That expression on his face—that puzzled, dreamy look—was the same one I saw in the photo, the same one I saw when the other child fell. In that moment, I knew: this painting had to be about him. About us. Because we’re not just growing side by side. We’re growing together.

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.

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 crucial tips for artists just starting with commissions. From pricing to contracts and communication, I’ll walk you through the steps to handle commissions like a pro and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with advice to help you navigate your art business with confidence.

In this episode, we explore what it means to be an artist and the journey of owning that title. Inspired by my own experiences and the story of a close friend, we dive into questions around identity, self-worth, and the desire for validation. I share insights on the distinction between “artist” and “professional artist,” as well as the armor we sometimes wear to feel secure in our creativity.

In this episode, I share my journey of how I first started making money with my art back in April 2023. From my first commissioned work with mothers in a Singapore-based WhatsApp community, to my first Etsy sale, and even launching a Kickstarter campaign, I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned about pricing, communicating with clients, and building a brand.

I also talk about how I’m now rebuilding my art business from scratch in the U.S. after moving and how I’m using my podcast, YouTube, and Instagram to build a new community. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m learning, and I want to encourage others who are also struggling to build their creative careers.