creative highlight
MEMBER from our community
MICHELLE PERKETT
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My name is Michelle Perkett, founder of Michelle Perkett Studio. I’m a mixed media artist, floral painter, digital stamp designer and teacher. I fell in love with Jesus for the first time in 2011, and all I wanted to create was art that glorified Him who made all things in me new. After that, I began to develop my now signature style of painting.
Soon after I became a caregiver for my Mom with Dementia, I found comfort and peace in this new art form which eventually grew into a line of floral paintings. I also added the same scripture verses to them that gave me so much hope and strength while caring for my Mom.
I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020, and one day while I was recovering from chemo, I painted my first, “Jesus Girl” as I fondly refer to them. They are happy and colorful mixed media girls that represent the joy that comes from deeply experiencing God’s love in my life and these have become my most popular paintings yet!
I’m so grateful to the Lord for walking through this amazing journey of faith and creativity with me daily. I can’t think of a more beautiful life!
Etsy: www.michelleperkett.etsy.com
Instagram: @michelle_perkett
Skillshare Class: Acrylic-Florals-and-Layering-Techniques
Email: [email protected]
Soon after I became a caregiver for my Mom with Dementia, I found comfort and peace in this new art form which eventually grew into a line of floral paintings. I also added the same scripture verses to them that gave me so much hope and strength while caring for my Mom.
I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020, and one day while I was recovering from chemo, I painted my first, “Jesus Girl” as I fondly refer to them. They are happy and colorful mixed media girls that represent the joy that comes from deeply experiencing God’s love in my life and these have become my most popular paintings yet!
I’m so grateful to the Lord for walking through this amazing journey of faith and creativity with me daily. I can’t think of a more beautiful life!
Etsy: www.michelleperkett.etsy.com
Instagram: @michelle_perkett
Skillshare Class: Acrylic-Florals-and-Layering-Techniques
Email: [email protected]
Can you tell us about your introduction to art? How did you know you had a creative gift?
I was always drawing and painting as a kid and being extremely shy, art gave me a way to express my feelings. When I came to know the Lord I learned my artistic gifts were from Him and wanted to use and share them to help build up His Kingdom in some way.
Did you ever think you'd be selling your art or teaching art?
Growing up I always loved playing store and teacher so I guess I’m not too surprised, but through them both I’ve uncovered more of my God given creative gifts I never knew I had and feel a deep purpose in my life now.
What are your favorite ways to express your creativity?
Mixed media painting and drawing in my art and prayer journals are my favorite ways to create. My work is always so loose and fun there and it’s a place where I can pray, have fun and explore color. Pretty much all of my ideas come from these journals and if I ever need inspiration I just go back and flip through them.
Also, painting my Jesus Girls have been my favorite way to express my creativity lately. I always feel that a part of me goes into each one and they’re just so fun to paint!
I was always drawing and painting as a kid and being extremely shy, art gave me a way to express my feelings. When I came to know the Lord I learned my artistic gifts were from Him and wanted to use and share them to help build up His Kingdom in some way.
Did you ever think you'd be selling your art or teaching art?
Growing up I always loved playing store and teacher so I guess I’m not too surprised, but through them both I’ve uncovered more of my God given creative gifts I never knew I had and feel a deep purpose in my life now.
What are your favorite ways to express your creativity?
Mixed media painting and drawing in my art and prayer journals are my favorite ways to create. My work is always so loose and fun there and it’s a place where I can pray, have fun and explore color. Pretty much all of my ideas come from these journals and if I ever need inspiration I just go back and flip through them.
Also, painting my Jesus Girls have been my favorite way to express my creativity lately. I always feel that a part of me goes into each one and they’re just so fun to paint!
Is there more than one creative outlet for you? Do they all come together or totally separate?
I love making and painting gift tags and adding lots of colorful ribbon to them to add to a gift or to give to friends. Usually they’re abstract florals paintings with some hand lettering. They’re like mini canvases, they’re so fun and they usually spark an idea for a painting or for another creative process.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
I feel Him calling me to be more confident in my work, to loosen up my style and to use my artistic talents to the best of my ability. Also to involve Him more in all aspects of my business, after all He is my CEO!
Is it costly to be a creative/artist?
Yes, it can be depending on the mediums you work in and marketing/advertising can be as well. I’ve found that keeping track of business finances helps to know where you should be spending money to further the business.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork/and where do you see it going from here?
I never used to be a planner but now I set monthly and yearly goals for myself and try to follow through with them. This has really helped my productivity and keeps me always moving forward. I also try to draw and paint something every day so I’m always refining my artistic skills.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Jesus gave you creative gifts and the world needs these beautiful gifts! These gifts can come with some pretty big dreams and He is there to dream right alongside of you. All things are possible with Him!
So dream as big as you can and never give up on them because you can do all things through Him who strengthens you.
Find someone who is doing what you want to do and find out how they got there. I’ve emailed artists and asked them questions when I was first starting out and they were happy to answer all my questions.
Being an artist can be lonely at times so finding a coach, a creative community or a best friend to be your cheerleader to walk with you on your journey is a must. And remember that you’ll always have Jesus with you anytime you need encouragement!
I love making and painting gift tags and adding lots of colorful ribbon to them to add to a gift or to give to friends. Usually they’re abstract florals paintings with some hand lettering. They’re like mini canvases, they’re so fun and they usually spark an idea for a painting or for another creative process.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
I feel Him calling me to be more confident in my work, to loosen up my style and to use my artistic talents to the best of my ability. Also to involve Him more in all aspects of my business, after all He is my CEO!
Is it costly to be a creative/artist?
Yes, it can be depending on the mediums you work in and marketing/advertising can be as well. I’ve found that keeping track of business finances helps to know where you should be spending money to further the business.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork/and where do you see it going from here?
I never used to be a planner but now I set monthly and yearly goals for myself and try to follow through with them. This has really helped my productivity and keeps me always moving forward. I also try to draw and paint something every day so I’m always refining my artistic skills.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Jesus gave you creative gifts and the world needs these beautiful gifts! These gifts can come with some pretty big dreams and He is there to dream right alongside of you. All things are possible with Him!
So dream as big as you can and never give up on them because you can do all things through Him who strengthens you.
Find someone who is doing what you want to do and find out how they got there. I’ve emailed artists and asked them questions when I was first starting out and they were happy to answer all my questions.
Being an artist can be lonely at times so finding a coach, a creative community or a best friend to be your cheerleader to walk with you on your journey is a must. And remember that you’ll always have Jesus with you anytime you need encouragement!