We share entrepreneurial stories to inspire great ideas...
Mary Anne Mackness
May Mackness is an emerging Designer + Illustrator. She has illustrated a privately published children’s book and is seeking more opportunities which bring together her combination of skills. May has an ongoing interest in photography, as seen through her #RISEANDSHINE challenge on social media and her website. (www.maymackness.com/riseandshine.) She enjoys exploring and following her intuition.
Illustrator, Mary Anne Mackness
- Contributed By: Mary Anne Mackness
Tell us a little something about your business...
In 2016 I started working on my first calendar. This was a suggestion from a good friend, as a way to share my work with friends and family, and beyond. This year will be my 4th consecutive calendar. All illustrations are designed specifically for that month of that year and the graphics are not reprinted for other purposes. I am slowly gaining confidence in the work I produce. Creativity is a challenge for me to define, because it weaves in and out of many areas of my life. I am focusing on my calendar here, but my journey extends far beyond just that, it encompasses my entire being. I am still finding my voice and discovering the best way I can contribute to making a more loving and beautiful world.
When was your lightbulb moment?
I was told by some that Calendars are a dying art form in the digital age… this might be true for some but there are many who still do prefer a physical calendar. Other enjoy supporting the arts. These comments initially caused me to doubt what I was doing, why bother with print media? I think the first thing about creativity and the arts is having the motivation of making something that maybe a younger version of you needed. I am working on creating print media that I would want to buy and that celebrates my journey. For a millennial, I can see that there is still a large demographic that enjoys touching and experiencing a solid reality. We’re not living in the age of holograms yet. My 2020 calendar will be coming out within the month of September and I hope over the next year to add a greeting card line.
What are your three words of advice?
Persistence. It’s going to be hard, you’re going to want to give up, you’re going to have everything against you some days. You need persistence to keep pushing, even when you cannot see where the path may lead. Often you are so close to success when you walk away, so just keep going.
Integrity. You need to have values and stick with them. This is like a home-base. You need to know what you’re about and not compromise on those core beliefs for anything. This will be the solid rock and how you will earn respect.
Water. But also be like water… Water flows, it is adaptable, it is vital. Taking on these qualities will allow you to keep up with the curveballs of life. Also it’s always good to remember to drink some too.
Three words of advice...
Persistence…Integrity…Water
May Mackness is an emerging Designer + Illustrator. She has illustrated a privately published children’s book and is seeking more opportunities which bring together her combination of skills. May has an ongoing interest in photography, as seen through her #RISEANDSHINE challenge on social media and her website. (www.maymackness.com/riseandshine.) She enjoys exploring and following her intuition.
“May your legacy create a footprint of success for the next person who steps into your shoes”
