I play the same type of music every time I paint. It’s usually along the lines of Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, or Sam Cooke. Until recently, I didn’t think there was any rhyme or reason to what I listened to. I just thought I listened to what I like. The funny thing is that I play a wider range of music when I’m in the car - think a mix of rock and roll crossed with hippy folk music. I know, I’m a bit of an old lady when it comes to my musical tastes :)

Once I thought about this concept more, I realized that a certain genre of music sets the stage for me to create my best work. That’s why I always listen to the same thing. My work is very vintage-inspired - with vintage subject matter and colors. Even the people I paint look like they live in post WWII America. If my paintings could sing, they would probably sound a bit like Ella Fitzgerald. Because of this, it makes sense that listening to that type of music would bring out my best work. By my best work, I mean my unique illustration style - the things that make my paintings me.

I realized how revolutionary this idea is! Music is a wonderful tool for artists to have in their back pocket. No matter what my mood or energy level, I can turn on a certain type of music and crank out inspired art. It’s almost like putting on a bright pink boa before leaving the house. It just changes the type of day you’re going to have.

Until writing this article, I always thought that my art determines the music I play. I think that’s how most people choose music - to accompany the task they are working on. I realized that the real power lies in the reverse - starting with the music, and using it to create a certain kind of moment. Using it to set the stage for something unexpected to happen.