Meet Paula Swenson, an inspiring artist whose journey to full-time creativity is both relatable and remarkable. Raised in a household filled with music and theater, Paula’s love of art blossomed early, fueled by her first box of Crayolas and her father’s hobby painting. But like many artists, Paula faced early self-doubt. A high school teacher’s harsh words left her questioning her abilities, and it wasn’t until much later that she embraced painting as a way to express herself.
Fast-forward to today: Paula is a full-time artist who finds joy in translating her life experiences into art. Earlier in 2024, she embarked on a challenge to fill her 52-page Etchr Sketchbook by painting one page every week.
But let’s be real: sticking to a weekly painting schedule isn’t always easy. Paula faced her share of challenges—and conquered them with grit and flexibility. Her story is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and making time for what you love.
“Give yourself the grace to do it in whatever way works for you,”
When Things Got Tough
Of course, challenges arose. Week two nearly derailed her momentum: “I was cleaning my studio and stressed out, thinking, ‘I can’t fall at this fence—it’s way too soon!’ So, I just swatched colors, and that became my page. There’s no wrong way to do this.” Another week, while preparing for a trip to Italy, she quickly painted her packing chaos and on-the-go scenes from Tuscany. Even returning to a mid-renovation studio didn’t stop her. Each page became a snapshot of her journey, proving that art can thrive even in life’s messiest moments.
Paula’s Tips for Painting Consistently in 2025
1. Start Simple, Stay Flexible:
2. Ditch Perfection:
3. Find Inspiration Everywhere:
4. Write It Down:
Keep your intentions visible. Paula wrote hers on the back cover of her sketchbook. “Writing it down solidifies the act,” she says, helping her stay motivated.
5. Push Through the Hard Weeks:
Some weeks will be chaotic, but that’s part of the journey. Paula’s advice? Let go of expectations and just create. “Even a quick swirl of color can capture a moment.”
Ready to Join the Challenge?
Paula’s story inspired us to launch the #2025ArtWithEtchr Challenge! Grab your Etchr Sketchbook, commit to a painting each week, and share your journey with us using the hashtag #2025ArtWithEtchr.
Need ideas? Everyone submitted prompts during the live interview, and I compiled them into a list to spark your creativity:
| January | February | March | April |
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| May | June | July | August |
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| September | October | November | December |
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Here’s a fun twist, suggested by Paula herself: print out the prompts—or better yet, write them on separate slips of paper—and toss them into a jar or a hat. Draw one out at random each week to keep things spontaneous and exciting.
And remember, these prompts aren’t one-and-done! Feel free to revisit a prompt and explore it differently—you might be surprised by what you create the second (or third!) time around. Let the challenge be as flexible and creative as you are!
No matter how hectic life gets, the goal is simple: show up, create, and let your sketchbook tell the story of your year. Let’s make 2025 a year of art and inspiration, one page at a time!
- Ânia Marcos, Art Director