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Sara Mullen (Verdick) 

Art medium(s): Watercolor, ink and colored pencil on watercolor paper.

How do you describe your art? Whimsical, illustrative, dynamic and colorful for art licensing products and art shows.

Were you always interested in following a creative path? Since my early years, I have always been drawn to creativity, constantly seeking out new and exciting ways to express myself. My passion for art started in kindergarten and continued to grow throughout my K-12 education. In high school, I delved even deeper into the world of art, honing in on my skills. I started winning art contests/awards in middle school and high school which brought me to realize this is what I want to do for a living.

What does your “day-in-the-life” look like? While I don’t have a traditional daily routine, I have a diverse schedule balancing graphics, art licensing, social media marketing, photo restoration, fine art/watercolors and nutrition coaching, which can be quite fulfilling.

Where do you get your creative inspiration? Nature, photography, travel and botanical gardens can provide a wealth of colors, patterns and textures, which are fantastic for my artistic endeavors. My flower gardens also offer a personal, intimate glimpse into my creativity. My gardens attract a number of insects, butterflies and bees as potential painting additions as well.

Why do you love what you do? The endless possibilities of creativity, from experimenting with techniques to exploring new mediums and subject matters, constantly inspire me. But what truly brings me joy are the incredible people I meet and the clients I have the pleasure of collaborating with.

One thing most people don’t know about being an artist, in your opinion: Many people might not realize that the creative process can be intense and unpredictable. Artists often experience bursts of inspiration that compel them to work late into the night, driven by the desire to manifest their ideas. This passion for experimentation with various techniques, subjects and mediums keeps the creative spirit alive and allows for continuous growth and exploration. It’s a journey that blends structure and spontaneity, where the art-making process can be just as vital as the final piece.

Early bird or night owl? I have always been a night owl for sure. I prefer to work at night. Peaceful, quiet, and relaxing. Time to reflect on that day’s activities and upcoming projects. To dream of the next design or illustration!

Last movie you watched or book you read: Virgin River Season 6.

Is the glass half full or half empty? Half full. I like to be optimistic even when things may not be in my favor. But a glass is always half full.

What makes you happiest:
My personal source of joy? Painting on a snowy day. The calming effect is unparalleled, even though I have a deep affinity for fall, Halloween and Valentine’s Day. But my inspiration doesn’t stop there. My love for gardening allows me to grow a variety of flowers that serve as my subjects on the canvas. And let’s not forget the Renaissance Faires—a magical experience that transports me to another time, filled with talented artisans, live music, theater, jousting and delectable food.

Find Sara on Instagram @saradesignstudiowi and Facebook under SARA Design+Studio and Sara Mullen Design.

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