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Meet Elyse’ Jokinen of South Minneapolis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elyse’ Jokinen.

Hi Elyse’, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been creative but it took having my first son to really propel me into a life of the arts. Becoming a mother wasn’t an easy transition for me and I knew I had to find a way to slow down, be more present and express myself. Inspired by my dad, who is a photographer, I purchased my first DSLR and that was that! I’ve been carrying around my big camera for almost 5 years and it’s changed my life!
I love to take classes to learn about composition and light, it feels a bit like magic. My favorite part is connecting with other artists. Since then, I’ve also started sharing collage art which I’ve been creating for many years and I’ve even been writing again!
Being an artist/mother is not an easy thing to do, it’s definitely a lot of juggling. However, I wouldn’t trade a second of it — this is what I was meant for!
I feel incredibly grateful for the help and inspiration I’ve received along the way and have no intention of putting down my camera, scissors or pen anytime soon.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m incredibly grateful for the passion that keeps me going because running a household and being an artist can be challenging. It’s taken a lot of trial and error to figure out what works and what doesn’t work but it really is the desire to learn and grow and create that keeps me setting my alarm at 5am or staying up late to finish a project.

There are definitely smooth moments, moments of being in the flow and those are amazing!

The biggest struggle is surely having so much that I want to do and really having to be honest with myself, not to bite off more than I can chew. My family is my first priority and I also try to keep up with my health and art and everyone needs downtime.. it can be a lot. I’m learning to trust myself more to know what I need.. rest when I need rest and push myself when I know the creative energy is flowing!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a multi-passionate artist that uses a camera, scissors and a pen to put myself out into the world. I shoot a lot of photography, mostly personal work. I love to find quiet moments to capture, especially when my days are chaotic!
I also create and share a lot of collage art. Absolutely nothing beats working with your hands, free from a screen. Chopping up and arranging images to music is meditative for me.
Lastly, I blog, a lot! Whether it’s a recent trip, a photo series, or my birth story — I enjoy writing it out, adding photos and sharing it with the world!

One of the things I’m most proud of on my journey is that I’m not afraid to ask or try to figure it out on my own. I’m mostly self taught in all that I do so it’s a lot of just diving in without expectation or fear and making it happen!

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Oh, I most definitely have! One of my favorite quotes is “If you don’t ask the answer is always no” and I try to live it! Most opportunities that have happened for me, I’ve made happen by asking!

For instance, I’ve been a guest on 4 podcasts and I sent an email pitching myself for 3 of those 4! I was so incredibly nervous to do it but I always go back to, what’s the worst thing that could happen?

Also, when it comes to actually making art, I am *always* taking risks. Do they all work out? Definitely not, but so much good comes from experimenting!

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