Interview
Misty Marquis
Misty Marquis is a multidisciplinary artist and designer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Working across illustration, painting, and digital media, she creates contemporary figurative artwork that blends expressive portraiture, organic forms, and vibrant color. Inspired by people, nature, and everyday moments, her work explores themes of identity, growth, connection, and belonging. Drawing from a background in graphic design and product design, Misty combines strong visual composition with a playful sense of curiosity, creating pieces that invite reflection while celebrating the joy of creating.
Misty’s work was featured in Times Square, New York as part of Artistcloseup’s international open call for visual artists.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I've been making art for as long as I can remember. Growing up in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, creativity wasn't something I separated from everyday life. Drawing became the way I made sense of the world long before I understood it as a career. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Georgia State University, which eventually led me into a career designing digital products and brand experiences. While design taught me how to solve problems and communicate clearly, fine art has always remained the place where I get to play, experiment, and ask questions instead of answering them. Today, my artistic practice exists alongside my work as a designer. Both disciplines influence one another, but painting and illustration give me the freedom to explore dreams, curiosity, and storytelling in ways that aren't bound by business goals or functionality, but rather through a playful and colorful lens.”
What inspires you?
“I'm inspired by people more than anything else. Their stories, relationships, vulnerabilities, and quiet moments of transformation, which is why portraiture continues to draw me in. Nature is another constant source of inspiration, particularly botanicals. I don't see plants simply as decorative elements; I see them as symbols of resilience, growth, and connection. I'm fascinated by the ways people and nature reflect one another. Travel, literature, music, architecture, and different cultures also inspire my work. I enjoy observing how our surroundings influence us and how beauty can emerge from everyday moments. Inspiration often comes from slowing down and noticing the details that are easily overlooked.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Much of my work explores identity, belonging, memory, transformation, and our relationship with the natural world. Organic forms, often botanicals or animals, weave throughout my work as symbols of growth, adaptation, and connection. Rather than presenting a single message, I hope my work invites reflection. Most of all, I hope my work sparks joy. The simple act of creating brings me happiness, and I want that sense of play, curiosity, and wonder to be present in every piece I make.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as contemporary figurative art with bold graphic shapes, expressive portraiture, and a vibrant color palette inspired by nature. My compositions often balance vivid color with quieter moments, creating space for both contemplation and delight. I'm drawn to clean compositions, organic forms, and thoughtful details that encourage viewers to linger while bringing color and energy into a space. Whether I'm working digitally or traditionally, I'm interested in creating pieces that feel timeless, joyful, and approachable.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My influences come from a wide range of artists across different disciplines and time periods. I'm continually inspired by the bold disruption of Andy Warhol, the emotional storytelling of Kehinde Wiley, the poetic symbolism of Frida Kahlo, and the expressive use of color explored by Henri Matisse. Beyond individual artists, I'm deeply influenced by anime, textile design, public art, architecture, and fashion. I believe inspiration is cumulative and comes from observing many perspectives rather than trying to emulate any one artist.”
What is your creative process like?
“I collect ideas through sketchbooks, writing, research, and photography before I ever begin making a finished piece. From there, I experiment with composition, color, and symbolism until the work begins to reveal its own direction. I rarely start with every answer already in mind. Instead, I let curiosity guide the process, leaving room for unexpected discoveries along the way. I also like to experiment with the final composition on my iPad before moving to canvas or other surfaces. I often move back and forth between intuition and structure. My design background helps me create strong compositions, while my artistic practice reminds me to embrace uncertainty, stay playful, and trust my instincts.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe artists help people see the world differently. Art has the ability to preserve culture, challenge assumptions, create empathy, and imagine new possibilities. In a world that's increasingly fast-paced and driven by constant information, artists create opportunities to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with something beyond ourselves. As technology continues to evolve, I think the role of artists becomes even more important. While new tools can expand what's possible creatively, it's still human perspective, imagination, and curiosity that give artwork its meaning. I see artists becoming not only creators of beautiful objects, but also storytellers, cultural archivists, and builders of community.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I honestly haven't shared my work publicly very often, mostly because I've been focused on building my professional design career. However, the 24-Hour World AIDS Day Exhibition, presented by the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, is probably the most noteworthy exhibition experience of my career. I had two posters featured in the exhibition. Outside of that, I've shown work in smaller exhibitions at local coffee shops and restaurants throughout Minneapolis. I've also shied away from exhibiting my personal work because it comes from a vulnerable place. One project I'm especially proud to have contributed to is helping paint the "Ask Why" mural in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ultimately, my artwork comes from a more personal place than my client work, which is why sharing it feels both exciting and intimidating. This is the year I've decided to step outside my comfort zone, share more of my work, and see where that journey leads. As my fine art practice continues to evolve, I'm excited to participate in larger exhibitions and collaborative opportunities that allow my work to reach broader audiences while continuing to celebrate people, nature, and the joy of creating.”
Website: www.mistymarquis.com
Instagram: @StCroixMist
Brush Bio: brush.bio/mistymarquis
Other links: www.linkedin.com/in/mistymarquis
