Colour Me Happy! - By Brandi Hofer Studios

Before we were busy, we were dreamers. Creativity is how we find our way back.
- Heather
What if the artist you’re searching for has been there all along?
In this episode of Colour Me Happy, we’re joined by Joyful Living Counselling to share the heart behind our 2027 Portugal Creative Retreat. Together, we explore expressive arts therapy, rediscovering a sense of play, and reconnecting with the version of ourselves that dreamed freely before life became so busy.
Set along the breathtaking coastline of Lagos, Portugal, this unforgettable retreat with Uptrek is about so much more than making art. It’s about remembering who you are, building confidence through creativity, and embracing powerful beliefs like, I can create. I can do this. I can make art. I can be who I am.
Whether you’re coming on your own or with friends, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive community where meaningful friendships are formed, creativity comes alive, and joy is rediscovered.
Learn more and join us HERE
Takeaway Tips:
Create from curiosity, not perfection. Play is often where your most authentic creativity begins.
Your creative voice is still there. Sometimes all it takes is the right environment and supportive people to help you believe, “I can create.”

Sometimes the biggest creative breakthrough isn’t changing what you’re making—it’s changing the environment you’re making it in.
Artist Michelle Allen joins Colour Me Happy to talk about how a move from the rainy Pacific Northwest to sunny Tucson transformed not only her quality of life but her creative energy. We explore how the people we surround ourselves with, the places we choose to live, and the experiences we seek out can shape our creativity in profound ways. Michelle shares insights on building a life that inspires you, embracing new creative pursuits, and finding joy in the everyday. It’s a conversation about creativity, connection, and why sometimes a change of scenery can change everything.
Make Memories with us in Portugal! Learn more HERE
2 Takeaway Tips:
Design your environment for creativity.
The people, places, and routines around you either drain your energy or fuel it. Pay attention to what inspires you and intentionally create more of it in your life.
Seek inspiration beyond your main medium.
Whether it’s pottery, baking sourdough, thrifting, or travel, exploring other creative outlets can refill your creative well and bring fresh ideas back into your work.

Collect what you love. Your home should tell your story, not impress someone else.
We are personally obsessed with a great Gallery Wall: they allow you can hang all your memories and treasures! We were thrilled to have Gallerist & Author Liz Lidgett joins us to challenge the idea that art is only for experts or the wealthy. We talk about overcoming the fear of walking into galleries, trusting your own taste, and giving yourself permission to start collecting art at any budget.
From hanging a treasured piece on your wall to displaying meaningful objects in unexpected places, this conversation is an invitation to create a home that truly reflects who you are.
2 Takeaways:
Trust your gut and collect what you love. The most meaningful homes are filled with pieces that bring you joy, not what you think others will approve of.
Your home is meant to be lived in. Embrace the handmade, display the things that matter, and let your space evolve with your story.

If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The best opportunities in art are built on real relationships, not expensive promises. - Brandi
What does a genuine creative partnership look like, and how can artists protect themselves from scams disguised as opportunities?
In this candid conversation, Rosso Art and Brandi share nearly 40 years of combined experience navigating the art world. From vanity exhibitions and pay-to-play features to building authentic relationships that support a sustainable career, this episode offers practical advice every artist needs to hear.
2 Takeaway Tips:
1. Don’t pay for validation.
Legitimate opportunities are built on mutual value, not large upfront fees for exposure, awards, or exhibitions.
2. Focus on relationships, not shortcuts.
The strongest careers are built through genuine connections, collaboration, and consistent work and not promises of overnight success.

"The more materials you explore, the more skills you gain—and eventually you’ll find the medium that helps you say exactly what you want to say.”
— Viktoria Maliar
What happens when two artists start geeking out over art supplies? In this episode, artist Viktoria Maliar shares her favourite materials, why she loves working with oils, and what it really takes to build a life as a full-time artist. From experimenting with mediums to adapting in a changing creative landscape, this conversation is packed with practical insights, studio talk, and a glimpse into the everyday realities behind a successful art career.

2 Takeaways:
Experiment before you commit. Try a variety of art supplies and mediums. Every material teaches you something new, even if it doesn’t become your forever medium.
Adaptability is part of the job. Building a sustainable art career isn’t just about making great work—it’s about staying curious, evolving, and being willing to learn as opportunities change.