Step Into Life Studio
Learn to love the questions themself and live your way into the answer.
Artist Statement
Love, in a way, is found in everything I paint. The love for our dogs, our humans, and the moments that leave their deepest marks on us. Living in the Adirondack Mountains with my two goofy dogs, Zelda and Moku, I find inspiration all around me, from their vibrant way of being to experiencing the world as a painting made up of shapes, colors, values, and tones. The way I see the world guides my work, shaping both my art and the way I step into life.
A Note From the Artist
Commissioning a piece of art through me means the world to me—just as much as what you’re asking me to paint means to you. I’m deeply grateful for every person who feels connected to my work enough to trust me with what’s so meaningful to you.
With that said, I want to be fully transparent: this is not my full-time gig, and I don’t create within a fast-paced, quick-turnaround mindset that our world is so accustomed to. My work is intentional, slow, and rooted in presence. I’m most aligned with those who value that kind of process—people who are looking for something thoughtful, personal, and created with care rather than speed. If you’re seeking something on a tight timeline, I completely understand, and I take no offense if I’m not the right artist for you.
A small commissioned painting on a hat usually takes months to complete. Even though it’s tiny, a great deal of time, detail, and energy goes into it. Every painting requires many hours of work, and the larger the piece, the longer it will take.
I never want to rush a painting, because to me, original art isn’t just about the final piece—it’s about the process, the intention, and the story it carries. My work is one-of-a-kind, and that means allowing space for it to evolve naturally. My artist process isn’t linear; sometimes a piece just can’t be forced, and some paintings take much longer than others. There are also moments when something isn’t working the way I envisioned, and I need to start over completely—adding more time.
I also balance a full-time career outside of art, two dogs who deserve my attention, family, a not for profit running event I manage - along with other obligations and my own health and wellness—all of which share my time. Because of these reasons, I will never rush a commission and want to make sure everyone who commissions through me understands just how long it may take.
Cost will be discussed upfront and reflects not only the time and materials, but the complexity of the request and individuality of the artwork you are investing in.
About
Step Into Life Studio, originally Zelda Moku Creative, was born from the various loves we experience in our lifetime. After stepping away from art for years, I found myself returning to two unfinished portraits of my soul dog Maggi. It wasn't until my two goofy dogs Zelda and Moku — full of color, life, light, and energy came into my life — that I was pulled back to painting again. The way I watched them move through the world felt like art, and I wanted to capture them in ways I wished I had done for Maggi. That desire brought me back to my paints, and ultimately, back to myself as an artist.
My art now spans both traditional and unconventional surfaces — from canvas paintings to hand-painted hats or other products. I started painting on hats because hats, like memories, are deeply personal. They’re collected, worn, and treasured. I worked in a local hat shop as a teen, and I fell in love with the way a hat could carry identity and sentiment. A custom painting on a hat becomes more than just a hat — it becomes a treasured keepsake.
While dogs - especially mine - were the catalyst for returning to my artistic soul — “when wagging tails and artistic souls collide”— my work continues to evolve. I am open to taking on all kinds of meaningful commissions: family portraits, pet portraits, landscapes tied to memory, moments that deserve to be held onto.
Although my art has shifted beyond just trying to capture my two dogs - they are such a prominent part of my life and my art still. They are a part of everything I create. I love more than anything how they are by my side while I’m in my studio creating, even when i’m putting in a long day into the late hours of the night, they will stay up with me in my studio as I paint, as if they are equally invested in what I am creating, and that will always feel special to me!
Art, to me, has always been about emotion, growth, and connection — it’s all about learning to love the questions themselves and living your way into the answers.
Commission a Painting
Commissioning a painting is a beautiful way to honor a memory, a loved one, or a moment that deserves to live on. I work closely with you to create a one-of-a-kind piece that brings that memory to life through texture, color, and feeling. Whether you already have a favorite photo or we need to take one together, I’ll help guide you through selecting the perfect reference image. We'll also discuss the style, size, and any specific elements you'd like to include, so the final piece feels truly personal and meaningful. Canvas sizes and pricing vary, depending on scale and complexity. A general estimate for pricing is $2.50 / sq inch of canvas. Once we settle on the details, I’ll provide a quote and estimated timeline. Canvas paintings take a minimum of four months to complete, you can count on several months or more depending on size and my current commission schedule. All canvas commissions require a 50% deposit to start and the remainder is due upon completion plus shipping costs all of which will be provided for final payment prior to shipment.
Whether it’s a portrait of your dog, a family moment, or a place that holds deep meaning, my goal is to create a piece that helps you feel that memory every time you see it.
To start your custom canvas, reach out through the contact form or email me directly — I’d love to hear your story.
Each hat I paint is more than just a hat — it’s a piece of personal, wearable art, made to honor the love you carry for your dog, a memory, or a meaningful moment. Custom hat paintings began as a way for me to capture the spirit of the many dogs we love in a form you can carry with you every day. Hats are unique, personal items that people often treasure, and painting them has become one of my favorite forms of creative expression. We’ll work together to select the right photo (or take one, if needed), and I’ll guide you in choosing the best hat style and color if you haven’t already found one. I can paint directly on some hats, like wide-brim hats, and others I paint on canvas and then sew the canvas onto the hat. All paintings are sealed to last.
All hats have a minimum starting price of $95. Price increases from there based on hat style, design complexity, and whether you’re providing the hat or selecting one through me. Turnaround times vary depending on where you land in the queue of commissions I already have. But, generally take several months to complete. I will do my best to work with you if you have a deadline, such as a last-minute Birthday present.
Interested in a custom hat? Let’s chat — I’d love to help you wear your heart on your head. I am happy to paint whatever is meaningful to you!
A custom painting on the product of your choice. This all started with one person asking if I could paint on something other than a hat. My answer was YES! We’ll collaborate to choose the perfect item, and I’ll help you select an item that will work best. Pricing varies depending on the product, design complexity, and whether you’re providing the item or selecting one through me. Turnaround times also vary depending on the commissions already in my queue — but if you have a special date or deadline, I’ll do everything I can to make it happen. Generally, you can expect anywhere from 1 - 3 months. Interested in a custom piece? Let’s chat — I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. And if you’re not sure what product would work best, don’t worry — we’ll explore options together until we find the perfect fit.
Commissioning a painting is a beautiful way to honor a memory, a loved one, or a moment that deserves to live on. I work closely with you to create a one-of-a-kind piece that brings that memory to life through texture, color, and feeling. Whether you already have a favorite photo or we need to take one together, I’ll help guide you through selecting the perfect reference image. We'll also discuss the style, size, and any specific elements you'd like to include, so the final piece feels truly personal and meaningful. Canvas sizes and pricing vary, depending on scale and complexity. Once we settle on the details, I’ll provide an estimated quote and timeline. Most commissioned work takes several months to finish, depending on size and my current commission schedule, even longer. Whether it’s a portrait of your dog, a family moment, or a place that holds deep meaning, my goal is to create a piece that helps you feel that memory every time you see it. All commissions require a 50% deposit to start and the remainder plus shipping is due upon completion prior to shipping.
My Approach to Commissions
Finished Commissions Gallery
A Peak Into What’s Happening in The Studio
Step into my studio and see my works in progress as they take shape and evolve.
Contact Me
I can’t wait to hear from and start painting for you!
