We were lucky to catch up with Lily recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lily, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As an artist and a high school history teacher, I keep my creativity alive by drawing inspiration from the people and world around me. My students often share photos of nature, encouraging me to paint them, which is incredibly touching—it reminds me that creativity is meant to be shared and celebrated. Nature, especially botanicals and flowers, serves as a constant source of inspiration for my work. To keep my artistic energy fresh, I rotate between different projects, from painting and digital designs to crafting bookmarks, coasters, greeting cards, and even crochet scrunchies.
Beyond creating, I’ve learned that rest is just as important as the creative process itself. Taking breaks allows me to avoid burnout and return to my projects with renewed passion. I also challenge myself by learning new skills that aren’t tied to my business, giving my creativity space to flow in unexpected ways. By staying open to inspiration, embracing variety, and prioritizing balance, I ensure that my creativity remains an ever evolving and fulfilling part of my life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
By day, I’m a high school history teacher at a small community school in Ohio, but after school, I step into my role as an artist and small business owner. My work revolves around painting, primarily with acrylics, and I love transforming my art into wallpaper and fabric patterns. I also create watercolor greeting cards, bookmarks, ring boxes, coasters, and trinket trays—each piece infused with the same passion and attention to detail. One of the most exciting aspects of my business is taking commissions; I’m constantly inspired by the unique and meaningful requests from my clients.
Right now, I’m thrilled to announce my shop’s expansion onto Etsy, making my art more accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, I have 12 new bookmark designs launching soon, which will be available on both my Etsy shop and social media. My goal is to create art that resonates with people, whether it’s a functional piece like a coaster or a one-of-a-kind commission that holds sentimental value. I love that my work allows me to blend creativity with connection, bringing joy to others while keeping my own artistic passion alive.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are perseverance, creativity, and problem-solving when challenges arise. Perseverance has kept me going, even when sales were slow or progress felt uncertain. Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about thinking outside the box, whether in design, marketing, or finding new ways to connect with customers. And problem-solving has been essential for navigating the ups and downs of running a small business, from handling supply chain issues to refining my branding and online presence.
For those just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is: don’t give up just because you aren’t getting immediate sales. Keep working on your marketing, engage with your audience, and network with other small businesses. Many of my sales have come through word of mouth from family and friends, so never underestimate the power of personal connections. Stay patient, stay consistent, and most importantly, stay passionate about what you create—success will follow.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking to collaborate with fellow creatives, especially those who sew or love working with unique fabric patterns. One of my favorite collaborations in the past involved designing a custom yellow and gray floral pattern that was transformed into a beautiful purse and pencil bag. Seeing my art come to life in such a tangible, functional way was incredibly rewarding, and I’d love to work with more creators in this way again.
If you’re a maker, seamstress, or small business owner looking for custom-designed fabric patterns, I’d love to connect! Whether you have a specific vision in mind or want to collaborate on something new, I’m open to ideas and excited to bring unique designs to life. You can reach out to me through my social media or Etsy shop—I’d love to chat and create something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lkzartcreations.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instragram.com/lkz.art.creations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lkz.art.creations
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/lkz.art.creations
Image Credits
Lily Kilpatrick-Zelina
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