We recently connected with Ottavia Huang and have shared our conversation below.

Ottavia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I started my creative career when we moved to the U.S. six years ago. Before that, I worked as a creative industries researcher at a university in Taiwan. When we relocated, I took a career break, adjusted to a new country, and started a family. That pause—the space to step away from a structured career—became an invaluable opportunity. It gave me the time to reflect, explore, and truly find what I wanted to do, rather than just continuing on the path I was already on.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change the timing—I would start at the same time. My previous profession and life experiences have shaped who I am as an artist. Researching the creative industries gave me insights into the intersection of art, culture, and community, which now influence my work and how I engage with audiences. Had I started earlier, I might not have had the same perspective or confidence to pursue art in a way that feels authentic to me. If I had started later, I might have missed valuable opportunities to grow and connect with the creative community here.

Taking that break was a privilege, and I recognize how rare it is to have that kind of reset. It allowed me to fully embrace my creative journey on my own terms, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Ottavia, 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 Ottavia Huang, the artist behind Ms. Otter Studio, based in Saratoga, NY. I specialize in watercolor and ink sketches that capture everyday moments, travels, and my explorations of New York as my new home. My work is rooted in storytelling—documenting real places and experiences with warmth and nostalgia.

I was born and raised in Indonesia, later lived and worked in Taiwan, and moved to the U.S. six years ago. Before becoming a full-time artist, I was a creative industries researcher at a university in Taiwan. When we relocated, I took a career break to adjust to a new country and start a family. That pause became an invaluable opportunity—it gave me the space to rediscover my love for art and fully commit to my creative practice. What began as a personal way to document my surroundings evolved into a professional journey that now includes exhibitions, collaborations, and commissioned works.

Currently, I am the Artist in Residence at Arlene’s Artist Materials in Albany, NY, and an active member of the Urban Sketchers Albany, where I help organize sketching events that bring together artists of all levels to capture the world around us. I love being part of a community that values drawing from life and embracing the imperfections of sketching on location.

Through Ms. Otter Studio, I create original watercolor and ink sketches that reflect everyday beauty—whether it’s a quiet café, a historic street corner, or a busy market. I offer fine art prints and commissioned pieces, including architectural portraits and location-based illustrations. What sets my work apart is its personal, observational nature. Each piece invites people to slow down, notice the details, and find joy in the ordinary.

I’m most proud of how my art has allowed me to connect with others—through exhibitions, pop-ups, collaborations with fellow artists and small businesses, and sharing moments that resonate with my audience. I want my clients and followers to know that my work is deeply tied to my experiences and surroundings. Through my sketches, I hope to inspire others to see their own world with fresh eyes and an appreciation for the simple, beautiful moments in everyday life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the chance to capture and share the beauty in everyday moments. Whether it’s the quiet of a morning or the energy of a busy street, I find fulfillment in translating these moments into something others can enjoy. It’s not just about creating something visually pleasing, but about sparking a connection and reflection for those who experience it.

What really touches me, though, is when my art unexpectedly encourages others to express themselves. One participant from our workshops (she’s in her 70s!) continued creating after our time together, and her work won an award at a local art show. It’s humbling to see how our interactions can have such a positive impact.

I had a similar experience recently when I met a 10-year-old artist by chance at a local art supply store. I spoke with her and her mom, showing them my sketchbooks and some materials from a pet sketching workshop I had just wrapped up. A few days later, I received an email from her mom, sharing her paintings and telling me that she had been painting non-stop since our conversation. Moments like these are a reminder of how powerful art can be in inspiring others, and it’s truly rewarding to be a small part of that journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first moved to the Capital Region, I was at a crossroads—unsure of what to do, where to start, or even if I could find my place in this new chapter. The doubts were loud, and I found myself questioning whether I had made the right choice to leave my academic career. But something deep inside nudged me to rediscover arts. I signed up for that first watercolor workshop, not knowing what to expect, but something clicked. I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew I loved drawing and painting. It was that simple enjoyment that became my guide.

At the time, there was no clear-cut path for me. No track to follow. I wasn’t thinking of a career in the arts, but I felt a spark that I couldn’t ignore. With support from my teachers and new friends, I pushed myself to share my work. I signed up for a show at a local coffee shop and took the plunge into my first art market. Every step felt like a leap into the unknown—full of fear and setbacks, with many things to discover—but I began to see that every first step, no matter how uncertain, was a victory in itself.

The real turning point, though, came when I took a leap and applied for an art residency at Arlene’s Artist Materials. That experience opened doors, not just to growth as an artist, but to a community that helped me find my voice and my confidence. It was a reminder that resilience is not about having everything figured out from the start, but about trusting yourself enough to take that first step, even when the path ahead is unclear. It’s those small, consistent moves forward that shape the bigger journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.otter.studio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ms.otter.studio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ottaviahuang
• Other: Bluesky: msotterstudio.bsky.social

Image Credits

Ottavia Huang @ms.otter.studio