“Sometimes art isn’t about building a career—it’s about holding onto the part of you that’s still yours.”
Enjoy this candid and deeply relatable conversation with two Canadian artists as we talk honestly about creativity, motherhood, imposter syndrome, and the messy middle of following a dream you love.
Emma Jane Lefebvre of EmJ Watercolour Studio shares how her art practice began in the margins of motherhood. Painting during nap times because she needed something that was just for her. What started without any plan to become a career slowly evolved as she began sharing what she knew, filming watercolour tutorials while her son slept (and sometimes woke up mid-intro—something longtime viewers will recognize).
We share practical, budget-friendly art supply tips, including ways to reuse “failed” paintings and give yourself permission to experiment without judgment.
This episode is a reminder that even when it’s hard, you can figure it out, one small moment at a time.
Create in the margins—those moments matter.
Nap times, early mornings, and stolen minutes count. You don’t need more time; you need permission.
Take the pressure off your materials.
Cut expensive paper into smaller pieces, keep a judgment-free sketchbook, and reuse “bad art” as abstract backgrounds or collage fodder. Nothing is wasted.
You don’t need the whole plan. You just need the courage to begin—and the right people around you. - Brandi
What if that creative dream you’ve been quietly carrying for decades isn’t too late… but right on time?
Catherine Rains is back on the Colour Me Happy podcast, and this conversation is a powerful reminder that creativity doesn’t run on a deadline. Catherine shares how she spent years thinking about her creative dream—and how, at 50, she finally decided to go for it without knowing exactly how it would unfold.
After transitioning from a corporate career into full-time art in her late 50s, Catherine opens up about the very real four-year struggle to make income from her work, the turning point that came from hiring a coach, and how surrounding herself with a creative community changed everything.
We also talk collage, creative retreats, the joy of “trash raccoon” collecting, women traveling solo, and why these experiences feel like such a gift to women craving connection, creativity, and courage.
If you’ve ever thought “maybe someday” about your art—this episode is your nudge.
2 Takeaway Tips
You don’t have to know the how—just honour the pull.
Creative dreams don’t disappear. If they keep returning, they’re asking for your attention.
Growth accelerates when you stop doing it alone.
A coach and a creative community can fast-track clarity, confidence, and momentum—especially in a creative career transition.
👉 Be sure to check out Catherine’s collage course and her free creative offer on her website.
"Maybe this is all I can do right now—and that has to be enough."
We’re coming to you from a small hockey town in the middle of nowhere Canada—snowdrifts piled high, tiny coffee shops keeping us warm, and, yes… a lot of hockey. We didn’t bring all our podcast gear. We didn’t bring perfection. What we brought was gratitude.
Gratitude for you! For giving us a little slice of your time, your attention, and your dedication to this podcast. Especially during a season that feels loud, full, and overwhelming.
This episode (and this note) is a gentle check-in. A reminder to take care of yourself during the holidays. From one mom to another—this is coming from someone who recently cried in a closet because it all felt like too much.
We try to do it all. We juggle everything. And sometimes it feels like the balls are dropping all around us. Maybe this season isn’t about doing more—but about saying: this is all I can do right now… and the rest just is.
Ask for help where you can. Eat a snack. Take a bath. Make time for you—and book it in like the non-negotiable it truly is.
Your creativity matters. It’s powerful. And it has the ability to change your life. Let’s step into the new year with intention, softness, and courage—together.
Coming soon in the new year!
👉 Sign up to be the first to know about the art retreats & Workshops (HERE)
Takeaway Tips:
If you’re craving a dose of holiday nuttiness — the kind that makes you feel seen in the chaos — this quick episode is for you. Brandi is joined once again by the endlessly patient and wonderfully crafty Jacky Lindsay of So Bright Home. Together, they chat about DIY holiday magic, navigating burnout, and the importance of carving out real alone time this season.
Whether it’s reading by the fire, hiding in the pantry for five minutes of silence (we’ve all been there), or trying one of Jacky’s cozy crafts — like the orange Christmas wreath we’re testing with our Art Academy — this episode is your permission slip to slow down and recharge.
Stop waiting to feel ‘good enough.’ Start now, learn as you go, and let the messy, wild ride shape you. - Brandi
Be ready for some unfiltered talk on perimenopause, womanhood, and the bold reality of building a business from scratch. In this episode, Brandi Hofer sits down with designer and contractor Desirae Blanchette of Chevco Contracting and Design (Maidstone, SK) for a conversation that is not for the faint of heart.
Together, they dive into the realities of being a female entrepreneur in a system that still wasn’t built for parents or women, and why authenticity, perseverance, and bold asks are the keys to carving out the life you want.
They also get into the creative heart of home design: affordable transformations, the magic of secondhand finds, using paint as a superpower, and the importance of adding real personality to every space. This episode is an empowering reminder that YOU don’t need permission to begin - you just need to start!
If you’ve been sitting on a dream, doubting your worth, or waiting for the ‘perfect time,’ this one will light a fire under you.
1. Start before you feel ready.
Your portfolio begins with whatever you can get your hands on — friends, family, tiny spaces, messy beginnings. Experience is built, not gifted.
2. Authenticity is your greatest asset.
Whether it’s your business, your art, or your home, let your real personality show. Cookie-cutter won’t get you far — character will.
3. Build a life that fits you, not a system that wasn’t built for you.
Embrace flexibility, ask boldly, and don’t be afraid to forge your own path, especially as a woman balancing motherhood and creativity.
Here’s a clean, emotional, on-brand set: title, quote, description, and two takeaway tips — written in your warm, empathetic, creative voice with zero emojis.
“Your life doesn’t have to be calm for your creativity to matter. You just have to show up anyway.” - Brandi
In this heartfelt conversation, Brandi Hofer and artist Jenna Deibel get honest about what it truly looks like to make art inside a very full life. Between children, work, dinner on the stove, and even recording this episode during Thanksgiving, Jenna proves that creativity isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you choose in the middle of the mess.
Together, they talk about expressionistic painting, working through frustrating mediums, and embracing imperfection as a creative compass. They also share the very real connection between undiagnosed ADHD traits, juggling too many projects, and how consistent creative practice supports their mental health.
Jenna, nine weeks away from welcoming her fourth child, speaks openly about the pressure, joy, chaos, and deep grounding that art provides. Even slipping into the studio for a few minutes while cooking dinner helps her stay connected to her work and herself. She attributes some of Brandi's teaching with the Portrait Class help her sustain a practice in her busy life!
This episode is a reminder that your art doesn’t disappear when life gets busy—you just learn to meet it wherever you are.
1. Show up in small moments.
You don’t need a long stretch of studio time to stay connected to your creativity. Even five intentional minutes keeps the momentum—and the joy—alive.
2. Don’t wait for life to get easier.
Busy seasons, interruptions, and emotional ups and downs are part of being human. Let your art be the thing that holds you, grounds you, and keeps you moving forward.
Every artist has a weird habit or two — sometimes that’s exactly where the magic starts. — Brandi
This week on Colour Me Happy Podcast The Strange, The Creative, The Brilliant: You’re getting two incredible artists for the price of one! We sat down with Rene Romero Schuler and Taylor Smith, two creatives with wildly different processes but surprisingly overlapping gallery journeys. From the emotional and intentional to the messy and mischievous, we dive into the strange rituals and unexpected habits that fuel their most meaningful work — including Taylor’s hilarious confession about “borrowing” posters from city streets for her art. This episode is a celebration of the quirks, the chaos, the laughs and the pure creative spark that makes artists who they are. Your weird creative habit is in very good company here!
Takeaway Tips:
1. Embrace Your Creative WeirdnessYour quirks aren’t flaws — they’re often the doorway to your most unique ideas and breakthroughs.
2. Different Paths, Same DestinationThere’s no “right” creative process. Whether structured or spontaneous, what matters is showing up and making space for expression.
Dive deeper into this message of creativity and purpose in Brandi’s book Colour Me Happy — available now Click HERE
Being a Woman today changes how we measure success—it’s no longer just about how much you work or accolades, it’s about creating a life that feels full and aligned.” — Brandi
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Toronto-based artist and teacher Christine Kim to talk about the beautiful chaos of balancing motherhood, teaching, and creative practice. Christine opens up about finding time to create after her daughter’s bedtime, redefining what success means as an artist, and how she’s embracing new ways to slow down and find peace in her process. Together, we explore what it means to make art in the margins of life while staying true to your passion and your people.
Takeaway Tips:
Redefine success on your own terms. Fulfillment doesn’t always come from gallery walls—it’s often found in the freedom to create and the stability to sustain your art and family.
Find calm in small rituals. Whether it’s a morning coffee, an evening tea, or a mushroom blend to unwind, simple routines can help ground your creative energy through life’s busiest seasons.
My studio is a good messy — it’s where creativity lives, where I can spread out, make mistakes, and keep growing. — Brandi
This week on Colour Me Happy Podcast Creating a “Good Messy” Space with Nicki Traikos In this cozy and honest episode of Colour Me Happy, artist and creative entrepreneur Nicki Traikos shares how her once-living-room evolved into a thriving studio space — the birthplace of Life I Design. We dive into what it means to create an environment that supports your creativity, even when it’s a little “good messy.” Nicki opens up about her leap into art at age 40, the freedom that comes with age and self-acceptance, and how decluttering both your space and your mind can open doors to new adventures. Brandi Hofer joins in with her own reflections on turning 40, creative focus, and finding clarity through clearing space.
Takeaway Tips:
Make Room for Creativity — Declutter your space and your mind to invite new ideas, growth, and opportunities. A refreshed environment can reignite your creative energy.
Embrace the “Good Messy” — Creativity doesn’t thrive in perfection. Let your studio, desk, or dining table reflect the beautiful chaos of making — it’s where your best work often begins.
Be sure to check out Nikki and Lifeidesign, she has amazing books, workshops and classes!
Pre-order her new book HERE
Brandi sits down with New York–based installation artist Laurie Shapiro, whose vibrant, immersive worlds remind us that creativity is as unique as a fingerprint. Together, they explore the creative process, the idea of “stealing like an artist” (as Austin Kleon says), and why true originality isn’t about being first — it’s about being authentic.
Laurie shares how she builds her layered, colourful environments and how we can all push past creative self-doubt to express what’s already inside of us. Brandi ties this conversation back to a powerful message from her book Colour Me Happy:
This episode is your reminder that your creativity matters — not because it’s perfect, but because it’s yours.
Your art is already original — no one else has your experiences, your perspective, or your energy. What you make can’t help but be uniquely yours.
Start before you feel ready. Inspiration doesn’t come first — creation does. Each brushstroke, idea, or experiment opens a new door.
Dive deeper into this message of creativity and purpose in Brandi’s book Colour Me Happy — available now Buy HERE]
“The universe made you — you! Out of infinite possibilities. You were meant to be here right now, in the form you are in, for a spectacular reason. Believe that you were made with purpose, because you were. The stars around you are filled with ideas, choices, and opportunities. You are a gift, and the world is on your side.” - Brandi
You don’t need permission to create — just start. The act of doing is where the magic begins.” — Brandi
Ever feel too intimidated to start? Whether it’s a blank canvas, a new creative path, or putting yourself out there online — we’ve all been there. In this inspiring chat with artist and educator Andrea Nelson, we talk about overcoming assumptions, letting go of inhibitions, and just beginning.
Andrea is a big deal in the world of art, education, homeschooling, and creative curiosity. Together we dive into the power of showing up anyway, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. Because art doesn’t need to be so serious — it’s supposed to be fun, freeing, and deeply human.
So why not grab your brush, throw some colour around, and trust that your art — your voice — matters. Let’s support one another on this exciting, messy, and magical creative journey!
2 Takeaway Tips
If You’re Going to Compete, Compete with Yourself — with Artist Megan Roy
Make bad art. Be cringe. Just keep showing up — because your only goal is getting better. — Brandi
In this inspiring episode of Colour Me Happy, artist and illustrator Megan Roy joins host Brandi Hofer for a heart-to-heart about creativity, self-improvement, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. Megan shares how competing only with yourself can transform your art practice — and your mindset.
Together, Brandi and Megan dive into how past experiences (even unrelated jobs!) can shape your creative voice, how to escape “victim mode” through personal growth, and why being your own best advocate is the key to unlocking opportunities. You’ll fall in love with Megan’s refreshing honesty, her practical advice, and her reminder that growth comes from making, not from waiting for perfection.
3 Takeaway Tips:
When you build a strong foundation, everything else will follow — your confidence, your pricing, and your creative freedom.— Brandi Hofer
In this empowering episode, Calgary-based artist and designer Rachael Lyon joins Brandi to talk about what it really means to know your worth as an artist. With a background in illustration and event management, Rachael shares how she unexpectedly transitioned into mural art, the lessons she learned about pricing, and why fair compensation is essential for creative sustainability.
Together, they dive into the maturity that comes with valuing your time and talent, the courage it takes to advocate for yourself, and how strong business foundations lead to more opportunities — from large-scale event murals like the Calgary Stampede to future community art festivals.
Rachael also opens up about overcoming public speaking nerves, growing confidence through experience, and her vision for a thriving creative community where artists are paid what they deserve.
3 Takeaway Tips:
“Being nervous is the same as being excited—it’s just energy. When we flip it, we open the door to growth, creativity, and possibility.” — Brandi
In this inspiring conversation with artist Jodi Miller, we unpack the power of nervouscited—that buzzy feeling of nerves and excitement mixed together—and how reframing it can help us learn, grow, and trust our instincts. Jodi shares her journey of going full-time as an artist, what it’s like to balance parenting with creative work, and how turning 40 gave us the freedom to care less about outside opinions and focus on what truly matters.
This is a raw, real, and empowering episode about bravery, passion, and the joy of literally creating the life you want.
3 Takeaway Tips:
Flip the script on nerves — nervous and excited are the same energy; choose excitement.
Trust your gut — it can lead you into unexpected and amazing opportunities.
Create your own life — with bravery and passion, you get to define what matters most.
When we treat social media as a connector instead of a comparison game, it becomes one of the most powerful tools we have as creatives. – Brandi
This week on Colour Me Happy Podcast I sit down with Alli K Design to hear how she built a thriving public art platform and business while staying true to her creative voice. We dive into the positive side of social media—how shifting your outlook turns it into a tool for connection, not exhaustion. Alli shares the power of creative friendships around the world, the magic of collaboration over competition, and the importance of saying “yes” to projects that are the right fit.
Alli Koch is a prolific and passionate female artist based in Dallas, Texas. Over the past 10 years Alli has built a diverse and impressive portfolio, establishing herself as a leading figure in the world of art, public art and education. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or creative dreamer, this conversation will leave you inspired to grow with authenticity. Don’t forget to check out Alli’s incredible colouring books HERE
3 Takeaway Tips
Flip Your Social Media Mindset – Use it as a connector platform to build genuine relationships, not just to scroll.
Collaboration Over Competition – Partnering with other creatives fuels growth and creates opportunities you can’t build alone.
Say Yes with Intention – Choose projects that align with your values and benefit everyone involved.
Every ‘no’ became a chance to create my own ‘yes'. – Brandi
Rejection doesn’t have to be the end of your creative journey — it can be the spark that lights something even bigger. In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with artist, author, and curator Alexis Marie Chute, who turned early rejection from art galleries into a thriving career of building opportunities for others.
From launching the InFocus Photo Exhibit (now in its 12th year!) to founding Wild Skies Art Gallery and Wild Skies Press, Alexis shares how identifying gaps in the creative world led to powerful platforms for artists across Canada.
We dive into why collaboration matters more than competition, how creative community keeps us going, and what happens when you focus on building relationships instead of chasing approval. If you’ve ever felt shut out by the “gatekeepers,” this episode will give you the fuel to carve your own path — and maybe even build the door for others.
3 Takeaway Tips
Flip rejection on its head → Every “no” is just pointing you toward your own “yes.”
Spot the gaps → If you see a need in your community, chances are others feel it too. Be the one to build the solution.
Relationships > hierarchies → Creative success is rooted in genuine connection, not gatekeeping.
Follow on Instagram: @AlexisMarieChute
InFocus Photo Exhibit & Awards: www.InFocusPhoto.ca
Wild Skies Art Gallery: www.WildSkiesGallery.com
Wild Skies Press: www.WildSkiesPress.comRed Brick Common Public Art Gallerywww.redbrickcommon.ca/art-gallery
Sometimes the best way forward is to return to what called to your heart in the first place. – Brandi
On this special mentorship episode of Colour Me Happy, artist Andrea Mondragón joins us to share her journey of reconnecting with the childlike joy and play that first drew her to art. Together, we explore how to lean into creative curiosity, how playfulness can become a powerful guide in shaping an artistic career, and how to navigate the challenges we all face as creators.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your next step, this conversation will remind you that struggle is part of the process—and that your creative heart always knows the way.
Creative Tips
Return to your roots – Revisit the practices, subjects, or styles that first made you fall in love with creating.
Embrace play as progress – Creative exploration doesn’t have to look “productive” to be meaningful.
Allow your art to guide your path – Your creativity can open doors you never imagined, especially when you listen to what excites you.
To feel uplifted and inspired learn more about booking a Mentorship Session HERE
Your creativity will always be there for you—ever evolving, transforming, and reminding you of your strength. – Brand
This week on Colour Me Happy Podcast in this inspiring episode, Brandi Hofer sits down with Hannah Ricke—artist, social worker, and the creative mind behind Flock of Beasts. Hannah shares her journey from earning a master’s in clinical social work to becoming a full-time artist, and now blending her creative practice with her passion for backpacking and empowering women. Hannah opens up about burnout from overproduction, the courage it takes to pivot, and the power of following your gut toward the art (and life) that truly calls to you. Together, Brandi and Hannah remind us that creativity is not static—it transforms as we do. This conversation is equal parts authentic, eccentric, and empowering.
3 Takeaway Tips:
It’s okay to pivot – Your path doesn’t have to be linear; trust that your creativity can guide you through each transformation.
Follow the work that calls to you – Saying no to “shoulds” opens space for the art and opportunities that feel right.
Tap into resilience – Like backpacking through rough terrain, creative strength is built by showing up, adapting, and leaning on your inner power.
You learn more diving in, making mistakes and doing the work! – Brandi
This week on Colour Me Happy Podcast Artist Jenny Johnson joins host Brandi Hofer on the Colour Me Happy podcast for a real-talk conversation about making art while working full-time. Jenny shares her journey from pulling shifts at East Side Mario’s to fund art school, to building her practice around a busy schedule. She and Brandi dig into the realities of burnout, commissions versus personal work, and finding joy in the process. Jenny also shares practical tips: work on multiple pieces at once, don’t hoard supplies—share them, diversify your income streams, and let creativity fit naturally into your life instead of forcing it. It’s an inspiring, lighthearted episode packed with wisdom for anyone balancing their passion with their paycheque.
Tips:
Join Brandi and Shirley for a candid, laughter-filled deep dive into art, life, and the gold standard of creative authenticity—this is one conversation you’ll want to replay whenever you need courage to take the next step.
Your words have power, own your creative voice. Say it, write, it, walk it, feel it and see it all come to life! – Brandi
Brandi sits down with Shirley Yang Crutchfield, an artist whose breathtaking 24-karat gold leaf work blends centuries-old techniques with a fiercely modern voice. Together, they dive into the balancing act of motherhood and creativity, the role of supportive partners, and the power of choice in carving your own artistic path. From navigating career reinvention to setting boundaries that protect both art and life, this conversation is equal parts inspiring and practical.
Shirley Yang Crutchfield is a contemporary artist specializing in gilded portraits, using a rare 13th–14th century technique known as dura aguazo. With a background in technology and entrepreneurship, she brings business acumen, discipline, and a deep commitment to authenticity into her creative practice. 3
Takeaway Tips!
Reinvent Often — Success is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing cycle of adaptation and growth.
Negotiate & Diversify — Protect your selling potential and build multiple income streams to sustain your career.
Ask Boldly — Opportunities often arise from connections and confident outreach, even in unexpected places. Join Brandi and Shirley for a candid, laughter-filled deep dive into art, life, and the gold standard of creative authenticity—this is one conversation you’ll want to replay whenever you need courage to take the next step. Tune in now to get and tap into all Shirley's great advice!