Artist Diary #4

My dear creative friend,

Welcome to Artist Diary #4, where I share the real time highs and lows of being a full time professional artist.

Today I’m writing to you from my home in leafy Brisbane — I would typically say ‘sunny Brisbane’ but today is moody and cloudy. I’m perched at the kitchen bench sipping my second cup of sticky chai, waiting for my 3rd load of washing to finish.

I hope your weekend is bringing you joy!

This is the first weekend in 3 weeks that I haven’t worked most of it. It’s been BUSY.

And I don't like that word, because I don’t subscribe to hustle culture. But it’s true. Which is great because it means my business is taking off. Remember how I had no work in July and August? Well it’s only ramped up since September. My business is booming right now and I’m head down. I barely have time to share my own work on insta let alone a scrolling session to see what everyone’s up to.

But in between the creative projects, the launch of my wallpaper collection with Aspiring Walls, the photoshoots — there has been a lot of reflection, joy and growth.

Excitement about travels in November and December. Dreaming of travel destinations for 2026. Losing myself to books for days. Finding time for myself first. Painting more. Sending a letter and gift to a new friend in Japan and receiving the most heartfelt response. Saying no to events I don’t want to go to, even if I said yes originally. Saying yes to events I was curious about. Discovering a limiting belief that has held me back for decades and working on my shadow to dislodge it.

Realising that some people aren’t my people and that’s okay. Being able to let them go energetically and double down on (or seek out) the ones who are. Connecting in person with people who not only move the needle in my business but genuinely want to help me grow! Finally - FINALLY - sharing my work without fear. Genuinely not caring what anyone thinks about my work. Unfollowing people who don’t light me up. Leaving a space that doesn’t feel safe or welcoming or inclusive.

Also: Meditating. Obsessively videoing and photographing the Jacarandas and their petals. Journalling more. Being in my garden. Pizza nights. Naps. Carving pumpkins. Collecting leaves. Eating better. Sunset walks with Jon. Watching the moon each night.

Travel and accommodation affordability. Trying a co-working space. Trying to find an office space outside of my home studio. Driving in Brisbane, generally. Not sleeping in hot, humid Brisbane weather. Vivid nightmares. Waking up in a pool of sweat. Not living in a city with seasons. Seeing events I can’t afford to attend. The conversion of US to AUD. Witnessing hatred online (how quick people are to judge). Missing my pop. Not having enough time to call my parents or my nan.

Also: Worrying about the state of the world. Wishing I could do more to change the state of the world. Wondering why people can be so mean and/or selfish.

I’m part of another creative community and recently they asked creatives to share the following — 2 wins, 1 whinge and a lesson for 2026. I thought you might like to read mine.

🌻 Win #1:

I’m working on my biggest wallpaper mural project ever - incorporating both patterns and murals! It’s a two storey building with multiple walls and I’m so excited. A lot of nervous system regulation and meditation to stay grounded and praying to my ancestors and angels that it gets over the line. This would be a life changing project for my business/brand.

🌻 Win #2

I’ve been consistently showing up in my email list and getting used to that feeling of ‘crickets’ but then the feedback when I do get it is so worth it. I even started a new newsletter this year for artists, sharing what i’ve learnt, what’s working and what’s not. I have 20 lovely humans on there and I’m grateful to myself for showing up so consistently for them.

🌻 Whinge #1:

I am frustrated with my ability to fill up my computer hard drive and dropbox at lightning speed and my inability to seem to prioritise fixing it!!

🌻 Taking into 2026:

Go at my own pace, grieve as much and as deeply as I need to (it’s been a rough year personally) and honour my seasons of creative flow and stagnation, which kinda go hand in hand.

Please share with me - what’s working for you? Or if you’re feeling brave to share, what are your 2 wins, 1 whinge and something you are taking with you into 2026?

I’d love to hear from you!

Love, Kylie x