the Suitcase Studio

This is a scary feeling for me. Up till now, I’ve been sketching portraits of people I don’t know and will never cross paths with. But THIS one is actually real to me, and a past client of mine.

Her senior photoshoot was a highlight of my year, as her creativity fueled my own. Wandering through the “forest” of Shevlin Park, she made friends with a family of furry caterpillars, and the moment is something I’ll never forget. She was like Snow White come to life in the most modern cottagecore of ways.

So when I decided to delve into some of my past photoshoots for portrait sketching practice, I was inspired to start with this one.

And no, it’s not supposed to be an *exact* replica/representation of her. And no, it’s not perfect. And yes, I’m still finding “my style.”

Patience, my pretties… I’ve only been doing this for about 2 weeks now. So there’s still a lot to learn, and a long way to grow.

But I’m excited to have such a creative portfolio to fuel and inspire me.

It’s funny… each time a client would tell me how much they loved their photo session, their pictures, and the overall experience… they had no idea just how much their creative souls fueled my own.

Much love, passion, and joy for everyone who ever stepped in front of my camera. You’re as big a part of my life as I am of yours.

xo, Michelle

SQUEEEEEE!!!! Deep into the creation process, and I am frickin in LOVE with this new design I’m calling “emo bunny.”

It’s for the not-so-girly-girls who still wanna wear pink. While copping major attitude.

As soon as I get home, I’m totally ordering this hoodie for mySELF, as well as for my furbaby Nibbler. Cuz she’s my little emo-girl, and the inspiration behind this one.

Soooooo EXCITED to get these into my hands… and I’m already imagining the photo possibilities! 😜🤣

Sooo… what should I create next??? I’m totally open to requests! 🙌

Catching up with a good friend and my inner child today.

Coffee + waffle , coloring book by , heartfelt conversation with .

This morning I glanced in the mirror and thought “Wow, I’m gorgeous.” And that thought actually startled me.
Because it was REAL.
It wasn’t just some affirmation I was saying aloud to try and FEEL this way. And I wasn’t immediately picking apart the “flaws” or things I could improve on.
And not only was I actually HAPPY at what I saw in the mirror, I had a spark of attraction for myself. Like, a little buzzing in my belly that made me go WOW.
I truly woke up like this. I hadn’t yet washed my face or brushed my teeth. I wasn’t wearing any makeup. And my hair was wild.
But still… that spark. And it made me feel awesome in my wildness. In my natural state. And the older I get, the more I’m embracing this wildness; my natural self. And the more I DO, the more badass I actually feel. Not because I’m embracing these things, but that I’m embracing my actual SELF.
And it made me wonder… at what age do we stop seeing ourSELVES in the mirror, and start picking apart our pieces, searching for “flaws?”
But here’s the secret that I wish I would have learned a LOT earlier in life: you WILL find what you are actively searching for. And you will miss what you aren’t.
So yes, I could be looking at the heavy bags and thinning skin under my eyes. I could point out the lines that deeply crease my forehead. And the grey streaks in my hair that refuse to hold dye. Yes, all those things are there, and are a very real part of me.
But they don’t define me or my beauty. They are merely pieces of my body, and they are not my “flaws.” They just are. Just like I’ve got 2 arms, and 2 legs, and a head, and a butt, and so many other PIECES that make up my actual physical being…
And the less I pick apart my pieces, the more I start seeing my WHOLE self.
And start seeing myself as WHOLE.
selfie from this morning. No makeup, no special lighting, no filter. Just ME.