What they couldn't throw away @minnartiste

@minnartiste (2025) Twilight hater number 2 here, the number one being Robert Pattinson... [Instagram]. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHev9qriArs/?img_index=1 (Accessed: 1 June 2025).

Dear Diary,

My name is Minna, I am 20 years old and I’m from France. 

One thing my art says about me is that it shows that I am precise, dedicated and very imaginative. I love to capture the essence of a character or someone, show their beauty. 

In terms of social media, it has motivated me a lot to continue working on my art. My family hates everything I create; they’re the least supportive people you could ever meet. My mother once threw my sketchbook in the bin while I was at high school. I have to hide my drawings at home otherwise they’ll get destroyed. Reading comments of strangers telling me to keep it up really helps. A lot more than anyone could imagine.

@minnartiste (2025) I PROMISED YOU SOME MORE ARCANE X SPIDER MAN CONTENT... [Instagram]. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIPimadC_Rm/?img_index=1 (Accessed: 1 June 2025).

When it comes to the numerical side of social media, like counts or the number of views doesn’t really mess with my head. I’m just glad to share my art all over the internet. Of course the amount of likes motivates me to post more, but if one piece flops, it never discourages me.

Most of my art comes from me obsessing over shows, movies or games. Once I find and enjoy a new media, my motivation to draw gets over the roof.

My first paid art-gig? It was a huge painting for my psychiatrist lol.

Though, one memorable client red flag worth mentioning is when a client once made me redraw his OC a hundred times because I didn’t charge for changes (I know, how stupid of me), in which his character went from a desert ninja to an English aristocrat. My theory is that he had a bunch of OCs and fooled me into thinking he just wanted to change the vibe of the character.

If there’s one thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: always follow your dreams no matter what others say. I kept drawing even when my family discouraged me, simply because it felt right. Now, that passion has become my livelihood. Trust your instincts, they’ll take you further than doubt ever will.

Till next time,

Minna

Featured image: @minnartiste (2025) Ekko Morales or whatever keeps this acc alive... [Instagram]. Available at:https://www.instagram.com/p/DC6pc1CKqYu/ (Accessed: 21 June 2025).

Additionally:

On July 7th, Minna posted an Instagram story announcing the end of “Minnartiste”, sharing that her account would now become her “art graveyard”. She explained that this difficult decision stemmed from a lack of support from her family regarding her creative work, leaving her feeling forced to abandon a part of her identity. Later that day, she posted one final message on her instagram story saying that she would try to stay safe and hopefully return someday.

@minnartiste (07/07/2025) Instagram story.

Special message from writer:

I'm so sorry to hear about your unsupportive family. Your art has been a HUGE influence on my art direction. Thank you for sharing your lovely works on Instagram and for giving me the opportunity to interview you for this article.

All the best,

Mellow