Artist Spotlight - M.Lynn Creative
Photo credit: M.Lynn Creative (Jess)
Artist Name: M.Lynn Creative (Chris and Jess)
Artist IG: @mlynncreative
Artist FB: Mlynn Creative
Artist location/country: Orlando, FL USA
When did you first know you were a creative person?
Jess was always a very creative person but it wasn't until she was in high school that she realized that this was a talent that not everyone has.
Chris’s creativity is and has always been more on the marketing and business side. However, the past three years have helped her grow and develop her painting abilities.
How did your creative journey start?
M. Lynn Creative began during the pandemic while we were living in Louisiana, caring for Jess’s dad as he went through cancer treatment. In that season, creativity became both an outlet and a way to bring a little joy. We experimented with everything—canvas painting, macramé, home décor—but it was window painting that really took off. When we moved back to Florida, we painted windows for a friend’s business, which led to other local shops reaching out. That momentum grew into contracts with Chick-fil-A and several small businesses, and for three years we became known as “the window painters.” Then, in January of this year, we painted our first large-scale mural—and that moment changed everything. From there, murals became our heartbeat, and we’ve been transforming walls and spaces ever since.
Did you receive a formal art education, or are you self-taught?
Jess is fully self-taught. She took one college art class, and her professor told her she’d never make it in art. That lit a fire under her—and here she is, painting large-scale murals for schools, cities, and businesses. Chris has a business degree, which fuels the operational side of M. Lynn Creative, but when it comes to painting, she’s been taught (and encouraged every step of the way) by Jess. Together, that balance of formal structure and self-taught artistry makes our partnership work.
What is the most significant challenge you've faced as an artist to date?
For us, the biggest challenge was stepping away from corporate America and fully trusting in our talent and vision. It’s one thing to create art on the side, but it’s another to say, “This is our career.” As a neurodiverse duo, there were moments of doubt—wondering if people would take us seriously or if we could juggle the business side with the creative side. But leaning into our differences has been our strength: Chris’s ADHD brings energy and big-picture vision, while Jess’s autism provides focus and precision. Together, we balance each other out and have built something stronger than either of us could have done alone.
Photo credit: M.Lynn Creative
One worry or wobble you still have about being an artist?
Most definitely imposter syndrome and the fear of rejection. Putting your work out there is deeply personal, and there are always those quiet thoughts of “Am I good enough?” or “What if they say no?” As a neurodiverse duo, those worries can feel amplified—but they also push us to keep growing. We’ve learned that every rejection is just redirection, and the antidote to imposter syndrome is showing up anyway. The walls we’ve painted stand as proof that we are enough—and so is every artist who chooses to keep creating.
Do you feel you have a distinct style to your art?
We’d say yes and no. We love being versatile and adapting to each project, but people definitely recognize our use of bold colors, sharp crisp lines, and designs that pop. That “clean but vibrant” aesthetic has become our signature. Our neurodiversity shapes this too—Chris’s brain loves experimenting with playful ideas, while Jess has a natural gift for detail and control. That mix creates a style that feels polished but never predictable.
Photo credit: M.Lynn Creative
How has your style evolved?
The biggest evolution has been in confidence. Jess has grown tremendously in lettering, and our collaborative flow is stronger than ever. Early on, we second-guessed ourselves a lot. Now, we trust our instincts—and that shows up in our work. Our lines are bolder, our colors braver, and the designs carry the confidence of two artists who know their unique brains are a strength, not a limitation.
Photo credit: M.Lynn Creative
Who/What are your biggest artistic influences?
Jess is influenced by her niece, whose creativity is fearless and joyful. She also finds inspiration in artists who are scared to pursue art as a career—because we’ve been there, and we want to show that it’s possible. Chris is inspired by bold, experimental creators who push boundaries in design and storytelling. Together, we pull influence from people who remind us that creativity looks different for everyone—and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.
Can you describe your typical creative process from concept to completion?
Our honest answer? Stress, stress, paint on the wall… and more stress—kidding (kind of)! The real process starts with listening. We meet with the client to understand their vision, story, and how the space will be used. From there, we create a mood board to capture the vibe and direction. Once we’re aligned, we move into a digital mockup so the client can see exactly how the design will look on their wall. After approval, we bring the vision to life—starting with big shapes and blocking in color, then layering detail and linework until the wall transforms. It’s equal parts planning and trust, and while yes, there are stressful moments, seeing the finished piece makes it all worth it!
Photo credit: M.Lynn Creative
What is your favourite part of the creative process?
For us, it’s the moment the design hits the wall. Sketching and planning are exciting, but seeing a blank surface transform into something alive is pure magic. As neurodiverse artists, that step also feels grounding: Chris thrives on the energy and movement of big shapes coming together, while Jess shines in the detailed phases that bring it all into sharp focus.
One piece of advice that's really helped you in your career, that you can pass on.
Trust the process, keep pushing, and don’t give up—growth takes time, and every wall you paint teaches you something new. Just as important: learn the business side of art. Creativity is only half the equation; contracts, pricing, and communication matter just as much. Never undervalue your work. As a neurodiverse team, we’ve had to build systems that make the business side less overwhelming, and that’s been key to turning passion into a long term career and successful business
One mural design you want to manifest to paint in 2025?
We’d love to land a huge project—something on the scale of a landmark wall or city centerpiece—that would allow us to collaborate with our friends Kate and Lisa, mural artists from England. Bringing them here to the U.S. to create alongside us would be a dream. We imagine a project that celebrates connection across cultures and showcases the power of collaboration. Whether it happens in 2025 or 2026, we’re putting that vision out there and trusting it’ll find us.
Thanks to Jess & Chris for taking the time to answer my Q’s for the blog.
See you soon
Kate & Norman