Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Duymich.
Hi Monica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am Monica the owner and artist behind the company Ikaros Art LLC. and the single momma of two amazing kiddos. I have been running my own business- IKAROS ART for more than 15 years- full time for over 5 years and creating art since I was born (seriously I think I was born with a pencil and sketchbook in hand). I graduated from the Art Institute with a degree in Media Arts and Animation. As I became a mom, I started pursuing more painting, which I could do with being home to raise my kids (the best of both worlds). As they have gotten older, I have been able to focus more on growing my art in the time they are in school, which opened up the opportunities for more creative outlets. At this point in my artist journey, I do commission artwork such as elevating homes and businesses with custom murals, interior design paintings, beer label designs, pet portraits, logos, art classes and truly anything creative to keep me painting. I also love to travel to get inspired for my ART WITH IMPACT series! Creating beautiful nature paintings that not only impact the room they are hung, but also positively impact the earth through a portion of every purchase being donated to nature and conservation organizations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing in life worth having comes without challenges! I have dealt with ongoing health issues- autoimmune diseases that are always an obstacle. I have also had to learn to find balance between running my own creative business and single momma life. Challenges are always in the path to success and happiness, but I have learned to take each challenge head on and grow stronger, more resilient, and driven. When you want something bad enough, you won’t let anything stand in your way. I have also learned that each difficulty in life comes with a lesson and the journey is the most important part. Every challenge that comes along is an opportunity for me to grow and if we aren’t growing, we are dying.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a commission freelance artist- I work with businesses such as Sheraton Hotels, Hop Farm Brewery, Wye Beer Co, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Lost River Trading Post, Uptown Coffee, interior design companies, and so much more as a way to elevate their businesses with interactive murals, beer labels, merchandise, art classes, logos and other artwork. It is so fun to stay so creative!
One of my favorite aspects of what I do, besides being covered in paint all the time, is connecting and building relationships with my clients. I love working along side my clients and truly getting to know them and have their creative vision incorporated in what I do.
Currently I am evolving my artwork into a way to positively impact the world, because I love nature and animals so much. ART WITH IMPACT… beautiful nature and animal inspired paintings that give back to conservation and sustainability efforts. My passion projects are nature based from the materials I use, to the subjects I paint, to the traveling I do for inspiration and connection- ART WITH IMPACT. Custom artwork that positively impacts the space they are displayed- offices, restaurants, coffee shops, garden centers, and homes, but it goes further- impacting our earth and the environment too. With the purchase of the Art with Impact series, a portion of the profits are donated to conservation and environmental companies making a difference for our earth. It is my way of taking what I love and making a positive impact to sustain this beautiful earth in my own special way.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My client relations and connection make a big difference in my creative business. Helping my clients feel heard and seen then allowing them to have creative input really helps to build the connection and trust, which ensures their happiness with each project and their continued support in what I do.
I also think my playful and adventurous spirit makes a big difference. The more playful I am and adventurous with creative outlets and travels the more my creativity thrives! You have to find fun and excitement in each day! I love tapping into what makes me feel fired up and passionate, that is what helps me stay excited for each project I get the opportunity to create.
Pricing:
- pricing available on my website- shop
- pricing available with free consultation on projects through connecting on my website
- pricing varies per project
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ikarosart.com
- Instagram: @ikaros_art_pgh
- Facebook: /ikarosart
