We were lucky to catch up with Liz Blake recently and have shared our conversation below.

Liz, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I wish that I had started painting sooner than I did. I did paint as a child, but I didn’t seriously get back into it until after I graduated from college with a Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2020. With a lot of extra time during shut down for Covid, I started painting as a hobby. I used it as an escape and it was, and still is, very calming and fulfilling for me. I painted on a couple vinyl records for my friends, which were the first time I made money for my art. I made my social media art account on Instagram shortly after to share some of the art I was doing. I started my Etsy shop (Trippy Moon Goddess) a couple years later, and have kept going since then. I wish that I had started earlier, specifically with my Etsy shop because I had been scared to do so for a while and was second guessing if anyone would want to see or buy my art. I also wish I had practiced painting more during college, even as just a hobby, because it has brought me joy and meaning in my life, which I struggled with somewhat in college.
I’m currently going to school for my graphic design degree and I wish that I had seen my passion for art sooner to pursue that. But I do think that going back to school at an older age has definitely given me more insight and maturity in knowing that this field is something I really want to pursue and learn more about, along with my art business. I’m able to use some things I’m learning through graphic design in designing certain products for my shop, such as beanies and stickers.

Liz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m primarily a self-taught acrylic artist and current graphic design student. I was interested in acrylic art by seeing other artists I admire on social media. I was wanting ways to express myself creatively and I found that doing so has been quite fulfilling. I paint on traditional canvas, but also enjoy painting on nontraditional surfaces, such as vinyl records, clothing, purses, vases, etc. I pride myself on upcycling thrifted or secondhand items as much as I can through painting them with my art, so these items can be brought new life and purpose. I enjoy using many bright colors and vibrant contrasts in my pieces that evoke a sense of wonder and joy, while transporting viewers into beautiful, trippy fantasy realms. I sell some original paintings, prints of those paintings, stickers, beanies, painted bags/purses, painted clothing, and other painted miscellaneous decor items, such as vases or mini shelves. I enjoy creating unique one-of-a-kind pieces for my clients that they won’t be able to find somewhere else. I enjoy making other people happy through my creations. Through my graphic design skills, I’m able to create and edit art digitally as well for clients. These digital skills have helped my designs for certain physical products, such as my beanies or stickers, tremendously. I’m most proud of my unique art style and attention to detail that leaves my customers with pieces they love. I enjoy that my art can be displayed as decor, but other pieces can be wearable as well. I enjoy wearing my own art out in the world, which is the best advertisement.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the sense of community I feel around and with other creatives. It’s validating to know that some deal with the same struggles and issues that I do with the creative process, specifically with things like dealing with imposter syndrome or having slow times of business. These things might make those in the same situation feel like their products or creations aren’t good enough. I love having artist friends and peers that I can discuss these things with and share tips with each other, boosting each other up. Viewing your peers as peers instead of simply competition is definitely beneficial.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I do want to be financially successful as an artist, but my main priority is to grow my skills and to share my art. A goal of mine lately has been to use art as a therapeutic process. I’ve created a couple pieces that have been quite meaningful to me and have honestly helped me through difficult situations or mental states I have gone through. Creating art has helped me deal with issues outside of my control in the world around me. I hope that my art can have an impact on others, even if it is one person, to inspire creations of their own, to better love themselves, and/or to find some kind of meaning in their existence, as art has been for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trippymoongoddess.etsy.com/
• Instagram: @trippymoongoddess, https://instagram.com/trippymoongoddess?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Other: TikTok: @trippymoongoddess https://www.tiktok.com/@trippymoongoddess?_t=ZT-8tN5NhZVi9u&_r=1

  Email: [email protected]