It’s never too late to start chasing your dreams. Today I had the chance to speak with Mati Rose McDonough, an artist who decided to go after what many would call, “an impractical path” and chase her dreams of being a full time creative at the age of almost 30 years old. In this episode, we talk about navigating multiple streams of income as an artist, her transition of doing less illustration and into doing more teaching online. We talk about our experiences with art retreats and our favorite parts about attending them. We also explore the healing nature of creating, her advice for someone who is feeling uncreative and she also shares her wisdom for following what feels like the juiciest thing to do. What’s in this episode: How Mati got into her career as an artist A typical day for Mati as an artist Why she tries to create before she consumes A breakdown of working with multiple streams of income Moving away from illustration and working more towards teaching online Her experiences of creating her own workshops and retreats Advice for someone considering a retreat Their favorite parts about art retreats What Mati would say to someone who feels like they aren’t creative Her experience with providing one on one and group coaching Following what feels like the juiciest thing to do next Her main goal for helping her students in classes The healing abilities that come from creating Going after what lights you up most   About Mati:Mati Rose McDonough is an artist whose name is pronounced Matey, like Ahoy! She grew up near the sea in Maine and has lived in the Bay Area of California for 20 years. After wanting to be an artist for many years, but feeling like it was “impractical,” Mati took the leap and went back to art school at the California College of the Arts at almost 30. Now over 10 years later, she is still excited and terrified every time she sees a blank canvas, but embraces the adventure of life as an artist— penning her first book with this philosophy called “Daring Adventures in Paint”. She co-authored her 2nd art book "Painting the Sacred Within" with artist Faith Evans-Sills. She has had dozens of art shows, taught painting retreats internationally in Mexico, Morocco, Costa Rica and more to come. Her illustrations grace all sorts of products from phone cases to giant elephant billboards as well as her own home decor line and dress line too— dreams come true! Mati has illustrated four children’s books including “i carry your heart” written by poet ee cummings. Through her workshops, books, and popular online course, she spreads a warm message of creative courage: IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO SHOW THE WORLD YOUR MAGIC. Connect with Mati:Website | Instagram    Links:Craftcation Planoly Craft a Life You Love Retreat Desha Peacock In the Flow Watercolor Class Painting The Sacred Within: Art Techniques to Express Your Authentic Inner Voice by Mati Rose McDonough and Faith Evans-SillsIn Pursuit of Inspiration: Trust Your Instincts and Make More Art by Rae Dunn   Hope you’ve enjoyed this episode! Would love to hear from you. What is one thing you can do with the wisdom and guidance you’ve extracted from this episode to make positive and lasting change in your own life? Connect with me on social media. You can find me @amytangerine on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and pretty much anywhere. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please rate and review on iTunes, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and let your friends know about it too! The more we spread the creativity and happiness that comes from pursuing our passions, the better off our amazing community will be. Hope you feel uplifted, energized and inspired. You are awesome! I’m Amy Tangerine encouraging you to do what makes you happy.