Let’s Do Stuff, Tacoma
(Settling in, painting bold, and dreaming bigger)
If you’ve been following along, you know I landed in Tacoma with a hunch and a backpack full of hope. Since then, life’s been moving fast—and also in circles. Setting up Urban Muse & Sultry Hues has been messy, colorful, emotional, exhausting, and honestly, one of the most rewarding things I’ve done.
I’ve finally moved most of my art out of storage and into my studio space, and wow—it’s been a whole journey of rediscovery. Going through old work, I found pieces I’d completely forgotten about. Each one brought back a rush of memories and adventures. Some are ready to share with the world. Others feel more personal—just for me, or maybe close friends. It’s like reconnecting with versions of myself I hadn’t spoken to in years.
The Walls Are Blue. Like, Really Blue.
One of the boldest moves I’ve made so far? Painting the walls this in-your-face vibrant blue. Before you even look at a single piece of art, that blue hits you. It sets the tone. It says, “You’ve entered a different kind of gallery space.” I wanted the vibe here to be part pop art shop, part urban art boutique—with a little splash of mischief.
You’ll see architecture studies, silly cartoons, fun doodles, and yes—there’s a corner for my pinups and more sultry, spicy work. That part’s not going anywhere, because it’s part of who I am as an artist. My space reflects all sides of me: the thoughtful, the playful, the slightly wild.
Progress, People, and the Perfect Table
Behind the scenes, I’ve been doing the hard, unglamorous work: opening bank accounts, registering my LLC, dealing with taxes, and getting my Shopify point-of-sale system running. (Yes, I got way too excited customizing the card reader screen. Small detail, but it makes me happy.)
Shout out to my neighbor at Earthtones—they gifted me a wooden table that fits perfectly in my studio. That table will be the heart of my work zone: a place where I’ll be drawing, painting, thinking, chatting. When you come by, don’t be surprised if I offer you a marker and ask you to leave a doodle.
And the other shopkeepers here? Total gems. Each booth has its own flavor, and I’m loving getting to know this little community within Sanford and Son. I usually stop in after 2PM, once I’m off from my other job. And yeah—some days I just need to rest. I got hit hard with a bug a few weekends back, and instead of pushing myself, I hit pause. Hydration, quiet, and no guilt. That felt like growth, too.
First Tacoma Painting? Check.
I’m proud to say I finished my first real Tacoma watercolor! It features a door some of you might recognize...
Another cool milestone: I’ve finally landed on my art signature for 2025. I change it every year, and until now, nothing had felt quite right. But this one? This one’s sticking.
The Vision: Bigger Than Me
I’ll be honest—I'm not trying to become a super-famous solo artist with a million followers. That’s not the dream.
What I do want is to use my art to connect with people and be part of something massive. Imagine large-scale public art that redefines what a space can be. Let’s paint a ship. Let’s build a 20-story building in the shape of a starfish. Let’s design parks that are both functional and deeply artistic—alive with soul, color, and community.
I want to help envision and implement projects like that. I want to collaborate, to build something that outlasts me, and to be part of teams dreaming wild and working hard. I don’t exactly know how I’ll get there yet, but I know that’s the direction I need to walk in if I want to live a life I won’t regret.
Here I Am
So here I am—studio still half-organized, signature freshly inked, heart wide open. I’m figuring it out as I go. But one thing’s for sure: I’m not alone anymore. Tacoma, you’re starting to feel like a landing pad instead of an unknown leap.
You with me?
Let’s do stuff. Let’s make art. Let’s build something beautiful, weird, and wild—together.
📍 Come visit Urban Muse & Sultry Hues inside Sanford and Son Antiques (middle floor).
🖌️ Watch me make art in real-time, flip through prints, or just say hi.
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📸 Instagram: @urbanmuseandsultryhues