Blog
Commissioning a custom piece is a really special and collaborative process, and I love involving my clients along the way so the final artwork feels deeply personal.
Here’s how the process works from start to finish:
1. We start with a conversation.
Most commissions begin with a simple email exchange where I learn more about your idea. I’ll ask about the subject (your pet, home, wedding, heirloom recipe, etc.) and the reason for the commission — whether it’s a gift or something special for yourself.
2. Book your spot.
Once you purchase the commission listing on my website, your place on my calendar is officially reserved. Commissions typically take 3–4 weeks from start to finish.
3. Reference photos.
I work from reference photos to create your illustration. There’s a detailed guide in each Commission listing describing the types of photos that work best, but I’m always happy to help you choose the right ones.
4. The pencil sketch.
Every commission begins with a detailed pencil sketch. When the sketch is complete, I’ll send you a photo for feedback. This is the one stage where changes can be made, so it’s the perfect time to request adjustments before I add ink.
5. Ink and color.
Once you approve the sketch, I move forward within about 24–48 hours by outlining the drawing in pen. Then I finish the piece by adding alcohol ink for color and shadow.
6. The finished artwork.
You’ll receive the original hand-inked illustration — signed by me, professionally matted, and ready to place in a beautiful frame. Your piece will also include a certificate of authenticity. While you receive and own the original artwork, I retain the rights to reproduce the illustration in the future if I choose (for prints or products).
With the Philadelphia Flower Show quickly approaching, I recently did a full test run of my booth setup, and I’m so glad I did. Seeing everything laid out helped me make a lot of thoughtful changes that feel much more aligned with my brand. The biggest and most exciting addition was a gorgeous floral rug that instantly grounded the space and tied everything together. It perfectly matches my color palette of peach, sunset orange, forest green and sage, and it brought so much warmth and personality to the setup.
Of course, no setup refresh would be complete without new products, and I’ve been busy creating pieces I truly think will shine at the show. ✍️ I’m bringing themed suncatchers, keychains, and brand-new mini notebooks, all inspired by nature and florals and designed especially with this event in mind. Testing everything out made me even more excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to share the finished setup with you in person at the Flower Show. 🌸
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance to me; it’s also about celebrating friends and family that make life sweeter. I designed this bundle as the kind of gift I’d love to give my friends, sisters, or mom: joyful, colorful, and full of little details that feel special.
I love leaning into the classic red and pink Valentine’s Day aesthetic, so this bundle is a carefully curated mix of my favorite shades—from soft blush to bold cherry red. I combined my go-to red and pink stickers, prints, jewelry, and notebooks to create something that feels cohesive, playful, and effortlessly giftable. Everything is meant to mix and match, making it easy to create a beautifully styled Valentine’s moment.
This year, I also leaned into a floral theme, weaving flowers throughout the collection to add a romantic, timeless touch. Florals feel like a natural expression of love and celebration, and they pair perfectly with the Valentine’s color palette. The result is a bundle designed to be shared, displayed, and enjoyed—whether you’re gifting it to your best friends, your sisters, or treating yourself. 💕
Running a tiny business requires flexibility, and sometimes that flexibility shows up in big, life-shaping ways. In 2025, I made the decision to move my business from Washington, DC—where it had been rooted for over eight years—to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. Along with the excitement of a new chapter came the reality of starting fresh in a new community: becoming known again, building new relationships, and re-establishing my work in a different market. Change can feel daunting, but it also opens the door to growth if you’re willing to adapt.
One of the biggest challenges of the move was figuring out what to do with years of DC-centric prints I had created. My work has always been inspired by places and nature, and while there wasn’t much I could realistically change about illustrations tied so specifically to DC, I realized I didn’t need to reinvent everything. As an arborist and lifelong nature lover, I looked closely at my botanical pieces and saw opportunity instead of limitation. Many of the wildflowers and tree blossoms I illustrate are native to a large portion of the Northeast—not just one city.
Enter the power of pivoting. With a thoughtful shift in perspective (and yes, sometimes something as simple as a title change), those nature prints found new relevance in my new home. Suddenly, they spoke to a broader audience while staying true to my inspiration and values. That’s the magic of a good pivot: it doesn’t erase your past work, it builds on it. For tiny businesses especially, pivoting isn’t about abandoning what you’ve made—it’s about allowing it to evolve alongside you.