1. You are a wife, mother, artist, creative director, and custom stamp maker – you wear so many hats! What does a typical day look like for you and your family?

I have never been an early riser but once I had kids I have been forced to wake up early every day since. It is incredible how much you can accomplish in a day when you start it off bright and early. My days typically consist of feeding the kids, squeezing work in while the kids play by themselves during the day or when they nap. There are countless of breaks in between and lots of grace. Not everyday goes as planned, there are days when I get nothing done. I am able to have my sanity by putting the boys to bed early and getting some work done before heading to bed myself.

2. How did you get started in the custom stamp business? Was this something you were always interested in?

My story with art has been a little shaky. I had always loved it but I was always afraid to pursue it. When I was in high school and the decision of choosing a major for college came along, I chose biology. I loved science and math so I thought maybe being a doctor was my best bet. Well, I didn't get in into the local university so I had to reconsider what to do next. I decided that maybe that was my chance to truly go for what I wanted so I enrolled in the community college with a fine arts major. I did that for two years but quickly my fear came back. “What can I do with a fine arts degree?” All I could think about was that I would barely make ends meet with it. So I switched gears and graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelors in Digital Arts and Design. A little after I graduated, I realized how much I disliked being in front of a computer creating something I can’t really touch. I like to create with my hands. I like to literally get my hands dirty and I wasn't able to do that. It wasn’t until I had my boys and had some time to rethink my life that I decided to explore what truly made me come alive. I revisited some art methods I learned back in the day and just simply fell in love with block printing all over again. This time I deiced to go for it without letting fear get to me.

3. In your most full or challenging seasons, how have you still managed to create?

To be honest I struggle with a lot of insecurities. My self-esteem is pretty low, so feeling like I am good at something is really hard for me. There have been a lot of times when I simply have to take a break and stop creating. In those moments I tend to be creative with my kids. We explore, read more and learn new things together. Along the way I will find something that will spark my creativity once more and I start all over again.

4. How are you seeing the fruit of your creative work blooming now from seeds that you planted long ago?

The seed was planted many years ago when I was a little girl. It just took me a lot of years to let my fear of failure go. I don’t regret anything that has happened because every decision I have made has led me to where I am today. Even though it took longer than it should have, I am glad my kids can now see a woman who is following her dream no matter how hard it has been or how long it took.

5. What inspires you: as a wife, mom, and artist?

Nature and books! In moments when I feel down or my creative juices are low I tend to seek for stories where I can get lost in and places where I can feel connected to nature.

6. Do you have any favorite resources that you’d recommend to fellow creatives?

I don’t have specific resources, really. I tend to find my creativity in books or real life events that have shaped my life.

7. Do you have a scripture, word, or mantra that guides your work?

If not now, when?

8. How do you believe motherhood and creative work complement one another?

I don’t know if this happens to every mother, but once I became a mother I became more confident. I am no longer living for myself. There are little tiny humans who are looking up to me and everything that I do will impact them in one way or another. This has filled me up in many aspects including my creativity. Also, you relearn and learn so many things when you are a mother, this all brings different perspectives and more creativity.

9. Have you ever wanted to throw in the towel and quit being an artist? How did you fight past that feeling?

Many times! There have been long days. Days when both boys are screaming and giving me hell. Days when I feel so overwhelmed and incapable of creating anything. I just push through. Throughout the years I have learned how to have more grace with myself. The perfectionist in me has died a little and I have learned that it is better to try and fail than to not do anything at all.

10. If you could tell moms who long to create as they raise little ones a word of advice or encouragement, what would it be?

Do it! If you find that what you are creating is not your best, switch it up. Explore yourself, learn what makes you come alive and just do it.

Connect with Drea: Bear and Clay Instagram // Personal Instagram