Meet Meredith Hallett | Emerging artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meredith Hallett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meredith, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Creativity has always been a significant part of my family and my own life. Some of my best memories are from spending time around the table in the craft room with my aunt, where there was always music, laughter, and joy as we explored different trends like melted crayons or button collages. My dad and I would sit and draw until late at night. He always showed off a different drawing of a car, while I preferred to doodle dogs and cats. The support and encouragement from my family have been instrumental in nurturing my creativity. Even as an adult, my love for connection through art has never gone away. I continued to create and share my work with others throughout my childhood and early adulthood and am grateful to have always felt as if a creative career was a natural path for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a young creative person, my interests and practices are always changing. I’ve always found it hard to “just do one thing.” Recently, I’ve been really into printmaking, and this summer, I was a design intern for Bath & Body Works. Last semester, I also tried my hand at 3D animation. Being open to new experiences that challenge me has always helped me become a more well-rounded creative and person, and I try to live my life with that in mind.

I’m also very passionate about my artistic community. Some of my most rewarding experiences as a creative person have been those I’ve shared with others. Being the president of CCAD’s Illustration Student Collective for the past two years has helped me realize that my art is better when I am connected to others. Having a community where I can challenge myself and garner feedback has been essential to my professional journey. Because of how impactful it has been, I hope to never find myself in a setting apart from my fellow creatives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve only lived in the city for about three years, and often times try to do things on a budget, but here goes!

To eat:
– Cilantro Latin Fusion
– Myungrang Hotdog
– Tiger + Lily
– Xi Xia
– Haveli Bistro
– Rishi
– Vivi Bubble Tea

Visit:
– German Village Farmer’s Market
– Westerville Farmer’s Market
– Flower Child
– East Market
– Columbus Museum of Art
– Good Night John Boy
– Tabletop Game Café

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Aside from my family, some of my earliest and most significant supporters have been my high school art teachers, Mr. Jones, Mr. Fry, and Mrs. Shackleford. They encouraged me to pursue a degree from Columbus College of Art & Design, where I have continued to grow my skills and make meaningful connections with my peers and professors. Much of my current artistic process still relies on skills I learned from Mr. Jones and Mr. Fry. Mrs. Shackleford, as a graduate of CCAD, had a fantastic perspective and provided valuable advice that helped me know it was the right choice for me.

More recently, I have found a love for printmaking, and my biggest supporter is my professor, Kathy McGee. She is a highly talented artist and mentor, and my process and interests have forever changed as her student. I only wish I had taken her printmaking course sooner, as I had always planned!

Website: https://meredithhallett.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mersh.art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-hallett-a50794225/

Image Credits
Headshot: Ayuka Shichinohe