A Year of Saying Yes: My 2025 Art Journey
There’s something about setting up a market table that never gets old. The careful arranging, the small adjustments, making sure every piece has its moment. I was mid-setup at Anthropologie last Saturday when it hit me — my very first pop-up here was in February 2025. A full year ago.
I paused and let that sink in.
2025 was a full year. A beautiful year. And I want to take you through it — from that first nervous setup day all the way through everything that unfolded between then and now.
Anthropologie — The Moment I Said Yes
The story actually starts before 2025. A chance introduction to a manager at my local Anthropologie planted a seed — could this be a chance to show my work in one of their local vendor pop-ups? A month later, I was invited to their Mother’s Day event. And I said no.
Not because I didn’t want it. I wanted it deeply. But I wasn’t ready — I was still finishing artwork, sorting packaging, and building my website. My husband offered the advice I needed to hear: “You don’t have to rush readiness. When the time comes, you’ll know — without question or doubt.” He was right. My collection didn’t even launch until September of that year, so looking back, stepping back was the wisest thing I could have done. I needed that time.
Fast forward to February 2025. During my annual planning, I set a quiet goal: reconnect with Anthropologie. Imposter syndrome showed up right on schedule, and I stalled. Then a message arrived: “Are you READY…?”
This time, I could answer with complete confidence — yes to an event in March.
And just to test that confidence, I received a last-minute invite to a Black History Month event — in three days. I said yes to that too. The event wasn’t about the sales. It was about sharing my story, meeting people who shared theirs, and watching my work find new homes. It taught me something I carry with me still: a missed opportunity is never your last — as long as you keep going.
The CPSA Cover — And the Lesson That Came With It
At the end of 2024, I entered the Colored Pencil Society of America’s Explore This! 21 competition with my drawing “The Sun Sets in Barcelona.”
Here's the thing. I almost didn’t.
I had one of those “is this good enough?” moments that every creative knows too well— the kind that quietly talks you out of your own dreams.
I submitted it anyway.
The drawing received the Best of Show award. And then I found out that the winner would be featured on the cover of CPSA’s bi-annual publication — and interviewed inside. Wow, wow and wow!
For a self-taught artist who came to this work later in life, who still questions herself more than she’d like to admit — that moment meant everything. My goal in creating the piece was to capture the warm embrace of an imperfect, beautiful sunset and remind the viewer that as one day ends, another is just about to begin. I didn’t expect it to resonate the way it did.
Moral of this story: The only way to build confidence is to keep doing the thing that scares you.
Featured in Uppercase Magazine
2025 also brought an exciting national publication feature — my colored pencil drawing “Me and My Peeps” and my thoughts on change were included in Issue 64 of Uppercase Magazine. It’s the kind of recognition that makes you pause and truly savor the moment. I did exactly that.
Local Art Community — Rooted and Recognized
Artist of the Month — Visual Arts Guild of Frisco
Being named Artist of the Month by the Visual Arts Guild of Frisco was a quiet but meaningful win. Fellow artists vote on their favorite piece — so having my work recognized by peers in my own local creative community felt like an affirmation at exactly the right moment.
Second Place — VAGF Spring Show, Fresh Start
I was so proud to have “Me and My Peeps” selected for second place in the drawing category of the VAGF’s Spring Show, Fresh Start. A evening filled with beautiful art, wonderful artists, and a reminder that showing your work — in your own backyard — matters.
Unique by Nature — McKinney
Being juried into McKinney’s annual Unique by Nature juried show is always an honor — and 2025 marked my third time earning a spot. I’m still a little astonished every time it happens. My drawing “Feeling All My Feelings” was on display at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, alongside some truly stunning work from artists across the state of Texas. This is one of those shows that reminds you of the power of art.
The Floral Collection — A Creative Thread
Throughout 2025, my botanical work grew into something that felt like its own quiet world. I’ve always been drawn to flowers — the softness, the layered color, the way they hold so much feeling in such a simple form.
But at the same time these babies are hard to draw especially given my attention to details.
Pushing deeper into that work, adding new pieces, and watching the collection take shape was one of the most creatively grounding things I did all year.
The florals reminded me, again and again, why I love colored pencil work so much.
Growing the Shop — and Learning to Rest
My shop itself also grew in 2025 — new pouches, mugs, and the launch of my annual calendars. I stayed committed to building offerings that feel aligned with my art and true to the quality I want every piece to carry.
And then, personally, 2025 was the year I learned where my limits are. The year I came to understand, in a real way, how important it is to pause. So, I ended the year with a trip to Mallorca. I worked so hard throughout the year that it was important for me to rest — even if it meant stepping away during the busiest shopping season.
What I know for certain is that I started 2026 refreshed and genuinely excited about the year ahead, challenges and all. Because there are always challenges. That’s part of it.
What’s Ahead
2025 taught me a lot about showing up — at markets, in competitions, in my studio, and for this community. I’m entered 2026 with a full heart, a clearer sense of my own pace, and a lot of ideas I can’t wait to bring to life.
Thank you for being here for all of it. Truly. I hope your week feels inspired.
-Renee