“I worked for six years as an editor at a technical publishing company, the job I secured after graduating college,” she recalled in an interview with Freelance Wisdom. “When I realized I’d never be happy (or excel) in my field, I turned to illustration as an outlet – a way for me to feel more like myself again.”

After working with words for so long, using color and imagery to express her sentiments and emotions came as a relief. Now a self-taught artist and writer, Lee Patel’s basic philosophy in life is that anything is possible. “I’m completely self-taught, so a lot of times, the path was a series of trial and error,” she says. “I felt lonely and isolated often, especially since I’m a bit introverted and found it difficult to immerse myself in a creative community. But I learned an incredible amount about myself.”

These days, her days are filled with creativity to the brim. Working as a columnist at Spirituality & Health, Lee Patel also runs a stationery and gift line and has published two journals and a book. Her work, much like her life philosophy, is very much goal-oriented, teaching others a lesson of kindness and self-determination. “I used to place restrictions on myself – am I writer or am I an illustrator?” she reflects. “I thought I had to choose. But now I feel comfortable calling myself both, and making work as both.”

“When I create work that encourages or comforts others, it’s because I’m trying to encourage or comfort myself, too,” she adds. “Above all, I want to make work that helps others feel less alone.” Her words and images are much needed these days.

The post Meera Lee Patel Will Teach You a Lesson In Kindness appeared first on Wallpaper Data.

Her decision proved to be the right one, not only for her but for other people around her. Her art, you see, is made with the goal of cheering you up, and judging by her buzzing online presence, people are tuning into the message. Known for her relatable flowcharts and uplifting illustrations, her designs can be found on anything from paper goodies to apparel.

“Leaving that design job to freelance full time was a huge leap because I had absolutely no business sense, no practice freelancing, and no real plan at all,” admits Simpson. “Looking back, I can’t believe that’s how I dove in, but I’m so glad I did. I’m so grateful and excited about where I am now. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today if it wasn’t for the route that brought me here.”

Now she encourages others to follow her lead and take that leap of faith. “It’s easy to look at people who are making things happen and think, ‘I wish I was like that. I wish I could be involved in interesting projects and take those sorts of risks.’ But the thing is: we all have that in us. Those people aren’t superheroes—they’ve just had practice.”

Follow her words of advice:

The post Becky Simpson Will Encourage You to Make It Up As You Go Along appeared first on Wallpaper Data.

“I worked for six years as an editor at a technical publishing company, the job I secured after graduating college,” she recalled in an interview with Freelance Wisdom. “When I realized I’d never be happy (or excel) in my field, I turned to illustration as an outlet – a way for me to feel more like myself again.”

After working with words for so long, using color and imagery to express her sentiments and emotions came as a relief. Now a self-taught artist and writer, Lee Patel’s basic philosophy in life is that anything is possible. “I’m completely self-taught, so a lot of times, the path was a series of trial and error,” she says. “I felt lonely and isolated often, especially since I’m a bit introverted and found it difficult to immerse myself in a creative community. But I learned an incredible amount about myself.”

These days, her days are filled with creativity to the brim. Working as a columnist at Spirituality & Health, Lee Patel also runs a stationery and gift line and has published two journals and a book. Her work, much like her life philosophy, is very much goal-oriented, teaching others a lesson of kindness and self-determination. “I used to place restrictions on myself – am I writer or am I an illustrator?” she reflects. “I thought I had to choose. But now I feel comfortable calling myself both, and making work as both.”

“When I create work that encourages or comforts others, it’s because I’m trying to encourage or comfort myself, too,” she adds. “Above all, I want to make work that helps others feel less alone.” Her words and images are much needed these days.

The post Meera Lee Patel Will Teach You a Lesson In Kindness appeared first on Wallpaper Data.

Her decision proved to be the right one, not only for her but for other people around her. Her art, you see, is made with the goal of cheering you up, and judging by her buzzing online presence, people are tuning into the message. Known for her relatable flowcharts and uplifting illustrations, her designs can be found on anything from paper goodies to apparel.

“Leaving that design job to freelance full time was a huge leap because I had absolutely no business sense, no practice freelancing, and no real plan at all,” admits Simpson. “Looking back, I can’t believe that’s how I dove in, but I’m so glad I did. I’m so grateful and excited about where I am now. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today if it wasn’t for the route that brought me here.”

Now she encourages others to follow her lead and take that leap of faith. “It’s easy to look at people who are making things happen and think, ‘I wish I was like that. I wish I could be involved in interesting projects and take those sorts of risks.’ But the thing is: we all have that in us. Those people aren’t superheroes—they’ve just had practice.”

Follow her words of advice:

The post Becky Simpson Will Encourage You to Make It Up As You Go Along appeared first on Wallpaper Data.