We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dawn Tappen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dawn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Yes! I am very happy as an artist!

I’ve never had what our society might call a “regular job.” I’ve always called myself an artist, and supplemented my income over the years with part-time work as a food server. While I love the creative freedom I’ve chosen, I’d be lying if I said I’ve never wondered about the road not taken. These thoughts occasionally creep in during sleepless nights, when my mind spins through what-ifs. Should I have pursued a more conventional path after college? One with financial security, health insurance, and paid vacations?

But when I really sit with those thoughts, I always come back to this: nothing in life is guaranteed. People lose jobs, get sick, or face upheaval—like a global pandemic that shuts the world down. Stability is an illusion in many ways. What truly grounds me is the life I’ve consciously chosen to create.

I live by the ocean and have a beautiful studio filled with my art and plants—my sanctuary. I have an amazing partner who wholeheartedly supports my creativity, and together we experience life fully, from everyday joys to adventures like our recent two-week trip to Japan. I’ve created a life centered on what’s most important to me: freedom, joy, and adventure.
So while I might occasionally wonder about “what ifs,” I always conclude that I wouldn’t trade the life I’ve created for anything. I truly believe that when we follow our joy, we create a life that feels deeply ours—and that’s the greatest reward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a process-based abstract painter, and my work is a reflection of my intuitive process and love for exploration and play. Painting for me is a spontaneous journey where I let my instincts guide each decision. I work primarily with acrylics, layering bold and vibrant colors to create pieces that are full of depth, texture, and energy. Each layer feels like a conversation between myself and the canvas, where colors, shapes, and emotions come together to tell a story.

I’m usually working on multiple paintings at once, letting each piece evolve at its own pace. Sometimes a painting will sit quietly in my studio for months, waiting for the right moment to call me back to it. This approach requires patience, but it also reflects my openness to the natural rhythms of inspiration. I embrace the idea that creativity isn’t always linear—it’s a fluid, organic process that unfolds in its own time.

What sets my work apart is its joyful, vibrant energy. My mission is to create pieces that inspire happiness and bring beauty into people’s lives. My art invites viewers to pause, connect with their own sense of wonder, and see the world through a lens of playfulness and possibility.

What I’m most proud of is the life I’ve created as an artist. My studio, located by the ocean, is a sanctuary where I’m surrounded by my paintings and the lush greenery of my plants. It’s a space that embodies the freedom and joy I’ve cultivated in my work and my life.

For potential clients, fans, or followers, I want them to know that my art is about more than just color on a canvas—it’s about connection, emotion, and the celebration of life’s beauty. Whether someone adds one of my paintings to their home or simply experiences it in a gallery, my hope is that it sparks joy and brings a little more light into their world.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Early in my creative journey, I wish I had understood the importance of focusing on fewer, more resonant resources rather than trying to absorb everything available online. Social media and the internet offer so much information and inspiration, but that abundance can also be paralyzing. I remember feeling so overwhelmed by all the options and advice that it often led to inaction.

What helped me move forward was simplifying. I started to identify just a couple of resources or practices that truly resonated with me and blocked out the rest. Unfollowing social media accounts that made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough or wasn’t “successful” in the right way was a game-changer. It’s liberating to stop comparing your journey to someone else’s highlight reel and instead focus on what feels authentic and manageable for you.

Another key lesson was embracing the power of baby steps. It’s so easy to feel like you have to figure everything out at once, but taking small, intentional actions consistently adds up over time. That shift in mindset has helped me stay grounded and connected to my work.

Mindset, in general, is such an essential part of the creative process. One of the biggest breakthroughs for me was letting go of the “starving artist” narrative. That outdated mindset can hold us back, making us believe we have to sacrifice our joy or financial well-being to pursue our passions. I’ve learned to rewrite that story for myself, recognizing that creativity and abundance can coexist. By following my joy, trusting my instincts, and honoring my process, I’ve been able to create a life and career that feels fulfilling and sustainable.

For anyone starting their creative journey, I’d say this: trust yourself, simplify, and be kind to your process. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing what feels right for you.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is simple: bringing more joy and beauty into the world.

There’s something deeply fulfilling about knowing that my work has the potential to brighten someone’s day, inspire a moment of reflection, or make a space feel more vibrant and alive. Whether it’s through the colors I choose, the textures I create, or the emotions my art evokes, knowing that I can contribute a little more positivity and wonder to the world is what keeps me inspired and grounded in my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dawntappen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tappenstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.tappen