Meet Amanda Murray: Visual Illustrator & Art Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Murray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I feel that my good habit that helped me succeed as an art business owner is my drive to make sure that I’m able to evolve. My motivation pushed me to practicing good work habits such as waking up early and following up with clients. These habits developed over time and I believe that was one of the tools that made myself more successful in the long run. Another good habit of mine is asking for help. Not a lot of people in this industry ask for help. I definitely ask for help and sought-after the help in turn it made me be a better person for it. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a visual artist. I started off my professional career as a student at School of Visual Arts as an Illustrator. It wasn’t easy, it was definitely hard however I did overcome my challenges as a black illustrator in my industry by creating my own world with my own voice. Another challenge was to “pivot” from making money from a hobby to making it a full time career. Pivoting definitely grew me as a person to where I am today as a result I was able to evolve from it. The lessons that I have learned from it is that not all criticism is good criticism. I grew to have tough skin when it comes to criticism and that my art is not for everyone and should be cherished and enjoyed by those who do cherish my art. What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that someone told me that I wasn’t going to make it as an artist however that became my story and pushed me further as an artist to prove them wrong. My logo represents that just because someone didn’t believe in you you have the opportunity to prove them wrong and be able to take pictures and show off your successes and cherish every part of the journey. I am usually a shy timid person however I pushed myself in order for me to push my brand, my story, and my art to the next level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to all of the great places that Miami has to offer. I would show them to Farmer’s Markets in South Miami. Show them Clive’s Cafe to meet exciting people with filling food. Hang out at Haulover Beach to enjoy the beach and feel the ocean breeze. Try new things at Vegetarian Restaurant by Hakin and Red Rooster in Overtown. Enjoy great art at the Perez Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art as well as visiting Muce Campus for Urban Contemporary Art

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Irv and Co. Podcast, Amsoul Illustrations LLC., Carlos Arzu, A teacher who didn’t recognize my talent

Website: www.amsoul.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amsoulart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amsoulart
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1s&v=fo0tOj9MiF0