WilloToons Connect: Meet Mati Rose McDonough

I discovered Mati Rose’s work at a Renegade Craft Fair in 2009. Stepping up to her booth, I instantly fell in love with EVERY SINGLE THING she had and before I knew it bought over a $100 worth, while exclaiming, “Oh my god, hurry and ring me up before I buy one of everything!” Needless to say, I’m a fan.

Since then, we’ve become close friends, and LIDL cohorts, and I continue to be inspired watching her cultivate a full, creative life that most artists only dream of. That said, her journey hasn’t been paved with gold, and yet Mati’s tenacity for following her heart has totally paid off. Her fabulous paintings are sold across the country and she has her work licensed on cards, magnets, tees and more. She’s been featured in many books, is in the process of writing her own, and has a successful online course, called Get Your Paint On. How’s that for making it happen? Hallelujah!

In this conversation, Mati and I discuss how important it is to stay true to your work, and giving time to yourself amidst the pressure of deadlines and expectations that come with being a full-time artist. Mati is an incredible inspiration for never giving up on what you love. The fact that she has fearlessly continued to pick up the paintbrush and create no matter what, is a beacon for all of us who have that small voice within, begging us to give life to our gifts.

Visit Mati Rose Online
MatiRose.com + Teahouse Studio + Flickr + Twitter

Does this conversation hit home for you? Are you an artist who works full-time on your business, or wishes you could? I’d love to hear your thoughts and/or questions in the comments!

UPDATE: I just posted Behind-the-Scenes photos and Mati’s answers to my Creative Questionnaire!

30 Responses to WilloToons Connect: Meet Mati Rose McDonough

  1. leslie says:

    beyond thrilled to see mati rose, lovely soul, sharing her journey in this interview! i am honored to be shooting her first book this summer and love that this is the forum for our first reveal :) willo, your work is delightful as is your smile – i hope to meet you one day soon!!

    • thank you, leslie! I’m honored to have you a part of this… and really appreciate your generosity, warmth & enthusiasm! looking forward to meeting you in person, too… we have lots to celebrate! :)

  2. I adore Mati and I’m looking at one of her original paintings on my wall right now :) So excited to buy her book — i know she (and leslie!) are creating something magical xo

  3. this was fantastic! yay mati! thank you for this interview, was great to hear from both of you :) what a wonderful resource for inspiration & connection in real life… it makes such a difference hearing and seeing the interview in person. LOVE the sneak peek of the book cover too! hip hip hoooray! it’s so lovely!
    xo *sarah ahearn bellemare

  4. kolleen says:

    CREATE!
    CREATE!
    CREATE!

    i love that …. Mati you are such an inspiration and i love how you have stretched out your arms in so many areas and shaken it up!!!

    thank you for such a wonderfully cool interview!!

    peaceandlove
    k

  5. Deane says:

    Nice videos… Good clean look to it… May video production align with your workflow so we can all watch many more episodes! Be well, Deane

  6. Katy says:

    It’s inspiring to see that she works in so many different styles. I always worry about the consistency in my own work & its nice to see she is doing well with so many different styles. I love her work!

  7. ludid says:

    i think i have watched this interview more than 5 times. currently taking Mati and Lisa’s painting e-course and i love their perspetive. so fresh. teaching style is different than other e-courses i have taken and
    it is refreshing. thank you for these interviews.

    • Awesome, Ludid! Thank you for watching, and for taking the time to leave a comment. It’s so great to hear that it’s hitting home for other creatives out there. So proud and excited for you that you’ve been diving into your painting so much! Take care & keep it up. xo

  8. Pingback: Hello, October: A review of 2011 thus far | WilloToons

    • Thank you, Angela! Mati is sitting across from me right this second and we both smiled and said “that’s soo sweet!”

      We really appreciate your taking the time to say so. Have a wonderful week!

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  13. moyra says:

    Willo you were right, I am connecting with this. Inspiring. I really enjoyed this interview. I love Mati’s style. great dress!! I also love that she is eclectic. you hear so much about focus. and I like to explore! She reminds me of a Brighton painter, Sophie Abbot

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