Episode 9 : Teaching What You Once Feared with Melissa Johnson
Fear of learning new skills—especially when it comes to technology—can feel like a massive roadblock for creatives. But as Melissa Johnson’s journey shows, pushing through that initial discomfort can unlock incredible opportunities. In this episode of Creative Diaries, Melissa shares how she went from feeling intimidated by digital tools to confidently mentoring other artists on their own creative journeys.
Melissa’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, patience, and an open heart. Before 2022, she had barely touched programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. As a watercolor artist, the idea of transitioning to digital design felt overwhelming. But instead of letting fear dictate her path, she took it one step at a time. She didn’t pressure herself to master everything at once. Instead, she focused on learning the basics, applying what she learned, and gradually building her confidence.
A key mindset shift for Melissa was realizing that creativity is not about knowing everything—it’s about staying curious and being willing to figure things out. Many artists get stuck in a cycle of taking endless courses, watching tutorials, and waiting to feel “ready.” But Melissa encourages creatives to break free from that mindset. She found success by learning, applying, and mastering one skill at a time before moving on to the next.
Her transformation from student to teacher was unexpected but deeply rewarding. When she started receiving countless messages from fellow artists asking for advice, she saw an opportunity—not just to help others, but to consolidate what she had learned. Rather than answering each question individually, she created a course that made the information accessible to many. This step wasn’t about claiming to be an expert; it was about sharing what she knew and offering guidance to those a few steps behind her.
One of the biggest lessons Melissa has learned from teaching is that mentorship is a two-way street. While she helps other creatives navigate their learning curves, they also inspire her to keep improving. Teaching has pushed her to refine her own skills, stay disciplined, and remain open to growth. And through it all, she’s embraced a key philosophy: you don’t have to wait until you’re “perfect” to share what you know. There is always someone who can benefit from your experiences.
If you’ve been holding back from learning something new—or from sharing your knowledge because you feel like you’re not “qualified” yet—take Melissa’s advice: just start. Growth comes from taking action, even when you’re unsure.
🎧 Want to dive deeper into this conversation? Listen to the full episode of Creative Diaries here and start embracing your creative journey today!
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Fear shouldn’t stop you from learning. Every expert was once a beginner—take it one step at a time.
Start with the basics. Focus on mastering one skill before moving on to the next.
Teaching helps reinforce your own learning. You don’t need to be an expert to share valuable knowledge.
Creativity and technology can coexist. Learning digital tools can open new opportunities for traditional artists.
An open heart leads to growth. Be willing to learn, share, and support others in their creative journeys.
About Melissa Johnson
Melissa Johnson is a watercolor artist, surface designer, and creative mentor passionate about helping artists find their unique voice and build sustainable creative careers. Based in the Midwest, Melissa’s journey into the creative industry started with a deep love for nature, art, and storytelling. After teaching herself watercolor painting in 2021, she quickly discovered surface design and saw the potential to turn her passion into a thriving business.
Her work has been licensed by brands and transformed into a variety of products, from home decor to textiles. But beyond creating, Melissa found another calling—teaching and mentoring fellow creatives. Recognizing the challenges many artists face in learning new skills, overcoming self-doubt, and navigating the business side of creativity, she launched a mentorship program to guide others through their journeys.
Melissa’s approach to teaching is rooted in encouragement, clarity, and authenticity. She believes that every artist has something valuable to offer and that learning and growth are ongoing parts of the creative process. Whether she’s painting, designing, or mentoring, Melissa’s mission remains the same—to empower creatives to embrace their potential, push past their fears, and confidently share their work with the world.
📌 Explore Melissa’s work here and follow her creative journey on Instagram.