In the world of art, one path is not the norm; every journey is so different (which, I think, is one reason becoming a full-time artist can be confusing and seemingly difficult. For me, that journey began not in the expected halls of an art school, but in getting a degree in fashion design. It's a path that has taken me from sketching apparel illustrations to painting expansive murals that transform spaces to doing digital work for big brands. Today, I’m excited to share a bit about how this journey unfolded, my inspirations, and my collaboration with Poppy—a project that beautifully blends my love for vibrant colors and bold designs.

Collaborating with Poppy

As an artist, nothing excites me more than working with brands that align with my creative vision—and Poppy has been one of those dream partnerships! For those of you unfamiliar, Poppy is a cozy, local co-working space in Jackson Hole that has truly become a creative haven for artists, entrepreneurs, and locals alike. It’s a space filled with positive energy, fantastic coffee, and an inspiring community—and my collaboration with them has been a colorful journey.

My work with Poppy began when they approached me to create an illustration for their signature coffee blend. From the get-go, the project was such a fun challenge because it allowed me to play with different styles and concepts that fit Poppy’s lively, welcoming atmosphere. I started by sketching out ideas that captured the blend’s spirit—something that felt fun, energetic, and full of life.

From Fashion Design to Fine Art

When I started my college education, I was drawn to fashion design. At the time, it never occurred to me that being an artist could be a viable career. In fact, the idea of majoring in Fine Art left me puzzled—what could one possibly do with a degree in painting? It wasn’t until after college, while working in fashion, that I realized my true passion lay not in designing garments but in the illustrations, graphics, and patterns that I often saw on them.

My creative career took a significant turn when I began painting wedding portraits as gifts for friends. This small endeavor sparked something, and soon, I found myself drawn to larger canvases and, eventually, to murals. I began designing murals digitally, which led to a natural progression into digital illustration. Now, I split my time between painting large-scale murals for businesses and private homes, creating abstract acrylic and mixed-media art on canvas, and doing digital illustrations for amazing companies like Poppy.

From Ohio Roots to Global Influences

Growing up in a small town in Ohio, I was surrounded by creativity from an early age, thanks to my incredibly imaginative mom. Her approach to fostering creativity was far from typical—she encouraged us to use whatever we had around us, whether it was building little things in my dad’s barns or decorating cakes we baked at home. This hands-on, outside-the-box thinking laid the foundation for my creative exploration and continues to influence my work today.

Living in Jackson Hole, I’m constantly inspired by the stunning natural surroundings. The vibrant colors of the mountains and the exhilarating energy of skiing find their way into my work. As I continue to travel and explore new places, I’m excited to bring even more global influences into my future paintings.

The beauty of Collaborating

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to collaborate with incredible companies like Poppy. When Poppy approached me to create artwork for their coffee blend, I was thrilled. The process of bringing their vision to life was both challenging and inspiring.

For this project, I initially experimented with some poppy line art, but it felt too rigid. I wanted the illustration to be as lively and energetic as the coffee itself, so I shifted to a brighter color palette and more fluid design. The result is a piece that feels like a patterned mural wall—vibrant, fun, and full of life. It’s a design that not only complements the product but also has the potential to be translated into a large-scale mural, which is always exciting to envision.

Mentorship and Artistic Growth

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who have helped shape my path. One artist who has significantly influenced my work is Gemma O’Brien, an Australian muralist and illustrator whose modern, dynamic style resonated with me early on. I had the incredible opportunity to assist her on several major projects, including murals at Google HQ and Tiffany & Co. in Shanghai.

These experiences reinforced the idea that our dreams are within reach if we’re willing to go after them. They also taught me the importance of mentorship and the value of learning from those we admire.

My creative journey has been anything but linear, but each twist and turn has brought me closer to where I’m meant to be. From fashion design to murals, from digital illustrations to canvas painting, I’m driven by a desire to create vibrant, bold works that bring joy and excitement to the world. As I continue to explore new avenues and collaborate with inspiring companies like Poppy, I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next.

If you’re looking to add a splash of creativity to your space—whether it’s a mural, a digital illustration, or a piece of abstract art—I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Reach out and Let’s create something beautiful together!