Corinne Melanie
In an era where digital platforms are redefining creative industries, Melbourne-based modern abstract artist Corinne Melanie has built a thriving art business that blends technology with traditional artistry. Having transitioned from a corporate career to full-time art, she has embraced digital tools and e-commerce to make her work accessible to a global audience.
Speaking to Pario Corinne shared her insights on balancing art and life, the evolution of her creative process, and her advice for aspiring artists.
The Art of Balancing Creativity and Life
Art has been a constant in Corinne's life, though she took a detour before fully committing to it. “I've always had it,” she said, recalling how she would rush through her schoolwork just to get to drawing. Initially drawn to character design and storytelling, her artistic focus shifted over time.
Despite early ambitions to be a full-time artist, Corinne initially pursued science and later pivoted to a corporate career in human resources. “Even calling myself an artist sometimes still takes some time to get used to,” she admitted.
Through gradual exploration, Corinne’s passion transitioned into a profession. “My art has now taken over the corporate world. It happened so slowly I can’t even really pinpoint when,” she said.
While discussing this process, Corinne was quick to emphasise the importance of enjoying the process, whether it’s in the corporate world or the art studio. “The whole point of life is to have fun, right? So if something’s fun, I’m going to try to build as many of those fun things in as I can.”
Although Corinne encourages the pursuit of fun she also had some key advice for aspiring artists, especially mothers, which is to plan with purpose. “As busy mothers, sometimes we might get a spare second to do something and we can jump into the doing,” she said. “But actually taking that step back and thinking, ‘What do I actually want to achieve?’ is the most important thing.”
The Digital Canvas
Corinne’s art is a blend of traditional and digital techniques, a process she has refined over the years. “My art is actually digital art at its core,” she revealed. “It exists on a computer before it exists anywhere else.” This digital foundation allows her to experiment freely. “With digital, I can edit, undo, or move things around. I can also achieve a type of glow and sparkle that I can’t do with physical paint.”
This method not only enhances creative freedom but also offers a sustainable business model. Unlike the traditional path of gallery exhibitions, Corinne’s success has been largely online. “My way of getting my art to the world was through the internet from the beginning,” she said. “I accidentally fell into this dream-like business model for an artist. I can make my product for essentially nothing, put it on my website for sale, and show the world my art before it physically exists in reality.”
Adapting to a Shifting Creative Landscape
While art remains at the core of her career, Corinne acknowledges the importance of adaptability. “You always need to be prepared to change what might have always worked,” she says.
The evolution of social media has dramatically reshaped how artists connect with audiences. “It used to be that a photo was enough, but now we have to be professional video editors,” she noted. While some might resist the demand for content creation, Corinne sees it as an opportunity. “The amazing thing about the world we live in now is how the internet and social media have totally changed the game… I can reach more people through the internet now, and I love it.”
As Corinne looks to the future, she is excited about the possibilities. “I’m about to launch a new collection,” she revealed. “I’ve got a plan in my mind for another four collections after that with different colour schemes and themes.” Her focus is on creating art that brings beauty and inspiration to people’s homes.
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Corinne’s journey reminds us that success in the art world is not just about talent — it’s about embracing technology, thinking like a businessperson, and to never stop evolving.
“If you can have the right strategy and the right process in place, there is a meaningful living as an artist,” she said. “It’s not just a dream - it’s a real career.”
Follow Corinne’s creative journey on social media at: @corinnemelanie_
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