Finding My Artistic Voice: A Journey Through Creativity, Motherhood, and Passion
From Passion to Profession: My Journey into the Art World
Art has always been a part of me. I just didn’t know for a long time that it was the thing I was meant to do. I started drawing in second grade, completely mesmerized by Dragon Ball Z. From that moment on, I sketched constantly, filling up notebooks with characters and ideas. But when it came time for college, I took a different path—one that led me to psychology and neuroscience.
And I loved it. Entering the field felt like a calling, and I genuinely believed I was where I was supposed to be. But life has a way of throwing unexpected turns, and mine came in the form of a car accident that changed everything. I lost my job. I fell into a deep depression. And in that space of uncertainty, I reached for something familiar—something that had always brought me joy.
I started drawing again. Not for a career, not for social media, but just for me. And little by little, that spark reignited. A few years later, I made the decision that would change my life: I was going to pursue art professionally.
Turning Passion into a Career (One Sketch at a Time)
When I first started, I had zero roadmap. No grand strategy. Just me, my sketchbook, and the determination to make it work. I drew every day, as much as I could, and took on portrait commissions to get my foot in the door. It was exciting, but also full of trial and error—especially when it came to setting boundaries with clients.
Over time, I realized that while commissions were fun, my heart was pulling me in a different direction. I wanted to see my art come to life in physical products, to create something that people could hold, wear, and be inspired by. That became my new focus—building a brand around the art that truly lit me up inside.
The Influences That Shaped My Style
When I picked up art again, I found myself naturally drawn back to my roots—anime and animation. Dragon Ball Z might have been my first love, but as I immersed myself in the art world, I discovered so many incredible artists on social media. Artists I never would have known about before, simply because I hadn’t been searching for them. But once I did? It was like my world cracked wide open.
Seeing so many different styles and perspectives helped me shape my own artistic identity. My biggest influences still come from anime and animation, but my style has evolved in ways I never could have imagined when I was that kid filling up sketchbooks with Dragon Ball Z characters.
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Finding My Artistic Style (and Learning to Trust It)
If I had to describe my artistic style, I’d say it’s joyful, colorful, and simple—especially when it comes to children’s illustration. I love adding rich textures to bring warmth and personality to my work. But getting here wasn’t a straight path. My style evolved both naturally and intentionally, shaped by trial, error, and a whole lot of self-discovery.
At first, I wanted to be an anime artist. It made sense—anime was my first artistic love. But as I kept drawing, I realized that even though I could replicate that style, my passion didn’t quite fit into it. And that’s okay. You can love something deeply without needing to create it.
As I explored different techniques, I slowly started eliminating things that didn’t bring me joy. One big one? Line art. I just didn’t enjoy doing it, so I had to figure out a way to draw without relying on it. These small choices—shedding what didn’t feel right and leaning into what did—eventually shaped the art style I have today.
Trends vs. Authenticity: Learning to Hear My Own Voice
When I was just starting out, I struggled to hear my own artistic voice. I wanted to draw well, and I wanted to do it fast. I looked up to successful artists, hoping to find the secret formula. So I jumped into trends, challenges, and viral styles—things I genuinely enjoyed but that also made it harder to recognize my voice in the mix.
Now, I approach trends differently. Before joining in, I ask myself: Does this align with what I actually want to create? Will it bring me joy? If the answer is yes, I go for it. If not, I let it go. There’s something powerful about creating from a place of genuine passion rather than chasing the next big thing.
Changing Styles, Staying Inspired
I’ve changed my art style so many times. Not because I was lost, but because I genuinely love so many different types of art. And you know what? That’s okay. Having multiple styles gives me room to breathe—it lets me switch things up when I feel creatively drained. Instead of forcing myself to stick to one rigid look, I let my inspiration guide me.
That said, I do have a preferred style now, something that feels right—but when I need a break, I shift my subject matter instead of completely reinventing the wheel. It’s my way of keeping things fresh while staying true to my artistic identity.
The Power of Experimentation
Experimentation is at the heart of my creative process. Sometimes it’s frustrating—trying something new and completely hating how it turns out—but even those moments teach me something. They help me grow.
For example, I used to say I’d only draw people. Then one day, I decided to push myself and learn how to draw animals. That one decision completely changed my creative world. I fell in love with illustrating wildlife, and now, conservation and nature are core themes in my work. Being able to express my love for the planet through my art? That’s something that makes me feel truly accomplished.
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The “Give-Up” Moments (And Why I Didn’t Let Them Win)
I’ve had plenty of moments where I wanted to throw in the towel—for different reasons, at different times. But one of the hardest? Becoming a mom while trying to keep my creative spark alive.
If you’ve ever had a newborn with colic (and if you know, you know), then you understand how everything—especially art—gets pushed to the back burner. In that season of my life, art didn’t feel like a priority; survival did. But the more I stayed away from my creative practice, the more I felt like I was losing a piece of myself.
That’s when I made a promise: if I could draw just once a week, I could hold onto that small but vital part of myself—my creative self. That tiny commitment became my lifeline. And from there, I kept going, bit by bit, until art found its way back into my daily life.
Imposter Syndrome: The Voice That Lies (And How I Shut It Down)
Imposter syndrome? Oh, I know it well. And if I’m being honest, it still creeps in. It’s hard not to feel it when I see so many incredible artists and think, Wow, I could never be like them.
But here’s the thing—I don’t have to be like them. I just have to be me.
What helps? The people in my corner. My friends, my community—the ones who remind me why my art matters. When I tell them I feel like a fraud, they reflect back something different: my growth, my impact, the way my work makes them feel. Seeing myself through their eyes helps me navigate those heavy imposter thoughts.
And at the end of the day, I always come back to this: I draw for me. I create the images I want to see, the beauty I want to share. No one else can make what I make in exactly the way I do—and that’s enough.
Breaking Through Creative Blocks
Creative block is usually my brain’s way of telling me: You’re pushing too hard. It’s that moment when I’ve put too much pressure on my creativity, expecting it to move faster than it wants to. And instead of flowing, it freezes.
My best solution? I step away. I stop forcing it. I let myself rest. And somewhere in those quiet moments, the pieces start clicking again.
Sometimes, I switch things up to reset. If I’ve been stuck in digital art, I go traditional—pencil, watercolor, whatever feels different. If I’ve been drawing wildlife nonstop, I switch to people. And sometimes, I draw something I know I’m bad at—just for fun, just to let go of the pressure to be “good.”
It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t a machine; it’s a rhythm. And when I give it space, it always finds its way back.
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The Kind of Artist I Am (And How I Found My Path)
If I had to put a label on it, I’d say I’m a digital artist focused on surface design and children’s literature. But really, I’m just someone who loves creating art that sparks joy—whether it’s through a storybook, a pattern on a cozy baby blanket, or a design on a kid’s T-shirt.
I’ve always adored children’s illustrations, and long before I had kids of my own, I dreamed of writing picture books that would inspire the next generation. Now that I do have little ones, that dream has only grown stronger. Creating stories for them, filled with pieces of my heart, feels like the most natural and meaningful thing I could do.
Surface pattern design was another discovery that felt like fate. I’ve always been drawn to the cute, playful designs in the kids’ section—on clothes, bedding, backpacks. But I had no idea how to break into that world. It wasn’t until I stumbled across surface pattern design that everything clicked. I had already been creating patterns—just for myself, for my iPad and phone wallpapers—but realizing I could bring those designs to life on real products? Game changer.
From First Commission to First Career Move
My first paid opportunity? It all started with a simple Instagram post. I put out a call saying I was open for portrait commissions, and to my surprise, people actually reached out. That was the moment I realized—oh, I can actually make money doing this. It wasn’t a full-blown career yet, but it was a start. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
Advice I’d Give to My Past Self (Or Any Beginner Artist)
Study your foundations.
I know, I know—learning anatomy, perspective, and color theory isn’t as exciting as jumping straight into drawing your dream projects. But trust me, having that foundation makes all the difference. Once you understand the rules, you can break them in ways that actually work.Use references.
Seriously. I used to think using references meant I wasn’t a “real” artist, but that’s just not true. If anything, it speeds up your growth like crazy. The more you observe, the better you get.Create a mood board of artists who inspire you.
This one is huge. Surrounding yourself with the work that excites you helps you figure out what kind of artist you want to be. It narrows down your artistic voice and gives you a sense of direction—especially when you’re still finding your footing.
Finding Your People (AKA, Connecting With Your Audience)
Start with one platform. Just one. Show up, share your work, and tell your story. Your audience will come, little by little, as people connect with you—not just your art, but the person behind it. It takes time, but authenticity always attracts the right people.
Do You Need Art School? My Take as a Self-Taught Artist
Once upon a time, I thought formal education was a must for a career in art. Now? Not so much.
As a self-taught artist, I won’t lie—it took me a while to figure things out. Without a structured path, it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of “where do I even start?” But the truth is, whether you go to art school or teach yourself, the opportunities are still there. It’s all about finding your own way, staying persistent, and never stopping learning.
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Figuring Out What My Art Is Worth
If there’s one thing that makes most artists sweat, it’s pricing. I was no exception.
When I first started offering portrait commissions, I had no clue what to charge. I knew my time was valuable, but how do you even measure that? To figure it out, I started recording myself while I worked, timing how long each piece actually took. From there, I used the local minimum wage as a base—but I also factored in the reality that art isn’t just about time spent. It’s about skill, experience, and the years it takes to hone your craft.
I’ll be honest—starting out, I charged less. Not because my art wasn’t worth more, but because I was still growing. And that’s okay! Over time, as I got better, my prices increased to reflect both my skills and my experience. Art isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the years of learning, experimenting, and refining that go into every single piece.
Balancing Client Work & Passion Projects (Without Losing My Mind)
I love taking on client projects, but if I only worked on commissions or freelance gigs, I’d burn out fast. That’s why passion projects are so important. They keep creativity fun.
Whenever client work starts feeling repetitive or draining, I turn to my personal projects to recharge. It’s a cycle—working on my own ideas fuels my creativity, and that fresh energy carries over into my client work. The key? Balance.
I’ve learned to switch between the two when I need a mental reset, but I also make sure to respect deadlines and stick to my schedule. Passion projects are great, but client work is a commitment, and I always make sure to show up for both in a way that feels sustainable.
What I Wish More Beginner Artists Knew
If I could give new artists one piece of advice, it’d be this: You don’t need to have an art style right away.
I know, I know—everyone says having a niche makes you stand out. And while that is true eventually, when you’re just starting out, the best thing you can do is experiment. Try different styles, mediums, and subjects. See what excites you.
I used to think I had to commit to one specific look early on, and honestly? That mindset held me back. It wasn’t until I gave myself permission to explore that I really started growing. Every little experiment, every different style I played with, shaped the way I create now.
Your style will come naturally—don’t force it. Just create.
Finding Inspiration in the Unexpected
People often ask me, What inspires you? And honestly, my biggest source of creativity isn’t that unusual—it’s my kids. Seeing the world through their eyes, watching them discover things for the first time, feeling their pure, unfiltered joy—it makes me want to capture that magic in my art.
Beyond that, I find endless inspiration in wildlife and nature documentaries. There’s something about the raw beauty of our planet that leaves me in awe. The way colors blend in the wild, the intricate patterns found in nature—it all sparks ideas that find their way into my work.
My Creative Rituals: Setting Up for Success
I’m not the type of artist who can just sit down and create on a whim. I need a system. My secret? Prepping ahead of time.
Before I start a project, I like to have everything ready to go so that when I’m in the zone, I don’t have to stop and set things up. Sometimes, that means organizing my workspace the night before. Other times, it’s jotting down a to-do list of what I want to tackle next. Having a plan helps me stay focused and makes it easier to jump right into my work.
What Would I Be Doing If I Weren’t an Artist?
This question always gets me because I already had another career before choosing art. My background is in psychology and neuroscience, and if life had taken a different turn, I’d probably be working as a child psychologist or child psychology researcher.
But life has a funny way of leading us where we’re meant to be. After years of thinking I had found my forever path, I rediscovered my love for art, and now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
The One Thing I Can’t Live Without in My Studio
If you took everything away from my workspace except for one thing, I’d keep my iPad. As a digital illustrator, it’s the heart of my creative process. It’s where I sketch, experiment, and bring my ideas to life. It’s also where I started really finding my style. Without it, I’d feel like a part of my creativity was missing.
The Journey Continues
Looking back, my journey as an artist has been anything but linear. It’s been filled with unexpected turns, moments of doubt, and plenty of trial and error. But through it all, I’ve learned that creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about discovering yourself along the way.
From drawing Dragon Ball Z characters as a kid to exploring surface design and children’s illustration, my artistic path has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a deep love for storytelling. I’ve learned to embrace change, trust my instincts, and most importantly, create from the heart.
For anyone out there pursuing their own creative journey—whether you’re just starting or feeling stuck—know that it’s okay to evolve. Experiment, explore, and give yourself permission to grow. Your artistic voice is uniquely yours, and the world needs what only you can create.
Thank you for being part of this conversation! I hope my story inspires you to keep pushing forward, finding joy in the process, and believing in the power of your own creativity. 💛
