Turning Childhood Nostalgia into a Profession
Meet Vanessa…
Vanessa is a talented digital artist with a passion for creating enchanting, whimsical art that brings joy and sparks imagination. Vanessa’s journey began in 2017, inspired by her desire to capture precious moments of her newborn son. With a humble start using an old phone and a lot of creativity, she discovered Photoshop—and a love for digital art was born!
In 2019, Vanessa and her family took a leap of faith, selling everything in California to follow their dreams in Europe. For two unforgettable years, they explored the continent, creating art inspired by the magical places they visited. Along the way, her artistic skills blossomed, her family grew, and life led them to a cozy home nestled in the woods of Michigan.
Today, step into her world—a space fueled by childhood imagination and creativity. Through her art, Vanessa aims to inspire your inner child, share her love for Photoshop, and add a touch of magic to your everyday life.
Vanessa is a wizard with a camera and editing tools. She takes everyday moments of her family life and turns them into jaw-dropping, fantastical works of art. We're talking about the kind of photos that make you say, “How’d she do that?!”
Her dreamy creations have gone viral, snagging her partnerships with some seriously big-name brands. (Spoiler: You’ve definitely heard of them.)
So, how does she turn imagination into income? How does she handle the wild ride of social media while keeping the magic alive?
traveling while working creatively
Vanessa thrives on seizing rare opportunities and embracing the present. When her small business started gaining traction, she realized there was a unique chance to live and work from anywhere. Life was simple, her kids were still little, and the timing felt perfect.
Feeling uninspired by industrial surroundings and craving nature and history, Vanessa and her family decided to make a bold move. Starting in Austria, they spent months traveling through Europe, exploring places like Italy, England, and beyond. It was a whirlwind of work, homeschooling, and soaking up every moment of the adventure.
While the experience was incredible and transformative, it also taught Vanessa the value of having a home base to ground herself and her family. They eventually returned, but the memories and lessons from that journey will always hold a special place in their hearts. It was a leap of faith Vanessa will never regret.
How can I get the kids to be a part of the process? Is it painting? Is it through gluing stuff together?
setting up the scenes
Vanessa’s artistic process is a unique blend of hands-on creativity and digital artistry. While Photoshop plays a role in her work, she brings her scenes to life by building physical sets, often in her living room, to create a more authentic and engaging experience.
This approach started simply, using everyday objects to help her children interact naturally in photos. Over time, as her kids grew and their interests changed, Vanessa adapted her methods, incorporating fun and collaborative projects like crafting cardboard cars or painting props together. These activities not only keep her kids engaged but also make the creative process a memorable family experience.
Beyond the fun, Vanessa’s hands-on approach serves a dual purpose. It helps her visualize her ideas more clearly and provides photographic references she uses to refine her skills as a digital artist. Whether photographing reflective surfaces or building complex composite scenes, Vanessa balances traditional artistic techniques with digital tools, striving to one day create entirely original works from scratch.
This combination of family collaboration, creative ingenuity, and artistic growth is what makes Vanessa’s work so magical—and watching the process unfold is part of the charm.
TUNE IN NOW TO HEAR MORE ABOUT:
Navigating the Challenges of Being a Creative on Social Media
Finding Positivity Amid Criticism and Challenges
Embracing Change and Pursuing Long-Term Goals