Change is scary. It shakes us, challenges us, and yet, somehow, we still find ourselves drawn to its possibilities—like a wide-eyed college freshman with big dreams and no clue what’s coming next. Eight years ago, that was me. I just wanted to make art and make money doing it.
But I was told it wasn’t that simple. (Spoiler alert: it actually is that simple.) The world convinced me that if I wanted to be an artist, I had to make it profitable, to turn creativity into a product. So, in 2017, I opened Doodlebug Designs, an Etsy shop selling stickers and vinyl decals. For six years, I ran that shop in different forms, under different names. At its peak, I was making close to $25k a year.
And I hated every second of it.
I’ve spent years trying to convince myself that I should have loved it—that making things people enjoyed, seeing my designs out in the world, and making some money along the way should have been fulfilling. But the truth is, it drained me. I wasn’t creating from passion—I was creating for profit, for trends, for the sake of making something sellable. The pressure, the long nights, the endless cycle of orders, shipping, and inventory…it took all the joy out of creating.
I closed the shop. Reopened it. Closed it again. Every time, I thought, this time will be different.
It never was.
And then, in late 2023, life shifted drastically. I had no choice but to pause—to finally focus on myself before my art.
And in that stillness, I finally heard what I’d been too stubborn to listen to for years.
I rediscovered the things that truly make me come alive. I love traditional painting. I love getting lost in a canvas, experimenting with new mediums, and telling stories through my art and words. I love traveling, experiencing the world, and soaking in inspiration from the beauty around me. But more than anything, I realized the most important thing I had been neglecting—my relationship with God.
For too long, I tried to do it all on my own, convinced that if I just worked harder, things would eventually fall into place. But they never did. Because I was never meant to figure it out alone. Looking back, I can see it now—every failed business attempt, every frustration, every door that wouldn’t open was God...gently, persistently redirecting me toward where I was meant to be.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight." – Proverbs 3:5-6
And that’s exactly where I am now. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this: I’m done forcing something that was never meant for me. I’m choosing to trust, to create from the heart, and to follow where He leads.
So, what's next for me?
No more hiding behind a business name—no more molding myself into something I’m not. It’s time to fully step into who I truly am— Hannah Elaine.
I’m embracing my love for creating art and storytelling with my whole heart, bringing it to life through live painting and poetry. So, what does that look like?
Imagine this: You’re at your best friend’s wedding, cocktail in hand, soaking in the magic of the night. In the corner, near the soft glow of twinkling lights, you notice an artist at her easel, completely immersed in her work. Curiosity draws you closer, and as you peek over her shoulder, you see it—a stunning watercolor scene unfolding before you. The bride and groom, captured in delicate inked details, sharing a kiss in front of the grand venue hall. It’s like something out of a dream.
An hour later, as dinner is served and the dance floor begins to fill, you look back—only to find the artist has vanished. Intrigued, you scan the room, eager to see how the painting turned out. And then, in another quiet corner, you spot her again.
She’s seated at a small table, two guests in front of her, brush in hand. This time, she’s painting them. You watch as soft washes of color take shape, transforming into whimsical, storybook-style portraits. In just minutes, she holds up the finished piece, and the couple’s faces light up with pure joy. They leave, grinning ear to ear, their one-of-a-kind keepsake in hand—just as another couple eagerly takes their place.
And so it goes, one painting after another, capturing love, laughter, and fleeting moments in a way that will last forever.
That’s where my heart is. That’s what I was made to do. And this is just the beginning.
I dream of this journey taking me everywhere—new cities, new faces, new stories waiting to be told through brushstrokes and ink. I want to create paintings of people and for people, capturing moments that become memories, memories that last a lifetime.
And I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
Your love and support over the years have meant more to me than I can ever express. It’s because of you—my family, my friends, and every kind soul I’ve met along the way—that I get to keep chasing this dream. I don’t take that for granted. Not for a second.
So, with a full heart and a steady hand, I’m officially opening my bookings for live painting. Several package options are available, tailored to bring a little extra magic to your special moments. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, my mystery messages are now in the shop—a special way to receive the words you need from God and the Universe, right when you need them.
As for my long-anticipated children's book that has been in the works for what seems like forever...it is still, well, in the works. And honestly, I'm in no hurry to finish it. It has been a project (similar to my Etsy shop) that I have started and quit numerous times with no explanation why other than I'm not enjoying creating it and it's not turning out how I've dreamed it would. It is definitely still a dream and aspiration of mine to write stories and illustrate books, when the time is right. And right now, I'm finding it quite difficult to manage all of the things going on in life AND pursuing several different creative paths. It's best for me right now to focus on what's in front of me, and finish my book when I can. I'm still actively working on it, it's coming, just stay tuned for further news on it and be patient with me!
Here’s to the adventure ahead! I can’t wait to see where it leads.
