"In the beginning I was more fearless because I had nothing to lose. Now I've developed a reputation, but I'm better at saying no." - Stephanie Boutari

Stephanie Boutari shares her journey from studying architecture to becoming a mural artist in Southern Ontario, Canada. Originally from Bahrain with Egyptian heritage, Stephanie initially chose architecture as a "safer" career path despite her lifelong passion for art. After years of suppressing her creative identity, she reconnected with her artistic roots during her master's thesis by exploring color, surfaces, and architecture. 

Her first mural experience—painting outside her architecture school where everyone could see her—marked the beginning of her transition. After working in architecture left her physically ill (culminating in a ruptured appendix), she finally embraced mural art as her full-time career. Stephanie approaches each project with a deep consideration for the architectural context, integrating existing features like windows and structural elements into her compositions. 

She now dreams of expanding her reach to paint multi-story buildings and participating in international street art festivals.

Key Takeaways:

• Stephanie uses architectural principles in her art, creating geometric murals that play with depth and three-dimensional effects on two-dimensional surfaces
• Her first mural came from simply asking a building owner if she could paint their wall, showing the power of initiative
• Each completed mural naturally led to more commissions through visibility and word-of-mouth
• She balances creative freedom with client needs, but always stays true to her artistic vision
• Physical challenges of mural painting include weather limitations, construction site complications, and physical fatigue
• Social media metrics aren't as meaningful as genuine audience connection and feedback
• Her evolution as an artist includes being more selective about projects and setting boundaries while still pushing her creative comfort zone

Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business

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