You know that feeling when you create something, feel wildly proud of it, and then… just… don’t share it?
That was me—with my “Work With Me” post.

I designed the whole carousel back in March—color-matched to my brand, featuring artwork I was proud of, and infused with the quiet hope that someone might see it and say, “Yes, I want to work with you.”

But I didn’t post it. Not for 5 months.

The Inner Critic Gets Loud When You Get Brave

At the time, I remember seeing artists I admired pinning their "Work With Me" posts to the top of their profiles—owning their space and offering their talents confidently. I wanted that, too. And for a moment, I believed I could.

But then... the spiral.
Thoughts like:

“I don’t have a defined style yet.”
“I should’ve done this years ago.”
“I’m not ready.”
All of it hit, just as I was starting to feel creatively unsure in other areas, too.

What Changed?

I broke the loop.

In recent weeks, I’ve been coming back to center—by making art just for me again. By following the thread of inspiration (hi, Snail Kisses) and letting go of needing every painting to be part of a “plan.”
I even started moving my body more—because I kept hearing this whisper:
“Move your body to move your mind.”

And it worked. The fog lifted. I remembered that I know how to do this.
I remembered that I love doing this.

I Wasn’t Afraid of Posting—

I Was Afraid of Being Seen.

There’s this version of myself that’s always felt like the little kid who wants to sit at the big kids’ table.
I’ve longed to be seen as a real artist. A professional. Someone who gets hired.

So I kept telling myself, “Not yet.”
But yet never comes unless you show up anyway.

So I Posted It.

And guess what?
Nothing exploded.
Nobody pointed fingers or laughed.

People liked it.
And more importantly—I liked it.
I felt proud.
Not because it was perfect, but because it was true.

I’m not hiding anymore.

Confusion was a choice I was making.

The truth is I already know who I am becoming , because I have witnessed her every time I visualize my desired outcome.

Why It Matters Now

Because I want people to know this is what I do.
This is not a hobby—this is the work of my heart, my craft, and my calling.
I want to bring your ideas to life—on fabric, in story, on packaging, through prints.

And this is just the beginning.
I’m open to commissions, licensing, collaborations—and everything I dream of is built on this foundation: showing up.

For the Artist Who's Still Waiting

If you’re sitting on something because it doesn’t feel like “the right time,”
This is your sign: Your art isn’t waiting—your fear is.

When we chase perfection, we abandon our power.
Confidence doesn't arrive first—it follows action.

You already have what you need.
You already are who you’re becoming.

What’s lighting you up right now?

Create from that place and trust that it will take you exactly where you want to go.

Let’s Journey Together

I’m sharing the full behind-the-scenes of my creative process, new art collections, and what happens next over on Patreon.
If you want to witness this creative chapter unfold in real time—and support the art that moves you—I’d love to welcome you there.

Have you had a moment like this?
Something you made but were scared to share?
Tag me on Instagram @starthistle.and.quartz and let’s talk about it.

Free Resource for Artists:
Get my Sketchbook Warm-Up Guide to reconnect with your creative flow—plus, inside you’ll find access to my free 365 Art & Soul Journal.