At ArtSHINE, we believe every artist’s journey is shaped by quiet moments, life experiences, and the courage to listen to that small inner voice that says, create.
This week, we are delighted to spotlight Janiel Hsieh, the artist behind Red Glitter — a surface pattern designer and watercolour artist whose work is deeply inspired by nature, energy, and the beauty found in everyday life.
Janiel’s creative path is one many artists will recognise. What began as a childhood love for drawing and painting gently resurfaced later in life, at a time when work felt routine and creativity called her back. Through watercolour, florals, and thoughtfully developed collections, Janiel has built a practice that balances intuition with intention — art created not just to exist, but to connect.
Alongside her creative work, Janiel also works as a part-time nurse, bringing care, observation, and empathy into how she plans and sustains her art practice. Her journey reflects what many creatives experience today: balancing life, work, and creativity while slowly building a meaningful and sustainable creative career.
In this Bright Star interview, Janiel shares her journey into art licensing, how she discovered ArtSHINE, the mindset shifts that helped her grow, and what success truly means to her as a creative.
We’re proud to share her story.
1. Can you share a little about your creative journey?
I’ve always enjoyed drawing, painting, art, and craft for as long as I can remember, ever since I was a child. It was certainly one of my favourite extracurricular activities. However, schoolwork and adulthood started to take over, and the focus at each stage of my life evolved, as it often does.
When making a living became a numbing and mundane part of my life, that little voice in my head whispered to me: Paint.
At first, I rekindled creativity simply for self-fulfilment and expression, but I soon realised that I wanted to upskill myself and become better at painting every day. All I wanted to paint was flowers, as they are forgiving and evergreen subjects.
After reaching the point where I believed that creating itself could be a means of livelihood, I ventured into the art licensing world and, since then, have expanded my scope of creativity to better position myself within this industry.
2. How would you describe your creative practice today?
I predominantly use watercolour because of its translucent effect and unpredictable nature. However, I switch between various mediums—such as gouache or digital drawing—from time to time to bring in something different.
Since last year, I’ve been working on a collection of Morris-style designs that are original, yet still carry Art Nouveau characteristics. Apart from that, I work on both evergreen and trend-led themed collections throughout the year.
3. What usually inspires your work?
Mother nature is what inspires me the most, and my love for petals and lovely creatures is evident in my art.
I as an artist capture and paint the essence of objects, and how I perceive them, offering a channel for viewers to see the energy flow that I feel in the things that surround me.
Sometimes I work intuitively without reference, materialising imaginations on top of my head onto 2D format, either real paint on paper or digital drawing on my iPad. These could be fragments of mesmerising images that I want exist in this world, or they could be inspirations triggered by some moments or memories; a scent, a sound, a birdsong, or an exchange between strangers; and unfolded through my hands with the flow.
4. What does creativity mean to you personally?
It’s beauty, a pattern of how love shows up in plain and ordinary days.
It’s an unique way of how we translate something in pure energy form inside us into something that interacts with our senses; something that now exists, and tangible, visually or auditorily perceivable by others.
5. If you had to describe yourself and your work in five words, what would they be — and why?
We are woven in energy.
Viewers feel the artist’s or creator’s vibes transmitted through their work, and how we feel it is still beyond our understanding of this world.
6. Many artists balance creativity alongside other work or life commitments. Is there a role, job, or life experience that has influenced the way you create today?
I’m a part-time nurse, and I believe this has significantly influenced how I plan my creative calendar. Having seen difficult situations at work, I am committed to my own well-being and am therefore determined to create both things that I love and themes that appeal to other like-minded people.
With limited spare time, the way I work and the content I create are centred on versatility and efficiency.
7. How did you first discover ArtSHINE, and what drew you to be part of the community or accelerator?
I was seeking ways of monetising my art and building a system that could allow me to make a living whilst creating for a purpose.
Online research and social media were what drew me to ArtSHINE in the first place.
8. What has your experience with ArtSHINE been like so far?
I was heavily focused on only floral designs when I first started, however the coaching process helped me gradually shift how and what I should plan and prepare when working on a collection for better results. I now feel way more confident than before, and require minimal promptness in terms of working as a professional licensing artist.
9. What has been one of the most meaningful challenges in your creative journey?
Conquering self doubt is probably the most challenging mindset for my creative journey. However I’ve learned to strive for progress not perfection.
10. What advice would you give to creatives who are still finding their voice or considering a pivot into creative life?
Just do it. Make some mistakes (that you can manage) and sit right next to your feelings like an old friend. Whatever you consider as hindrance in your creative life is not you, you are observing them, you are enough. The only thing you can’t afford is not being yourself.
11. Is there a current or upcoming project you’re excited about that you’d like to share?
I just finished up a Nutcracker themed Christmas Collection, and it will be available for licensing.
And a little secret about this collection: I didn’t even “plan” to work on this! The sound of a music box, the nutcracker ornament that my colleague put on the nursing station, and the loving and friendly exchanges between my peers at work during the holiday season – they contributed to this. All these were stuck in my head as positive energy, and it was calling me, I had to draw them.
12. Looking ahead, what does “success” look like for you as a creative — creatively, personally, or professionally
Being able to do what I love to do while bringing something beautiful to this world, something other people find helpful, heart-felt and love;
with which I could make a living and enjoy my life, that would sound like sweet success to me.
Ready to Begin Your Creative Journey?
Are you a creative or a Pivoter, someone ready to start a new career or transition into the world of art and design?
Don’t wait for the “perfect moment.”
The best way to grow is to start and to keep showing up.
At ArtSHINE, our Launchpad & Accelerator Program is designed to guide you step by step – helping you discover your strengths, build your portfolio, and turn your passion into a sustainable career.
Take the leap today: LPA.artshine.com
Your journey starts now
