Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Doss
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Though I still feel I am very much at the beginning of my creative journey, I initially began exploring my creativity and taking my art more seriously beginning in 2020. Given the nature of my day job as a virtual assistant I have been afforded the time and freedom to pursue and develop the skill sets that have allowed me to flourish in the local art community. Being with a partner who also has experience and passion for art fueled my motivation to take my interests further from just creating as a light hobby to diving head first into putting myself and my works out there.
The Dallas community has really embraced me and instilled so much of the confidence that still drives me today to keep pushing the boundaries of my work and to educate myself in just about every medium I can get my hands on. I began exploring every avenue from digital and physical illustration to clay work, fiber arts and more.
I find that tapping into my inner child and nostalgia is what has manifested through my art and resonates with the people that stumble across my work as well. Beyond the online community I began participating in local art markets to develop my relationship with the community and to put more than just a face and name to my brand but to connect with people who also seek to feed that inner child and indulge in their love for creativity. The love and support I have received has filled my cup in so many ways and has pushed me to continue seeking every opportunity I come across to get involved and participate with a variety of organizations and groups. I look forward to staying the course of where my art has taken me and seeing what other beautiful memories and amazing experiences this path may have in store for me down the road!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many ups and downs and I am sure there will be plenty to come. In the beginning I had less freedom to create while my schedule hadn’t allowed for it. It wasn’t until I started working from home that I really began exploring the boundaries of what I can do.
The biggest thing that held back my progress was my confidence. I grew up thinking I would be going down a different path in life and though my creative spark has always been present, it wasn’t until adult hood that I began to explore that. Being with my partner sparked a lot of my initial interest. At first I was intimidated because my partner is someone who grew up taking art classes and fine tuning those skills having years of training on me. However it was also my partner who saw my potential and nurtured that passion until I was ready to put myself and my art out into the world and chase that feeling of wanting to grow.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I aim to explore every avenue that reveals itself to me, so I dabble in a bit of everything. I specialize in digital and physical illustration, small clay works and fiber arts. Within the community, I would say I am best known for my clay work. I sculpt small figures and pieces that are geared towards people who love anything nostalgic, whimsical and colorful. I am most proud of the style that I have been able to develop. Often I feel that people are too afraid of color and how bold it can be but my creations are bright, vibrant and unafraid of being “too much”
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
In so many ways! The thing I love most about getting involved with the art community is the connections I have been able to make with fellow artists and customers alike! I adore meeting other creatives that want to collaborate projects together or even just to meet another friend that you can spend time crafting with. There is something so special about spending time with someone who is passionate about the things you are passionate about. Connecting with others on any level is the most important thing that has come out of pursuing a creative career and life for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/jellytoastbun
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jellytoastbun
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jellytoastbun
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jellytoastbun
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@jellytoastbun?hl=en
