Meet Molly Boysen, the creative force behind Disco Dream Studio, a vibrant haven that channels the colorful aesthetics and free-spirited vibes of the 60s and 70s. Molly’s journey into the world of art and design was fueled by her deep admiration for the psychedelic and hippie culture, reflecting her own values of love, freedom, and positivity. In this interview, she shares insights into her personal journey, creative process, and the challenges she’s overcome as a woman in the creative industry. Get ready to be inspired by Molly’s passion and determination to create art that not only makes a statement but also spreads joy and positivity in today’s world.
What drew you to the vibrant and colorful aesthetics of the 60s and 70s, particularly the psychedelic and hippie culture?
Throughout my life, I’ve always seen myself as a “hippie”; I love to love freely, especially nature, animals, and people. I love everything that the hippie movement stands for, and I think elements of the hippie revolution strangely mirror that of today’s: the revolutions of spirituality, human rights, and freedom. The colorful aesthetics of that era match it perfectly; it’s bold, in your face, and gives you a sense of strong emotion. For me, I knew that’s what I wanted my art to convey; I wanted it to stand out in your mind and make a statement, but also evoke a sense of positivity through bright colors and imagery.
Could you share a bit about your personal journey and how it led you to establish Disco Dream Studio?
I’ve always loved art in some shape or form, and in making art for many years now, anything I’ve created has been an extension of myself. For a while during the pandemic, I took a break to focus on my personal life and my career. When I returned to art, I wanted to create an art studio similar to that of 60s/70s art and culture because I not only admired that period of time, but I also wanted to make it a part of today’s world too. By establishing Disco Dream Studio, I can now not only make my own art, but create a vision for others, whether that be for their own businesses or simply for their own enjoyment.
Could you describe your creative process and how you translate inspiration into tangible artworks or designs?
It’s hard to describe patterns of all pieces I create, since some are so different from others, but generally a vision board has been the most helpful for me in making my pieces. I take quotes that inspire me, photography I find, and even other artwork and utilize elements of it as inspiration for my art pieces. Sometimes ideas come to me randomly, but other times I have an experience in my personal life that allows me to create something. Several of my pieces have even been inspired by my own dreams at night.
How do you stay inspired and motivated in your work, especially during challenging times?
At times it can certainly be a challenge to stay inspired and motivated, but I think allowing those time periods where I feel those things is so important. In the time period of social media, creators constantly feel the pressure to create and post in order to stay relevant, even if it means quantity over quality. At first, I admit this pressure got to me, but instead I now choose to live out those breaks and only post what truly represents my vision. During the past several months, when I feel less inspired, I’ve taken it as an opportunity to try out new challenges and take risks in my creations, which has felt really good and has helped me to reach new heights in my success.
Have you encountered any gender-related challenges in your career, and if so, how have you navigated through them?
Although there have been many men that have been supportive of my art, I’ve also encountered many instances of misogyny and even jealousy from men due to my success. There were many times where it was discouraging, especially early on as an artist when I felt insecure in my skills and in what I wanted to create. However, through these challenges I’ve found that I’ve only become stronger. The misogyny women face in the creative industry is not just a personal issue, but a systemic one, and if I was to give up on my goals, I would only be giving in and letting the obstacles defeat me. I hope that by continuing on, despite whatever criticism I face from men, that I can inspire other women to keep going and pursue their dreams.
How do you see the future of Disco Dream Studio evolving, and what are your goals for the coming years?
In the coming years, I hope to first gain some traction for my personal pieces, make connections with other artists, and ideally offer some commissions. Over time, my goal is to create pieces involving my art, with my biggest goal being to create my own fashion line, and maybe even homewares and other products. I’m open to seeing where the world takes me, but this is my general path forward.
What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue their passion in the creative industry?
Be your own best friend and advocate for your work! When I first started, I felt a little silly posting about my own artwork and promoting myself, but nobody can truly do it the way you can. And if you don’t obsess over your own amazing work, who will? Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
