Michaella Martin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Michaella, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Lately, I’ve been feeling called to stop letting fear dictate my relationship with my art. For a long time, I’ve held myself back—afraid that what I create won’t be good enough, that it won’t be understood, or that it won’t measure up to others’ work. But recently, I’ve started realizing that the real calling isn’t to be perfect, it’s to be honest. I’m being called to create without overthinking, to share my art even when it feels vulnerable, and to trust that expressing myself has value on its own. I’m being called to return to the joy and curiosity that made me love art in the first place, instead of letting fear keep me quiet.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Michaella Martin, the artist behind madebymichaellam on Instagram. I’m a part-time artist specializing in charcoal realism, and my work is deeply inspired by the everyday art that shapes our lives — from music and movies to books and the creatives behind them. I love exploring how the things we listen to, read, and watch can influence how we see the world, and I bring that energy into each piece I create.
After taking a two-year break from art, I felt a strong pull to reconnect with what brings me peace and joy — creating. That return to art has been incredibly grounding and inspiring. Right now, I’m working on a series called ATL’s Finest, which celebrates the powerful black women shaping Atlanta’s music scene. It’s a project close to my heart and a reflection of both my love for music and my appreciation for the stories these women represent.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply someone who loved to create — whether it was through numbers or sketches. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for structure and detail, which naturally led me into forensic accounting. For a long time, I thought I had to choose between being analytical and being artistic. But over time, I realized those parts of me aren’t opposites — they complement each other.
Now, as both a forensic accountant and an artist, I see beauty in both worlds. Numbers tell stories just like art does — one through logic, the other through emotion. Embracing that balance has been freeing. I’ve learned that I can still love my career and be passionate about creating; one fuels my discipline, the other feeds my soul.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I actually did give up for a while. I put my canvases away for about two years because I felt like my art wasn’t good enough. Nothing was selling, and I started convincing myself that maybe the dream of being an artist just wasn’t meant for me. But looking back, those weren’t my true thoughts — they were fears. Fear of failing, of being rejected, of putting so much of myself into something and it not being enough.
What I’ve come to realize is that stepping away didn’t mean I stopped being an artist — I just needed time to rediscover why I started in the first place. When I finally picked up my charcoal again, it wasn’t about proving anything to anyone; it was about reconnecting with what brings me peace, joy, and purpose.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the art world tells itself is that you have to be perfect in order to show up — that your work, your style, even your image has to fit a certain mold or meet someone else’s standard. But the truth is, perfection doesn’t inspire people — authenticity does.
Being unapologetically yourself, creating from your own experiences and emotions, that’s what connects with others. That’s what makes your art meaningful. The imperfections, the risks, the individuality — that’s where the beauty really lives.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
I think my biggest regret would be not showing my artwork more — not putting myself out there. For a long time, I stayed in my comfort zone, afraid of what people might think or whether my work was “good enough.” But I’ve learned that staying comfortable doesn’t lead to growth.
Being uncomfortable and stepping into unfamiliar territory is the bridge between mediocrity and something life-changing. Every time I push past that fear, I discover a new part of myself as both an artist and a person. I’d rather take the risk and fail than look back wondering what could’ve happened if I had just tried.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Madebymichaellam
Image Credits
Credits: Michaella Martin
Photo Credits: Wusgood_media
