Meet Elli Milan | Professional artist, Founder of Milan Art Institute

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

Hi Elli, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My goal was to get to the point where I didn’t work, so I never would have to worry about balance. To me, work is doing the things you dont really love to do that are obligations or a means to an end. When I first started my business I worked really hard doing everything and wearing all the hats, but as I progressed I was able to get off my plate all the things I didn’t want to do. Mostly now I only do what I enjoy. I find very little need for work life balance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been a professional artist since 1996 with my husband John. Together we have sold over 10,000 paintings. Many artists have asked us how do we do it and could we help them. We didn’t have a platform or way to help these artists. They all wanted a full time career selling their work. In 2010 we opened Milan Art Institute to help artists turn their passion for art into a profession. In 2014 we launched the Mastery Program, our one year program to teach artists the classical skill of drawing and oil painting, contemporary mixed media techniques, How to find their voice and develop their style and how to build personal brand, create a marketing strategy and assets, and then how to promote and sell their work, We have helped over 12,000 artists build a career in art as graduates of this program.
We have been blessed with success as artists and felt compelled to show other artists how to be successful because we believe that the best way to shift culture and change the world is through the power of art. We believe that a return to Beauty in art will heal and elevate the cultures of this world to better and new day that is more joyful, free and prosperous. The art world has been apprehended for far too long by darkness and elitism.
We believe that anyone with passion and the willingness to work hard can succeed as an artist and fulfill their dreams of selling enough art to make a comfortable living.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Sarasota, so I would show them the beach at Lido Key, and the beautiful clear water springs around here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mentor was Beverly McIntyre
My husband and 3 daughters and my son, plus their spouses have all contributed to my success since they all have helped build this business.
Husband, John Milan
Daughters, Dimitra Milan Dunn, Dafni Milan Lynde, Dalia Milan Gedz
Son Constantino Milan
Sons in law, Jacob Dunn, Nathaniel Lynde, Elijah Gedz

Website: www.milanart.com, www.milanartinstitute.com, www.milanartgallery.com, www.Ellimilan.com

Instagram: @ellimilan, @milanartinstitute

Linkedin: @ellimilan, @milanart

Twitter: @ellimilan

Facebook: @ellimilan, @milanartinstitute

Youtube: @ellimilan, @milanart