how I became an artist
My grandma is the reason I love to draw. Whenever I was off from school as a kid, my grandma took the liberty of enrolling me in her own personal art camp. We painted landscapes, made beaded jewelry, crocheted, knit, and the list goes on. I really loved learning how to create things with her. She was the creative of the family, and she shared her love for art and crafting with me.
This is me obsessing over new markers. Tongue out and all.
Growing Up
As I grew up, I never stopped my creative endeavours. I wrote and illustrated a book with my best friend at 8. I went to a creative writing summer camp at 13. I took an art class in high school (that’s when I learned I didn’t like being graded on my art). Even in my university years, I spent insomnia-filled nights painting on my bed until I exhausted myself to sleep.
2020
It wasn’t until 2020 that I considered pursuing art as a career. I was 23, working part-time, living through a pandemic, a breakup, and experiencing existential dread about what to do with my life. I spent most afternoons sitting in the backyard of my uncle’s house, talking to him about life. He was the one who asked me point-blank why I hadn’t considered making a career from my art, something I had consistently loved all my life. I hadn’t even considered an art career, especially after several “gentle” nudges by other family members to study and work in a field that was “more practical” than the arts (spoiler: that is how I ended up with a degree in biology). But hearing such open support and encouragement from my uncle really inspired me to take my art more seriously. And thus, SMK Studio was born.
Now
Fast forward to today, I am creating and selling prints and stickers of my artwork, as well as my own colouring pages. I have my own website, Etsy shop, and Instagram page dedicated to my art. I’ve done several markets, and am constantly learning skills required to be an entrepreneur.
And I couldn’t be happier.
Why I started the blog
Starting was incredibly daunting, and finding time to keep going with my art while working a 9 to 5 is hard, but making the decision to fully embrace and nurture my creativity as an adult was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I want to spread the joy that creativity brings to your life too. Whether you are an aspiring artist or someone who wants to create but feels too busy, too tired, or too unskilled to start, this blog will help you nurture your creative side and live a more artistic life.
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