Meet Melanie Cable | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Cable and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ms.Chevious started as an idea in a notebook in 2004, but finally became a full-time reality in 2017. I quit my soul-crushing full time job because I was tired of seeing others profit off of my ideas and work, The freedom that comes with being in charge of your own projects is extremely liberating. My business is endlessly expandable as well, so as the company keeps growing, more opportunites just open up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I need to create regularly to feel myself. It’s a fluid process, ranging from photography and editing, chalk murals, sculptures, acrylic and watercolor painting, and other miscellaneous projects and commissions as they are inspired. Whimsical and humorous, fun and dark themes tend to take over. I do not paint ducks! (Haha) The Midwest area tends to have a lot of serious wildlife paintings in the area, and while I appreciate that type, my work is not serious. I find my best work has me laughing often during its’ creation.

Professionally, I was prepared to venture off on my own through my previous job experience. Valuable customer service skills, accounting, advertising, quotes and contracts, shipping and delivery were all accumulated from various jobs to come together for my own business. It’s still hard, not only designing and executing the art, but also promoting and archiving, making prints…it’s exhausting! I think I’ve come to find that some exhausting work is worth it. It’s incredibly rewarding to be at a show and have someone get excited over a print. That’s what I enjoy, seeing the art get a home where it’s appreciated and not just an idea stuck in my head.

I would like to inspire others to stay original and find the art in everything. It’s not just something to look at on the wall, it’s an experience and a feeling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Our home is my favorite place. We have a ‘forest’ to explore, ponds and streams, so much wildlife and plants. It’s peaceful. If we were to go into town, there are a few parks and small restaurants, but grilling out at home would win every time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out to my fiancee, Justin! He has been endlessly supportive with my art, and always will be my biggest advocate.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/Ms.Chevious

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ms.cheviousmurals

Image Credits
Ms.Chevious