We recently had the chance to connect with P. Marin and have shared our conversation below.
Hi P. , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
The only trophy I ever won was in fifth grade for Toastmasters. I got up in front of the entire school and told a story about a trash can. Over the years, fear and self-doubt crept in, and I began telling myself I couldn’t speak in front of people.
This past weekend, I delivered the keynote speech on Building Your Brand for a group of artists. It reminded me the stories we tell may not always be true—especially the ones that keep us small and playing safe. After that talk, two people invited me to speak at their events. What we can and cannot do, that is up to us. We are far braver than we give ourselves credit.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rachel. I write and draw under the pen name P. Marin. I am the Author/Illustrator of the acclaimed Pig and Chick series. I am a greeting card designer, teacher and a fourth generation artist whose work has garnered international acclaim with its sophisticated whimsy that delights and inspires audiences of all ages.
For a long time, if anyone asked if I were an artist, I would say no. Today when someone asks, I look them in the eye and I say, “Yes. I am. Are you?” Because, chances are, I am not the only one who needs to own their magic. My husband and I currently host a monthly artisan booth at the Surf City Artisan Fair in Huntington Beach and another in Santa Ana at the Heritage Museum with Behind the Picket Fence. My favorite thing about the booth is the sign that reads, “The Artist is in.”
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When people ask where I got my formal art education, I tell them I got it in Mr. Amble’s fifth grade class. Every week in fifth grade, Mr. Amble wheeled in a television set. He turned it on and there would appear local artist Bruce McIntyre. Alongside Mr. McIntyre, we drew. For me, it was the highlight of elementary school.
Toward the end of fifth grade, my teacher announced that Mr. McIntyre would be visiting our classroom-in person-and if we brought our money that day, we could buy a copy of his book. I began saving immediately.
On the big day, I arrived to school early with sharp pencils and no money. I had forgotten it at home and was devastated. At the end of the presentation, Mr. McIntyre walked up to me. He handed me a copy of his book and said, “Your teacher thinks you’re going to need this.” Turns out I did.
I still have that book. It reminds me of Mr. Amble and what he saw in me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Growing up—after being told I couldn’t make a living as an artist, that I should learn to type because everybody needs a secretary—I gave up on my dreams. I learned to type 200 wpm and became a court reporter. It took me a lot of years trying to be something I wasn’t before we had our son and was reminded our dreams matter. Not long after he came along, I picked up my pen and started writing and drawing again. Today my dreams are alive and well, and I couldn’t be more grateful for second chances.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to helping people own their magic. I believe there is no one in this world more perfect to live your dream than you.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I have done my job well, they will miss the joy, the hope and the possibility you feel when someone believes in you and in your dream. But hopefully, what people will be left with is the idea that as good as it feel to have someone believe in you, it feels even better to believe in yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pmarin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p._marin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PMarinArt/
