1. What inspired you to start Minnie Muse? What are you hoping the reader takes away from your blog?

I initially launched Minnie Muse in high school when I was living in Chicago as a pet project to feed my creative interests. After moving to New York City in 2011 and graduating from the Gallatin School at NYU in 2015, where I majored in art history and fashion business, I decided to re-launch the website as a digital digest offering original content focused on the cross-pollination of creative fields throughout history; including art, fashion, design and architecture. My objective with the content presented on Minnie Muse is to inform and inspire readers, while providing a unique language and lens in which to further understand the ever-present connections that exist between creative fields.

2. What was your relationship with art growing up and how did that manifest itself as you got older?

I always love and appreciated art and fashion growing up and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to study both fields in college, which sparked greater interest and understanding; at which time my focus evolved to also include architecture and design.

3. Do you think artistic integrity has been compromised at all in the digital age?

I think any creative industry is naturally built on references to the past. If anything, the digital age has contributed most to the widespread accessibility of information, however I think it is just as important for artists today to challenge themselves at moving culture forward through their own means, than directly referencing something or someone that came before them.

4. Who are some of your favorite artists of the 20th century? Who are some of your favorite modern day artists?

I value different artists for different reasons. Some make great references for the content I create on Minnie Muse, while others, I like and respect based on my own, personal taste. I love Cy Twombly, Salvador Dali, Alexander Calder, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Richard Prince and Urs Fischer. 

5. What can readers expect from Minnie Muse that they wont find from other sites?

I really pride myself on taking the time to do research and create well thought out content that focuses on the intersection of creative fields. If we are writing about a current event or recent collection, I always ask myself, “How would Minnie Muse present this information differently than everyone else?” a recent example being the passing of Karl Lagerfeld. While there were some great tributes to the late designer written by people who knew him well, Minnie Muse covered the news of his death by analyzing his career in the context of Andy Warhol. We posted a tribute article titled: ‘Karl Lagerfeld: The Fashion World’s Andy Warhol,’ which drew comparisons between the two in the context of their respective fields.  

6. What do you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years?

I spent the first year really building the Minnie Muse brand through unique content, in order to solidify a specific point of view and a strong brand umbrella. In the years to come I hope to expand into a product line, E-commerce, physical and video activations, and to have a media sector where I work closely with brands on the creation of unique content.

Mental Health

1. What does Madhappy mean to you?

To me ‘Madhappy’ means ‘endlessly happy’.

2. What was your first encounter with mental health? Either personal or family / friends?

I have been lucky to always have a positive state of mind and to be surrounded by likeminded people, both in my family and friends.

3. How do you prioritize your mental health?

Exercise is a very important daily ritual for me, I workout everyday which clears my mind and keeps me focused and energized.

4. The role of social media / information overload in this mental health epidemic

I think the beauty of social media is that you act as your own curator. I follow people on social media who inspire me. 

Speed Round 

1. Favorite Madhappy piece?

The soon-to-be released Minnie Muse x Madhappy Sweatshirt 

2. Favorite artist, architect, and designer?

My favorite decade is the 1950s, art, architecture and design from that period I find most inspiring; and John Galliano, of course.

3. What does your most recharging day look like?

My most recharging day begins with a good night sleep, exercise, a great meal, some research and ends in bed early, watching a good movie. 

4. Role Model?

My mom and Peggy Guggenheim

5. Favorite museums?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Beyeler Foundation in Switzerland.

6. What are you reading right now?

I just finished ‘Billion Dollar Whale’ 

7. If you had a billboard that everyone in the world could read, what would it say?

Minnie Muse (with my signature MM Logo) ;)

End.