Today we’d like to introduce you to Michela Finnegan.
Michela, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I knew I wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. The decision to take my education to university level was natural and effortless.
I earned my BFA at Lesley University College of Art and Design in Photography. College has a funny way of making you feel pigeon-holed into your major and within that, being a certain type of artist. I’ve always played by my own rules (respectively, of course!) and am all too eager to get my hands wet in every artistic outlet. Post grad, it was a bit of a crapshoot. Like, okay, I’m going to try this! And if it didn’t work, I’d start in a new artistic field. I’ve worked in marketing, fashion, interior design and more. It’s all lead me to landing my dream job at Wayfair, right here in Boston – their home headquarters.
I now work as a 3D Creative Stylist and create product photography for Wayfair.com, all in 3D. I’m responsible for the interior design and art direction, as well as camera angle and crop.
I’m still working freelance for myself, doing websites, Instagram/social branding and of course, photography.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road and the obstacles are countless. I applied to Wayfair five times over three years and with so much talent in the company, it’s a tough one to break into.
On top of that, as an artist, we often struggle with self doubt and tons of pressure from every angle; “Are you making money?” “Is this a lucrative field for you to be in?” or often times “Is this work meaningful?” I’ve learned that you have to choose your battles but most importantly, believe in yourself and hold your confidence. It works wonders. Trust me.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Michela Finnegan, Visual Artist – what should we know?
I have a special way of making people feel comfortable; I love interacting with people and my job allows me to do as much or as little of that as I’d like to. Right now, I’m focusing a lot on branding and the clients’ social presence. I still do photography but with the multiple hats I’ve been wearing as of late, I like to flex my muscles and get into some different art.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Anyone close to me knows I live my life with great passion, so naturally, all my family, close friends, loved ones and coworkers at my full time job, push me to be better and keep that fire burning. They’re all a massive inspiration daily. I’m so lucky to have that, I really am!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michelafinnegan.com
- Instagram: michelakf
Image Credit:
Interior 3d Photography, All Rights Reserved to Wayfair/AllModern
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
