We recently connected with Richelle Priscilla Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Richelle Priscilla, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
When it comes to learning my craft—mainly watercolor portraits (both live and in-studio) and origami flowers—my journey has been about curiosity, creativity, and persistence. Honestly, a lot of what I’ve learned came from YouTube and consistent practice. I know it might sound funny to say, “I just watched a ton of videos,” but they really helped! As a shy student, I often found it hard to ask questions or seek help in a classroom setting, so I turned to resources I could explore on my own time and in my own space.
Painting, for me, is a never-ending process of discovery. It took a lot of trial and error—and imitating others at first—to get to a place where I felt confident with my own style and brushstrokes. Origami, on the other hand, came from a more specific inspiration: I had always dreamed of having a wedding bouquet made of paper but couldn’t find anyone who made them. That’s when I decided to try creating one myself! I remembered how much I loved folding paper as a kid and started experimenting with new designs.
Some of my best ideas come when I’m making something as a gift or just for myself. Those moments feel so free and playful, which really lets me dive into my creativity.
If I had to name the most important skill for my growth, it’s been discipline—setting aside time to focus on improving my craft. Patience and time management have also been huge for me. I’m still at the beginning of this journey, but I’ve realized how important it is to be kind to myself along the way. Practice takes time, and you have to allow space for that.
The hardest part? Getting out of my own way. Self-confidence can come and go, and I sometimes catch myself comparing my work to others. That’s when patience and kindness really come into play. I remind myself that each day is a fresh start, and every project, client, or challenge is an opportunity to create something meaningful and beautiful.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember—painting since I could first hold a brush. After earning my BFA in Painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design, I’ve made my creative home in El Paso, IL, where I turn moments and memories into lasting art. Painting has always been a constant in my life, whether it was through personal projects or commissions. For years, I primarily worked in oils, but my creative path took an exciting turn in 2022 when a friend asked me to live paint at her wedding.
Initially, I was hesitant. While I had experience teaching painting in front of audiences, live painting at a wedding felt like an entirely different challenge. I even tried to suggest creating a commissioned piece afterward instead! Thankfully, she was persistent, and I’m so glad she was. That experience opened up an entirely new chapter in my career, and live wedding painting and event commissions have since become a cornerstone of my work.
Today, my focus revolves around two main areas: live wedding watercolor illustrations and handcrafted origami flowers. At weddings and events, I create guest portraits that can be taken home as keepsakes, and I also collaborate with photographers to craft intimate watercolor gifts for couples after their big day. Capturing the joy, love, and energy of these celebrations is truly special, and it’s a privilege to help preserve such meaningful moments.
My origami work explores a different kind of creativity. What began as my own desire for a unique, lasting bouquet has grown into a passion for helping others bring their visions to life. Whether for weddings, events, or personal mementos, I love crafting tailored, one-of-a-kind paper florals that serve as beautiful alternatives to traditional bouquets.
While weddings are a current focus, my love for art extends far beyond them. I continue to take on watercolor commissions for a variety of occasions. At the heart of it all, I simply love to create—whether it’s capturing a fleeting moment or crafting something timeless, I’m committed to making art that connects with people and brings joy.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
YouTube, Skillshare, or Nebula are incredible resources for learning new skills. Even as someone who folds origami regularly, I often rely on the generosity of creators who share their expertise through clear, easy-to-follow video tutorials. Their guidance makes trying something new feel approachable and fun.
In the past year as a live wedding artist, I’ve also found an amazing community in Facebook groups dedicated to fellow creatives. These groups are invaluable spaces to share successes, exchange leads, and collaborate on both artistic and business practices—a constant source of support and inspiration.
When it comes to books, The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande stands out most recently. As I navigated the complexities of preparing for live events, this book transformed my approach. It taught me the value of a detailed checklist, streamlining my processes before, during, and after each wedding. The lessons I took away improved my workflow exponentially from one event to the next.
Art books also hold a special place in my heart as well. They’re a celebration of creativity, offering fresh perspectives and inspiration that fuel my own practice. Exploring other artists’ work is both humbling and motivating, reminding me that while we may share similar crafts, it’s our individual passion and personal touch that make each of us unique. And then seeing what they’re doing on their own social media is key as we can connect with one another, and lift each other up.
Lastly, understanding the financial side of a creative business is crucial. Whether it’s consulting a tax expert or managing your own legal and financial responsibilities, knowing the ins and outs of write-offs, credits, and proper filing can be a game-changer. Thoughtful planning and organization are essential to keeping your art sustainable.
The creative journey is a blend of curiosity, community, and careful planning—and it’s one I’m grateful to continue every day!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
To best support artists, society needs to recognize that behind every creation is a person, not a machine. The time, energy, and love poured into their craft are what make it valuable and unique. Supporting artists means understanding that their pricing reflects not just materials but the hours of skill-building and the deeply personal process behind their work. When you invest in art, you’re receiving something one-of-a-kind that carries the artist’s passion and story.
Engaging with artists on a local level—attending events, purchasing directly, and sharing their work—can have a huge impact. Creatives thrive when their communities value and amplify their voices. Beyond individual support, fostering a culture that prioritizes the arts through funding, accessible spaces, and advocacy helps ensure artists have the resources and respect they deserve.
At its core, supporting artists is about connection. It’s about honoring the time and care they devote to their craft and recognizing the extraordinary gift of their creativity in our lives. When you support an artist, you’re investing in more than art—you’re investing in humanity, culture, and something truly irreplaceable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.richellepriscilla.com
- Instagram: @watercolorandlace @richellepriscilla
- Facebook: Richelle Priscilla – Live Event Painter
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richelle-priscilla-smith-20022077
