has never been easy for me to share but I have shown the messy beginnings since I opened my account and was learning lettering and watercolor. In 2022 when I discovered surface design, I decided to change my bio and it was a pivotal moment. I was nervous and honestly sick at my stomach as I tapped the check to update. I felt like an imposter. That same week I received my first licensing inquiry. Our mindset and intentions are so powerful!
Branding Strategy
We are all innately drawn to certain colors and themes. I love organic colors, warm light, vintage vibes with a touch of rustic structure. Our work and aesthetics naturally evolve in time and with practice. I do intentionally choose what I share with the kind of work I want to create going forward in hopes of attracting more well-fitting opportunities. I review my grid, website, etc. every few months to see if I should remove or add anything that doesn’t fit my goals or feel authentic to me.
Coaching/Teaching
The Creative Coaching Mentorship was designed as a result of spending hours answering the same questions over and over in my dms. I see a gap between the learning phase of becoming an artist to transitioning into a creative entrepreneur. Often we just need some clarity, encouragement and support to help us get clear on our goals and what it takes to achieve them. The catch is each of our journeys are different so there is no one size fits all and we evolve as creatives and people. The Mentorship is designed to meet you where you're at in your creative journey and help guide you to your next best steps in growing as a creative and entrepreneur. We start from the deep heart work of what truly drives you and where you want to be then back track with intentional tasks to get you there with less what ifs and time and more joy and support!
Advice for Aspiring Creatives wanting to get more eyes on their work
My biggest piece of advice for artists to get more eyes on their work is to be intentional with every step in knowing where you’d love your artwork to land. Make informed decisions in the creation process, in sharing your process, final work in a flat lay then on a mock-up on a product you dream of your work on and lastly sharing as a collaboration if it happens.
For example, if you dream of your artwork landing on children’s clothing then research the kind of artwork that you see selling in that industry. Follow businesses that you’d love to work with and engage authentically. Create the artwork with informed decisions. Since it is children’s apparel, you’re creating for think of size, colors and technique that will market well. Is your artwork going to scan well? Are you creating a pattern or artwork in Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate? How will this be translated to the final product?
Share your process, speak to your dream client with your images and text so that when they come upon your grid they are excited to work with you! Make it easy for them to imagine your work on their products through mockups, a feeling of approachability and a storyline.
Portfolio Showcase