I didn’t go to art school.
I didn’t take a bunch of official classes or sit in a room full of other people painting vases and talking about “line work.” (Well I did for a week in college and quit lol. I mean how are you gonna grade my art? Arts whatever you want it to be. No right or wrong.) And I’m not down playing artist that have. I’m just saying that wasn’t for me, and it may not be for every creative person out there, and that's OKAY.
But I’m not even a serious person most of the time — unless I have to be. And even then… kinda?
I just love making things.
I Don’t Have a Fancy Artist Origin Story
There wasn’t some big, dramatic turning point. I’ve just always liked drawing, painting, making messes, turning random ideas into something that makes people smile or laugh or feel something.
I don’t really follow a formula. I don’t always do the “correct” techniques. I don’t always know what I’m doing. But I follow the vibes. I follow color. I follow curiosity. And sometimes I follow total chaos. Gotta roll with it while the creative spark is there.
Some days I’m painting butterflies and making prints. Other days I’m designing a tote bag with fruit on it at 1 a.m. because I wanted to. Or more recently, dressing up as Bob Ross to teach others how to draw.
I just do things — and that’s how most of my art comes to life.
I’m Not a “Serious Artist” (But I’m Seriously Into This)
I might not be “serious” in the traditional sense.
I joke around. I crashout. I make art with bright colors and soft energy and memes sprinkled in.
But I care. A lot. Probably too much sometimes. (May not be serious but can be a perfectionist)
I think about this stuff when I’m in the shower, when I should be sleeping, when I’m supposed to be doing normal things like eating lunch. I’m always thinking about new designs, new ideas, little details I want to add to my shop or Instagram.
I’m not a serious artist… But I’m seriously obsessed. And I think that matters more than having a formal degree or knowing all the right terms.
I Just Do What Feels Right
I don’t know if this is how you’re “supposed” to build a brand. I can google, read books, or ask a mentor for advice how but honestly at the end of the day I just do what feels like me.
Sometimes that’s journaling for hours. Sometimes it’s a Bob Ross paint night with a wig on and a ring light. Sometimes it’s reworking a tote design 14 times because something’s off but I don’t know what and next thing I know my entire day is gone.
I Make Stuff That Feels Good (And Hopefully Makes You Feel Something Too)
I’m not trying to be deep every day. (I couldn’t if I tried I’m too funny) I just want to make things that feel real. Things you want to carry with you, hang on your wall, write your thoughts in. My art isn’t always serious. But it is honest. (Honestly the cutest)
Thanks for being here, for supporting my weird little creations, for buying fruit-themed tote bags and cute notebooks and colorful prints made by someone who’s just figuring it out as she goes.
I don’t have a rulebook. But I do have a lot of love for this.
#Slay
Let me break down what I mean by “Art is Whatever You Want It to Be”:
It’s more than just a phrase. It’s a whole mindset—a creative permission slip for anyone who’s ever felt like they weren’t “qualified” to make something.
1. There Are No Rules—Only Expression
You don’t need permission to create. You don’t need a “real” studio, fancy supplies, or a degree to be an artist.
If you doodled something during a meeting that made you feel better? That’s art.
Painted a pink frog in cowboy boots because it made you giggle? Still art.
Printed a tote bag with fruit on it at midnight because you felt inspired? Art.
Art isn’t about doing it “right.” It’s about doing what feels right to you.
2. It’s Not Just for the “Talented”
This whole idea smashes the gatekeeping.
Art isn’t reserved for the people with fancy resumes or expensive classes under their belts.
It’s for the playful, the chaotic, the curious, the people just trying to express something.
If you’ve ever said “I’m not creative” or “I’m not good at art”—stop that.
You are. You’re just not used to giving yourself permission yet.
3. It Can Be Deep, Dumb, Beautiful, or All of the Above
Your art doesn’t have to make people cry.
It doesn’t have to look like it belongs in a gallery.
It can be funny. It can be weird. It can be pink and sparkly with no explanation.
Not every brushstroke needs a backstory.
Sometimes it’s just vibes. And that’s enough.
4. You Define the Value
You don’t need likes, sales, or external validation for your art to matter.
If it lit a spark in you, if it made you feel something—even if just for a moment—then it’s already valuable.
You are allowed to make things just because you want to.
That’s what makes you an artist.
Final Thoughts
Art is whatever you want it to be.
No rules. No gatekeepers. No need to impress anyone.
Just make stuff that feels good. Stuff that feels you.
That’s where the magic is.
xo,
Emilie
The non-serious artist
