Rising Stars: Meet Tamiah Coleman of Montgomery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamiah Coleman

Hi Tamiah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Tamiah Coleman, since the age of five, art has been my constant companion, though it wasn’t until later in life that I began to take it seriously. Starting with drawing, origami, and coloring, I honed my skills through art classes throughout middle school and high school. It was during my high school years that I discovered painting, eventually leading me to start my own business shortly before graduation.

Despite my passion for art, I initially pursued a different path in college, aiming to become a veterinarian. This decision surprised those who knew me well, as they had envisioned me pursuing a career in fashion design or another artistic field. However, in 2021, I made the difficult choice to change course, leaving behind my dreams of veterinary medicine. Since then, I have dedicated myself fully to my true passion as a multidisciplinary artist, reigniting my love for creativity.

My painting journey began unexpectedly in 2016 when I gifted my cousin a painting of a lion for her baby shower. From that heartfelt start, I ventured to collaborate with various businesses across Alabama, gradually expanding my reach. One notable highlight was creating a personalized painting for the renowned rapper “Future” on his birthday. These experiences have fueled my ambition, driving me to strive towards becoming one of the most respected artists in Alabama. I am eager to continue expanding my portfolio and collaborating with even more prominent clients in the future.

As a multidisciplinary artist, I strive to offer a diverse range of services to my clients, demonstrating the depth and impact of my art. I believe in my ability to innovate and inspire through every piece I create, transforming spaces and fostering creativity. My goal is to share my art with the world, championing the essential role of artists in today’s society.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting my business wasn’t just about pursuing a passion—it was a leap of faith into uncharted territory. Many people don’t realize that being an artist, or any entrepreneur for that matter, comes without a playbook. It’s about navigating uncertainties and trusting in creativity as both a gift and a challenge.

Creative blockages are real. There have been weeks where I struggled to find that perfect idea, despite being a fast creator. The pressure to produce consistently can be frustrating when your art is your livelihood. At times, I found myself torn between creating what I wanted versus what others expected from me. Balancing artistic integrity with commercial viability was a tough lesson to learn.

Over time, I realized a crucial truth: I am the artist. My job is to create from my heart, and it’s for others to appreciate and support. Understanding the value of my work was another hurdle. Pricing artwork is more than assigning a number; it’s about recognizing the impact your art can have on others and valuing your creative effort accordingly. Starting with humble prices was a learning curve, but I’ve come to understand the worth of my creations, adjusting prices to reflect that appreciation.

One of my biggest personal challenges was striving to stand out while mastering multiple artistic mediums—from paintings and murals to digital designs and tattoos. The eagerness to excel in everything led to a flood of opportunities, but also moments of overwhelm. I’ve learned to give myself grace, understanding that mastery takes time and patience. Embracing imperfections and reminding myself that it’s okay not to get it right on the first try has been empowering.

To aspiring artists, I offer this: the journey isn’t easy, but being an artist is a way of life. Trust in your work, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and remember that success follows passion and perseverance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in a wide range of artistic mediums including paintings, sculptures, public art (murals), fine art, conceptual art, textile art, digital art, and mixed media art. I’m known for creating diverse forms of artwork, often completing pieces within a single day, which allows a wide range of people to relate to different aspects of my work.

I’m most proud of taking a huge leap of faith by choosing to go the nontraditional route. Transitioning from being a college dropout to carving out my own path in the art world has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure my art could fund my lifestyle all at 24 years old. This journey has been a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

What sets me apart from others is my versatility and speed. I strive to become one of the best artists in Alabama, driven by my determination to have my foot in every door and not put limits on what I can do. I want people to see that being an artist is complex and multifaceted. My goal is for my work to be timeless and resonate across generations. At only 24 years old, I’m already leaving my mark, which is a significant achievement for me and signals a bright future ahead.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the idea of being myself. I don’t see competition when it comes to what I do because I believe I am one of a kind. Pouring into myself and nurturing my unique talents and vision is what matters most. I am my biggest critic and my biggest fan, and this self-belief is why I consider success inevitable. By staying true to myself and continuously growing as an artist, I ensure that my work remains authentic and impactful.

Pricing:

• “Queens of the South” $1,500
• “Fearless” $700
• “Down Souf” $600
• “Dont be Afraid” $1,000
• “Therapeutic” $850

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopqueent.myshopify.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamiahcoleman/

Image Credits
Marion Roper.