Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Murphy.
Mallory, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I got my BFA in studio art with an emphasis in metalsmithing and jewelry in 2015 and took a three-year break to work as a bartender and later, bar manager while figuring out what I wanted to do. I was working 40-60 hours a week, feeling pretty stuck. I longed for a creative outlet or a way to put the energy I was putting into the bar, into myself.
After finally finding the courage to quit my demanding job, I took a few months off work and really started creating. Working with an iPad and Apple Pencil was a completely new medium for me, but it seemed like a more attainable way for me to actively produce work. I started out creating playful digital collages. They were easy to produce, and I could make them quickly. These collages were fun–I could make them every day, and I wasn’t putting so much pressure on myself.
As I became more proficient technologically, so did my collages. They were becoming sharper, more meticulous, and much more detailed. I got the inspiration for my spherical collages at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Staring at a Takashi Murakami piece, I found these spherical elements that had so much life and movement. I wanted to create a collage with the same feeling. I was able to find a meditative element to collaging this way.
After finding images, you spend most of the hour intensively erasing outlines and saving details; it’s during these long stretches of erasing that you are able to let your mind rest or think more clearly. I definitely found my voice with these collages. I’m able to satisfy my mood with different color schemes and imagery. After creating enough work to start selling prints, I was totally in.
I went to print, worked on expanding my social media presence, created my own website and online store, and set up vendor booths at local Denton community markets. I’m constantly thinking about the next step and how to keep this business thriving. This is only the beginning, though, and it’s a journey I want people to feel a part of. I document my process on social media because I want people to see my practice, my struggle, and my successes.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think the beginning was the biggest struggle. Having the guts to quit a well-paying job to make room for a creative life was overwhelming. There were countless times I thought to myself, “is this even worth it? Is this ever going to work out for me?” Its extremely difficult to kickstart your own business–attention to detail is a must.
I’ve always wanted my business to say “she’s done this before.” I never wanted to go out there and feel unprepared. You’ve got to be practical though. At your first vendor sale, you may forget business cards, or wish you brought more prints to sell, but that’s all part of it. Every step is a growing process, and that next vendor sale will be even better.
There’s always room to improve and ways to do things more efficiently, but you figure that out as you go. I’ve finally realized, you don’t have to be 100% sure of yourself to go out and do it. If you’re 75% sure of yourself, just do it, you’re still going to kill it. If you love what you’re doing, people will notice and, in turn, they’ll love what you’re doing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Mallory Murphy Studio is an online print store. I specialize in digital collages with a characteristic spherical shape. As a company, I’m most proud of how much I’ve been able to accomplish in such a short period of time.
I really started completely giving myself to my work and this business in early July. I had been collaging for a few months prior, but I didn’t think it would get anywhere. It really is incredible how much you can accomplish when you’re working for yourself and your dreams and not someone else’s.
I think what sets me apart from others is my thoroughness and my ability to solve problems before they are one. I’m always looking for the next move and the best way to go about it. Thankfully, I’ve got a wonderful sounding board of friends and family to keep me sane along the way.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always trying to make people laugh; I was a bit of a showman. I think my personality still reflects that. I was always creative; my interests typically revolved around arts and music. I was able to harness my interest for art in high school when I decided to take a few art classes before graduating.
Something clicked, and I decided then, I would pursue an art degree in college, even if I was unsure of a specific job I could land afterwards. I guess I’ve always been headstrong, if I want to do something, I’ll find a way to do it.
Pricing:
- Standard 12″X12″ prints are $15-$20
- Smaller 7″x7″ prints are $8
- Vinyl Stickers 3.5″x3.5″ are $3
Contact Info:
- Website: mallorymurphystudio.com
- Phone: 682-564-2316
- Email: mallory.murphy33@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmurphdogg/
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