Your design process is pretty simple in the sense that you stick to watercolors and illustrations. How did you enjoy working in this medium?
It's what I know best; I've always liked to color, draw, paint, you name it. Drawing and painting media feels like the most immediate way to express a mark. It doesn't take a machine or any chemical processes; it just needs my hand, my tool, and a piece of paper. My favorite medium to work in is acrylic ink, micron pen or pencil. I most often draw inspiration from flowers and nature, but sometimes I'm motivated to create in order to just sort through my emotions. It's like a form of meditation.
What is the best part about selling your art?
Knowing that someone connects to something you made, and thus connects with you. That's why I love the idea of handmade or hand-drawn, it's unique to that single human being. And no one else can replicate it.
What is the meaning behind the name Tide and Bloom?
Tide & Bloom started as a name of my blog. It references nature, which I often draw inspiration from. It also refers to states of change and metamorphosis, which related to my journey back into making art after college.
Speaking of your blog—I know you write a lot about food, fashion and living in Atlanta. What is your favorite kind of food? Where do you like to go out to eat?
It depends on the category—I have different favorites for different kinds of cravings! If I had to choose one favorite, it would have to just be Asian restaurants on Buford Highway. Though at the end of the day, I am always craving a bowl of Pho made by my Mom more than anything else.
I know that you always are working to grow Tide and Bloom and you recently just added some new prints to your collection. What is your favorite print in your collection and what can people expect to see from you in the future?
My favorite piece is one of the newest - the strawberries! It was something I painted on a whim just for fun and I really loved how they turned out. I also recently started making notebooks so I love the strawberries both as a regular print and in the notebook version. In the future, I am hoping to move into home goods items like tea towels, aprons and beddings.
Running a small business can be hard! Have you found any sources that have been great for learning and getting advice? What has been the best words of wisdom that you have received since starting Tide and Bloom?
I've been listening to "How I Built This" on NPR a lot lately and I remember Kendra Scott talking about the importance of asking for help. It can be embarrassing to ask for help, but it's a sign of strength and not weakness.
And as a blogger, business owner and artist what is the best advice that you can give someone who is just starting out, or trying to decide what to do with their life?
Enjoy the small moments—they are everything. And try new things! You never know what you might love.
