I used to think fear meant I wasn’t good enough. But I’ve realized that fear is just part of the process — a signal that I’m stretching, growing, and pushing beyond what’s comfortable. And that’s where the magic happens.

I was so sure I’d be accepted — I even offered to do live toddler portraits at the event. But when I got the waitlist email, I sat in that disappointment for a few hours. Then I thought, okay — I’ll go anyway. I’ll walk the fair. I’ll learn.

I used to think I needed long, uninterrupted days to make real progress. But what actually worked? Protecting small windows. Giving myself permission to paint in bursts — and honoring that time like it mattered. Because it does.

It hit me when I heard Christian Hook say he painted every day for eight years before even thinking about selling. I realized I’d been focusing on the wrong things — and it was time to come back to the craft itself.

I realized that even when no one wanted the paintings I made of my son, I couldn’t stop painting him — because sometimes what matters most is making the work you care about first. This interview reminded me how much I still want to explore: experimenting with gold leaf again, standing back from the painting, trying larger work, and deepening my study of composition. I’m also learning to quiet the selling mindset and focus more on refining my skills — and to be more empathetic toward the artists I interview, because now I know how vulnerable it feels.

I didn’t realize I was burned out until I stopped painting altogether. I was creating so much content, chasing visibility, and it hit me — I wasn’t actually making art that fed me anymore. That’s when I knew I needed to shift everything.

I feel momentum matters in creativity. I was reminded of this when I counted my son’s daycare paintings—50% of them were really good. Meanwhile, when I looked at my own 158 paintings last year, I only truly loved about 10%. And now, as I study Van Gogh for my ‘Masters Reimagined’ series, I see it even more—he created so much, yet only a few of his works stand out as iconic. But that’s the point: you have to keep creating to get there.

Some of us need structure before we can create—others just need to start. So what actually makes a creative routine work? Today, Eli and I dive into the habits and rituals that help us stay creative, overcome resistance, and make space for art in our lives. If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered why some routines work better than others, this episode is for you.

It’s frustrating—putting so much effort into sharing your art, only to see someone with just a couple of posts skyrocket past you. But does that mean we’re doing it wrong? Or is there another way? Today, I’m breaking down the tension between chasing numbers and chasing art, and how to build a creative path that actually feels right.

What does it mean to “find your style” — and is it even the goal? In this intimate conversation, watercolor artist Kelogsloops (Hieu) shares how his journey began with Sailor Moon sketches, why he’s still evolving as an artist, and how he balances precision with spontaneity. We talk about chasing dreams, hiding mistakes with gold leaf, creative burnout, and the story behind his most treasured painting by Agnes Cecile. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his work, this episode offers a rare look behind the dreamy visuals into the very real artist behind them.

“Who wants my signature?" That was my first thought when a client asked if my paintings came signed. I had always admired the signatures of artists like Klimt and Van Gogh but never felt my work deserved that kind of mark. But then I stopped and asked myself—why? Why wasn’t I worthy of a signature? That question sparked a journey, one that had me filling entire sheets of watercolor paper, refining my letters, and finally, stepping into my identity as an artist.

In this episode, I sit down with my artist friend Eli to unpack the challenges of 2024 and the creative struggles they revealed. I realize my fear of her stepping away from painting was shaping our conversation, while she simply needed space to heal and reconnect on her terms. We explore creative burnout, balancing spontaneity with intention, and using guiding words for 2025. Listen to Part 1 for more context on Eli’s break from art.

In this vulnerable conversation with my artist friend Eli, we unpack our most challenging moments of 2024: her painful experience with an interior design store exhibition and my social media marketing roadblocks after moving to the US. We discuss how sometimes the art world can deeply wound us, yet these experiences shape our path forward. This episode is for every artist who has felt small in the face of rejection or lost in their creative journey.

Imagine 5 days of JUST PAINTING—learning and rediscovering creativity with Aine Divine. Set in the inspiring Willow Room at Cockenzie House in Edingburgh, this summer school new ways of approaching watercolor, from embracing bold brushstrokes to painting live models. I’ll share the challenges, breakthroughs, and what I will be taking with me forward from this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss my explanation of Aine’s unique teaching style and what it means to truly let go and let intuitive creativity guide you!