Lexis Krieg: Painting Affirmations
Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What did you do for fun?
I’m not sure I even registered 'creative' as a thing—it just always was. I recently read through my old grade school report cards, and several teachers mentioned my creativity. It felt good to read that because, growing up with an artist mom, making things didn’t feel that special—it was just normal for us. There was always a project happening in our house—long before Pinterest existed! We made handmade paper, potato-stamped gift wrap, beaded necklaces, and homemade Christmas gifts. Now I see those projects weren’t just for me; they were for my mom, too. She needed to keep creating, even in motherhood. I recognize that same need in myself now.
Art wasn’t just a hobby; it was how I made sense of myself and my world. As an only child, I spent hours writing poems and short stories, turning McDonald's fry boxes into credit card machines, and carefully cutting images out of magazines—there was something meditative about trimming out those detailed shapes. As a teen, I loved rearranging my bedroom, especially my beloved Hanson and Got Milk? ads. In high school, I took every art class I could—even getting 'kicked' out of one because I was too advanced—and fell in love with book arts and collage.
Creativity was at the center of my childhood—it shaped how I saw the world and my place in it. It’s no surprise that I eventually went to college for art, turning that lifelong love into my path. Now, I hope I’m giving my daughters the same kind of creative home I grew up in—where making things feels natural, joyful, and always available.
How did motherhood change your creative practice?
Motherhood completely shifted my creative practice by teaching me the power of simplicity and flexibility. Before becoming a mom, my art was rooted in layered mixed-media acrylic paintings that required dedicated studio space and lots of time. But with a newborn and a preschooler, life felt chaotic—cluttered with toys, clothes, and the nonstop demands of motherhood. Making it down to my basement studio just wasn’t realistic.
I was desperate to keep creating, to hold onto that part of myself. So I pivoted. While pregnant with my second child, I opened an unused set of watercolor tubes for the first time and started painting at my kitchen counter during nap times. My oldest would nap on the couch, where she could see me if she woke up—and hopefully drift back to sleep. I painted colorful, abstract shapes and doodled over them. Watercolor quickly became the perfect medium—quick and easy, with room for experimentation. It let me squeeze in creative moments and literally walk away when I was needed.
Motherhood pushed me to adapt my creative practice instead of abandoning it. Watercolor and doodling kept me connected to my passion during a season when time and space were scarce. I learned that creating in the small moments can bring so much joy. Those quick bursts of art helped me feel more grounded, calm, and present as a mom. I learned creativity doesn’t have to wait for long, uninterrupted hours—though I’ll gladly take them when I can get them! It can live in the small, everyday moments, and that’s just as meaningful.
Who would you love to collaborate with? What’s a dream project for you?
A dream project for me would be collaborating with a writer or thought leader whose words carry deep wisdom—someone like Brené Brown, Elizabeth Gilbert, or Martha Beck. I’m drawn to voices that explore creativity, healing, connection, and personal transformation. I believe words are powerful, and when paired with the right imagery, they become magic. Together, we would create a set of affirmation oracle cards where my watercolor paintings and illustrations bring words to life. This deck would be designed to offer daily reminders of self-compassion, creativity, and courage—encouraging women to slow down, stay present, and reconnect with their true selves.
What do you hope your kids will learn about creativity from you?
I hope my girls learn that creativity is always available to them—that they don’t need permission to create. Art has value, whether it’s something you make just for yourself or something you choose to share with the world. I want them to see that a creative career is not only possible but worthwhile, and that making time for creativity brings more joy, balance, and a sense of wholeness to life.
I hope they witness through me that creativity isn’t about perfection or productivity. It’s a grounding practice, a way to feel more like yourself. My wish is that they see art and creativity as tools that lift them up, never as burdens or obligations. I want them to trust their creative instincts, knowing that making space for creative expression—whether through art, words, or anything else—will always help them reconnect with themselves.
If you could give everyone a small treat, what would it be?
I would give the gift of joy through art—a beautiful colorful piece of my artwork paired with the exact words they needed to hear. Words that speak straight to their heart, offering a sense of connection, encouragement, and a reminder that they’re enough, just as they are. I’d want it to be a little spark of delight—something that makes them pause, smile, and feel seen every time they look at it.
Lexis Krieg infuses a pop of color and purpose into everything she does as an artist, designer, and creative guide, helping others express their unique brilliance with creativity and authenticity. Whether she’s designing colorful brands full of personality, guiding women to reconnect with their creative selves through playful art experiences, or painting alongside her two daughters, ages 9 and 6, Lexis approaches each experience with intention and passion, infusing creativity into every aspect of her life. Find her work at LexisworksArt.com and MostBeautifulDesign.com, or follow her on Instagram @lexisworks.
Nebula Notebook is a place to meet kindred spirits, get inspired, and learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process—even when life is bananas. 🍌🍌🍌
✏️ PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert. My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏
