We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Lyngstad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balancing my work life was a necessity. With having a full time job and becoming a new parent, starting my own business required me to learn to spend my time wisely. In the beginning I was more careless of how I spent my time, eventually learning that I would not be able to create a full time business without some boundaries for myself. Setting goals for orders to be done on schedule, and following through with deadlines has been my greatest improvement for my business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Starting out as an artist for me was in highschool drawing with pencils or pens, most of the time just freehand doodles, until I started focusing on my art later in college while taking a few art classes. I was introduced to using color with pastel chalk art for class projects, which really took my eye for color to another level and stepped up my art as a whole. I loved working from photos and trying to create the most realistic art I could, and soon learned I have a pretty good eye for color naturally. I saw another artist friend who was doing pet portraits and felt like that could be something I would like doing, being a huge animal person. So I drew my shar pei mix, Harley and posted it to my social media, and I got my first commission! Since then, word of mouth spread and I began getting orders regularly and decided to make it into a business. My art has improved entirely since my first pet portraits, and am finally developing my own style that can be recognized. Moving forward I plan to keep improving my art as well as my business from what I learn along the way.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I like to have the occasional night out with friend to local bars, or go disc golfing at various courses in the area. I’v lived in Phoenix most of my life and besides getting used to the heat, it’s a great place to live. I’v recently started setting up booths at local pet events such as The Barking Lot Phoenix. It’s awesome to be able to meet people and show my art to pet owners in the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have to shout-out my wife for her understanding and support with the time I dedicate to my business and art. She has always been my second opinion that I can count on to be truly how she feels. I know I can ask how a painting looks compared to the subject and getting an honest answer and a better perspective.

Website: www.collarsoncanvas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collarsoncanvas/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/collarsoncanvas/