Today, I want to share more of my artist’s journey with you—the story of how I began developing my style and found the courage to share my paintings with the world. This is Part 2 of my four-part series.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to go back and read Part 1 as well: My Artist’s Journey Part 1- From Fear to Freedom & Art As Healing.

I’ve faced many challenges over the last 15 years running my art business. Looking back, I realize those hurdles are nothing compared to the dread I felt in my old jobs.

Right after college, I worked at an arts and entertainment weekly in Minneapolis, thinking that writing about others’ art could be a good start since I wasn’t yet sure how to share my own. On the surface, it sounded perfect—free tickets to concerts, movies, theater—but in reality, I spent long hours under fluorescent lights, stuck at a desk. I even draped fabric over the light above me, trying to create some serenity.

Lunch breaks were my escape. I remember one afternoon when a cluster of monarch butterflies surrounded me, landing on my shoulders as I stood under the warm sun. It was pure magic, and all I could think was, “Why am I spending my life inside at that desk?” Soon after, I knew I had to leave, though I didn’t know what was next.

It took years (and many more dreadful jobs) before I had the confidence to truly put myself out there with my art.

Losing my job was the turning point—I opened an Etsy shop with a dream of selling my art, but I wasn’t confident enough to share my paintings right away. When friends stopped by, they encouraged me, and I finally got up the courage to ask about exhibiting at our local library. A month later, I held a small opening and invited family, friends, and friends of friends.

That’s how I sold my first two original pieces to people I didn’t know. The library even purchased one for their permanent collection. A few people requested commissions, prints and cards, so I began selling those as well. I also created mini prints for custom jewelry. It all sparked something in me, and I was on my way.

Step by step, I sold my work and hosted events, and within a year, I was making a living as an artist. It was so freeing to finally follow my own path, create, and connect with others who resonated with my art. Even with all the challenges in my art business over the years, none compare to the frustration of those office days.

The freedom to be creative every day, to bring ideas to life, to share them with you, and to meaningfully connect with a community is everything.

Starting to paint again changed my life. If you don’t have a creative practice, I encourage you to give it a try and just start. Grab a sketchbook, doodle, add words, use any medium that calls to you, and don’t hold back. Simply have fun with it—it can become a daily practice that inspires you.

To help you get started, I’ve put together a Free Painting Class.

When you look back at your paintings, notice what you love and what you remember having the most fun with. That’s how I developed my style—as I painted daily, I’d take each element I loved and add that to my next painting. Over time, these details, techniques, and colors became uniquely my own, and others began to recognize it as my style.

My creative process revolves around staying loose, playing, and experimenting in the initial layers, then building upon them as the painting progresses. This approach keeps me unattached to my work, and allows for imperfections and beautiful mistakes.

When I’m having fun and enjoying the process, I keep coming back to it and continue painting—you never know where it might lead.

That’s it for now! Keep an eye out for Part 3 of my artist’s journey, where I’ll share more about the people, inspirations, and community that have supported me along the way. Be sure to sign up for my VIP Newsletter and keep an eye on your inbox if you’d like to hear more. I hope this series inspires and encourages you to follow your dreams too.

xo Juliette