Meet Stefnie Cerny | Freelance Scenic Artist / Studio Artist

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

Hi Stefnie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Every day is a new, unexpected challenge that pushes the limits of my skill and patience. This rebellion against monotony is an addiction best fed by an artistic profession. I doubt seventeen-year-old me would believe rolling paint on the walls of a television set or designing labels for a local brewery was in her future. It wasn’t until mid-college I discovered theatrical scenic painting was even a job, and like the proverbial dawning of the heavens, I decided to devote myself to learning, practicing, and becoming the best scenic artist possible. That meant getting faster, messier, more precise here, lazier there, completing an entire set in two to fifteen days. I was hooked. Ever since I was old enough to glue macaroni noodles to a paper plate or render the complexities of my imagination with crayon, art was in every aspect of my day. My family pushed me to paint and sculpt and experiment. My mother was a serious arts and crafter in the early 2000s, so there were always supplies at my disposal. Despite being socially awkward and too mature for my age, people (even my bullies) praised me for the art I created. This support subconsciously locked me into a destiny where visually interpreting reality, thought, and emotion was my superpower. Why would I do anything else if I get this much positive attention?
The question was: how could I make money? How could I make art and be financially comfortable, buy that Mid-Century mansion, and not have to rely on a rich husband? Even though I had the highest grades in science and math, I couldn’t help but tie art into my school projects or cover the margins of my notes with doodles. When senior year arrived in high school, panic and hopelessness over choosing a college and life direction led to the most important decision I could make. I needed to be an artist and, based on the limited knowledge I had of the creative industry, accept the fact I would never make money.
I knew I wanted to draw and paint, so pursuing a bachelors degree in studio art at Virginia Tech, the closest state college to my house, was a given. This would be my foundation, but where would it take me? After the first semester of freshman year, I noticed fellow students adding a second, more practical major, so why shouldn’t I? I knew I loved movies; the behind the scenes, the magical effects and props, the ritual of going to the movie theater where worlds beyond comprehension could envelope the fabric of my imagination. What if I pursued a career in the film industry? How do I get there? This led me to the theatre department and the beginning of a creative, spiritual, and emotional love affair that lasts to this day. I could make money painting on a grand scale, thousands of people could view my art each night, and I could collaborate with the weirdest group of people out there. Only until recently did I realize theatre would lead me to my closest friends, buying a house, falling in love, teaching, the list goes on. Although I scrapped my college dream of the film industry in favor of theatre, I do what I do because every day is different, every day I get to create something new. I can create with people as hungry for self-expression as I am. From faux marble floors to decaying house facades to twenty-foot dragon murals, the compositional and technical possibilities are limitless.
Upon graduating from college I vowed: never sacrifice happiness and creative drive for money and monotony. Three years later, being a scenic artist in Atlanta means making art and getting paid to do it. As long as I can afford my bills, my dog, my house, a vacation here and there, I live a positive life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The work: I make art every day, whether it be for a theatre, school, local business, friend, or myself. As a freelance scenic artist, I use water-based latex paint to execute pattern, color, and line imagined by a set designer to tell the story of a play, give actors a place to work, and provide surface texture for lighting designers to light. With most designs, I can suggest ideas based on a fine art perspective or add my signature touch, as evidence in color combinations or mark making unique to me. The more unusual the subject or challenge, the brighter I shine, though painting walls flat black every once and a while provides pleasant respite from the more complex processes. Theatre fosters strangeness and fun in that way, within ridiculously tight limits of time and budget. You never know what a designer will throw your way or what opportunity will fall in your lap each passing day. With an understanding of color mixing and technique, though, I can paint anything anywhere, from faux finishes to hand-lettering to statues of Jesus carved from foam. Besides a good reputation and solid industry connections, skill gets you places. The freelance aspect means five jobs one week, none for the next couple weeks. This lifestyle requires tolerance for the unpredictable and the ability to schedule down to the minute, skills I had to learn immediately. In the end, what gets me through each day is a glowing positivity, calm attitude, and an insatiable desire make my intangible ideas accessible to others. The reward: stated in the first sentence. Every day means practicing, expanding my understanding of what art can be, improving my efficiency, finding new ways to express thoughts and emotions, feeling satisfaction I made something that did not exist yesterday. I collaborate with brilliant artists and individuals to bring ideas or plays to life. I get to use my hands to transform imagination into dimension. I am responsible for adding color to space.
This bleeds into my personal artistic practice, as an oil painter, drawer, and photographer. Because I handle art-making tools and plan composition/execution on a daily basis, I can better explore ideas of my own with refined awareness and preparation. What is my subject matter? The human body, faces in particular. I favor the portrait as a means of communication, since there is a universality and empathy to human expression. Often I am the only model available when inspiration strikes, so I use myself to interpret femininity, independence, sexuality, and confidence (mixed with loneliness and confusion). I lean on classic films, 19th century American and Japanese art, and nature for inspiration.
The goal as an artist: be the weirdest, most positive version of myself, covered in tattoos, surrounded by fellow artists, making today more visually interesting and thought provoking than yesterday. Thanks to its beautiful variety of people, Atlanta has the creative atmosphere and opportunity to get me there.

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.
Whenever a friend comes to town, the following places require a visit:

Dave’s Cosmic Subs
Piedmont Park
The Beltline
Ponce City Market
Mezcalitos
Oakland Cemetery
Arabia Mountain
Kudzo Antique Market
My Favorite Place Antique Market
Fine Fabrics
Nam Dae Mun Market
Patel Brothers Grocery
Live Free Tattoo
The Atlanta Lyric Theatre
Synchronicity Theatre
Georgia Ensemble Theatre

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My fierce independence and creative abilities are all thanks to my mother, Margaret. She taught me to take matters into my own hands, pursue my dreams (albeit realistically), and be the strongest, financially savvy woman I can be. I recognize my dog and muse, Algernon, for his love, unconditional support, and ability to distract me from the stresses of the world.
Thank you to the professors and friends at Virginia Tech for leading me on this career path, specifically Randy Ward, who I blame for introducing me to scenic art.
Thank you theatre professionals of Atlanta for welcoming me in with open arms back in 2019.
Thank you to every friend and acquaintance that commissioned art, inspired me with their beauty and kindness, texted me about a random job opening, and posed for a portrait (even when unaware).
The antique stores, Goodwills, international markets, and hiking trails of Georgia are responsible for my stable sanity.

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Website: stefnie.myportfolio.com

Instagram: @stefniecerny

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefniecerny/