Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Mente.
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?
I’m originally from Austin, and I went to school at Hendrix in Arkansas for four years to study Art and Psychology. I studied printmaking as my primary focus and painting as my secondary focus, but I was really studying art with the intention of eventually going to graduate school to become an Art Therapist. When I graduated in 2014, I was super burnt out and had no desire to create or go through another educational program, so I moved home and got a handful of odd jobs around town.
One of the jobs I had was working events for JuiceLand, where I would find a creative outlet through designing and drawing the chalkboard menu signs. Eventually, the owner of JuiceLand, Matt Shook, saw some of the art I was creating for the chalkboards and was drawn to it, so we started working creatively together. At the end of 2015, he gave me the opportunity to paint one of my designs on the wall of the 29th and Guadalupe location. I’d never painted anything larger than about 3’x4′ and was upfront with Matt about the learning curve I’d need to go through, but he trusted me to do a good job, and I ended up falling in love with painting large scale.
I worked full time for JuiceLand for 5.5 years doing various jobs throughout the company, one of which was painting murals for new and old shops alike. While I grew my art business through JuiceLand, other people started taking notice, and in 2019 I started Live Painting around Austin with Somewhere Society and was one of the featured artists for Hops for Hope. At the end of 2019, I realized that I was ready to jump headfirst into making art full time, so I quit my job at JuiceLand (though I still paint for them on occasion) and started my business, Studio Mente.
I was launching my business as Covid was hitting the states, so last year was a really intense year of figuring out how to make my art business work in a world that was full of fear and halted opportunities. I made masks, helped with renovating houses, said yes to any little project, and somehow made it work. Last year was full of fear and uncertainty, but surviving all of that has boosted my confidence as an artist as well as a business owner. This year I moved my studio from my living room to a dedicated art studio outside of my home, have met so many incredible artists and clients in various capacities, and feel more excitement than fear on this new path of exploring myself and the world around me through art.
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?
The road has not always been smooth, no, but what worthwhile road is easy the whole way through? I’ve had to work through what I think are relatable obstacles, such as not knowing how to value your art, figuring out how to do your taxes the right way, and hearing “no” on those projects you really want and think you’ve got.
The most obvious challenge has been launching a business during a pandemic. I quit my full time with JuiceLand in December of 2019. I had saved up enough money to take a really important break, figure out some personal things in my life, and think intentionally about how I wanted to start my business. I spent January and February taking small trips and doing lots of research on how to run a small business efficiently, and in March, I started actively pursuing clients and projects once again. The day before I was set to start a big project, my client called me and canceled the project because of the pandemic. In one day, I lost every project I had scheduled and had to really quickly figure out how to make my business work for me in such an uncertain world.
As you know, we’re big fans of Studio Mente. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Through my business, I provide a variety of artistic services for my clients, primarily focusing on large-scale murals and hand-painted signs. While I do occasionally sell personal or commissioned paintings, I am best known for my large-scale client-based work. I work with businesses and residential clients alike, and my goal is to elevate your space in a way that honors your brand or personality and your business or home.
What sets me apart from others is my extreme attention to detail, my semi-obsessive organization, and the importance I place on communication throughout the course of the entire project. I am proud of the time and dedication I put into each project and client, and I have developed a system that elevates the work that I do from the start.
If you are interested in working with me, know that I take a lot of time to get to know you and your brand before ever starting the quoting or design process. I interview my potential clients to make sure that the project is the right fit for both of us. Some of the questions I ask are about your aesthetic preferences and logistical project details, but I also ask questions about what the space will be used for, how you want people to feel in that space, who your clients/guests/customers are, and what your personal and company values are.
One thing I’d love potential clients to know is that the pricing process is complex and can take a little time. There are so many factors that go into pricing, from the square footage of the piece to the level of detail, how many redesigns you think you may want, what the surface of the mural is, how much estimated time it will take, and so much more. I offer tiered pricing for my clients so that we can find a price point that works for both of us, but there is a process to coming up with a well-informed and fair quote so don’t expect a number the first time we chat.
Once we agree on pricing, I require a signed contract and a 50% deposit upfront before starting the design process. This holds me accountable to my clients and vice versa. Accountability and transparency are two things that I value and take extremely seriously, and these are values that have kept my long-term clients coming back.
I take so much pride in the work that I do, and I really do care about every individual project so much. I will always leave my clients with something that they are head over heals in love with because I will never call a project complete until I am personally in love with it myself!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid has taught me to not take things so seriously! When you overthink and stress and panic, it can be paralyzing, but if you can learn to roll with the punches, think quickly, and problem solve, you’ll find your way with much more ease than you think.
Pricing:
- Mural Minimum – $1,000
- Commissioned Commercial Sign Minimum – $500
- Commissioned Painting Minimum – $500
- I can provide discounts for certain non-profit organizations, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ folx, so please contact for more information.
Contact Info:
- Email: emily@studiomente.com
- Website: www.studiomente.com
- Instagram: @studiomente
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiomenteart
Image Credits
Anthony Nicaj
