The Creative Impact of Working Behind the Scenes in a Museum

I think my interest in art—something deeper and more intentional—really started when I worked as a language editor and proofreader at a museum. I was in charge of reviewing curatorial writing and exhibition labels for both art and history shows, and I got to work closely with the design team—an experience that completely changed the way I saw things. Conversations about color, texture, and materials were just part of daily life, and I loved being surrounded by that. Being in a creative environment is such a gift—whether you realize it or not, you start soaking up other people’s perspectives. You learn their language. And over time, it shifts the way you see things too.

Working side by side with them made me better at my job. I learned to shape my work around theirs. But as my editing skills got sharper, something else started quietly growing inside me: a real curiosity about what they did. I asked endless questions about materials, color palettes, techniques, proportions, forms—everything. They lent me books and magazines. They helped me with home decor ideas and even walked me through what tools to use and where to shop. Once, they even made me an outfit to wear to a concert. I’ll always be grateful for that.

It was during that time that I finally figured out my own color season, and I never would’ve gotten there without everything they were teaching me—indirectly, but constantly. Before that job, I couldn’t tell warm from cool tones. There was so much I didn’t know, and they shared it with such patience and generosity. The first time I ever printed one of my collages was thanks to one of the museum’s designers. She took me to the print shop and showed me exactly how to ask for what I needed—what materials worked best, what to avoid, how pricing worked—everything.

Honestly, when I first got there, I was intimidated because it was a highly demanding job, but when I left I walked away with something rare and beautiful. I still feel lucky—not just because I got to work with them, but because we became friends. Everything I learned from them along the way is something I carry with me now, especially in this chapter of my life as an artist.