Welcome to
Step Into Life Studio
Learn to love the questions themself and live your way into the answer.
Artist Statement
Love sits at the center of everything I paint—love for our dogs, our humans, and the moments that leave their mark on us. Living among the Adirondack Mountains with my two goofy dogs, Zelda and Moku, I find inspiration everywhere, 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.
All commissions now require a 50% deposit upfront, with the remaining balance plus shipping due upon completion and prior to shipping. 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.
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.
About
Step Into the Studio
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each winter hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability, and then sew the canvas onto a high-quality, 100% cotton brushed cotton hat. Every hat is unique—made just for you.
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each wide-brim hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability. The wide-brim hats are one size/ adjustable.
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each winter hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability. The wide-brim hats are one size/ adjustable.
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each winter hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability, and then sew the canvas onto a high-quality, 100% cotton hat. Every hat is unique—made just for you.
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each winter hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability, and then sew the canvas onto a high-quality, 100% cotton hat. Every hat is unique—made just for you.
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each winter hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability, and then sew the canvas onto a high-quality, 100% cotton corduroy hat. Every hat is unique—made just for you.
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each winter hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability, and then sew the canvas onto a high-quality, 100% cotton hat. Every hat is unique—made just for you.
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each winter hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability, and then sew the canvas onto a high-quality, 100% cotton corduroy hat. Every hat is unique—made just for you.
Peeking Horse Earrings
These earrings are a fun, playful take on horses peeking over a fence or their barn door.
Painted in bright, lively colors, they’re meant to capture the curiosity, personality, and lighthearted spirit that horses carry. Each pair reflects that sense of connection and joy—bringing a little bit of that energy into something you can wear every day.
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each bucket hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability, and sew the canvas onto the hat. The bucket hats are quality 100% cotton.
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each winter hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability, and then sew the canvas onto a high-quality, 100% cotton hat. Every hat is unique—made just for you.
BETA Trails Inspired Hat
This hand-painted hat is inspired by the BETA trails and the love of mountain biking here in the Adirondacks.
It reflects the connection between the trails, the outdoors, and the dogs who are always right there with us—loving every minute of what we love. There’s something special about that shared energy and freedom out on the trail.
This piece is all about that feeling—movement, connection, and the joy of being outside.
Gravel Bike ADK Hat
This is a special hat.
Gravel biking in the Adirondacks is something I fell in love with long before it became such a popular way to explore the area. There’s something about riding those less-traveled dirt roads—seeing the Adirondacks from a quieter, different perspective—that just stays with you.
This piece is inspired by that experience: the freedom, the solitude, and the simple joy of exploring places off the beaten path.
If this hat is sold out, it can always be requested as a custom order.
Vibrant Life Butterfly Earrings
One of my favorites, these vibrant butterfly earrings were inspired by my dog, Moku—my sweet boy who absolutely loves butterflies.
The bright, playful colors reflect his spirit and the joy he finds in the simple, beautiful things. There’s something really special about watching that kind of curiosity and excitement, and I wanted to capture a piece of that feeling in these.
These earrings are a little reminder to slow down, notice the beauty around you, and carry a bit of that light, playful energy wherever you go.
Printed from my oil painting Winter Glow Oil on Canvas @ 2025. Printed on Polartec fleece and hand-sewn. With a unique custom fur print on the inside. Truly one-of-a-kind, the neck warmer is a wearable work of art. I also love these for my dogs, because then we can match!
Hand-painted, custom, and truly one-of-a-kind, each winter hat is a wearable work of art. I carefully paint each design, seal it for lasting durability, and then sew the canvas onto a high-quality, 100% cotton hat. Every hat is unique—made just for you.
Winter Fox
This is a special hat.
A little fox frequents my backyard, and I’ve come to love spotting the footprints in the snow—and catching glimpses of him or her moving through quietly.
This painting is inspired by those moments, and by the quiet beauty of nature during a season that can feel like it holds very little color. It’s a reminder that even in winter, there’s so much life, movement, and subtle beauty all around us.
If this hat is sold out, and you like it, inquire for a custom request.
Colorful Loons Earrings
These colorful, hand-painted earrings were inspired by the loons on the lake I grew up on.
Loons have always felt like such a true symbol of the Adirondacks. Their call is both eerie and soothing at the same time—something that has always stayed with me. It reminds me of life and all the different emotions we move through.
There’s also something about the way loons move together on the water, and the quiet confidence they carry. They return to the same places year after year, owning their space in such a calm, natural way.
These earrings are a reflection of that feeling—connection, presence, and a quiet kind of strength.
Inspired by the grey, cold, colorless winter months, I wanted to paint something that shows there’s color everywhere all year round to remind us that we just have to open our eyes and see it. 12”x18”
Fish & Hook Earrings
These colorful, hand-painted earrings are inspired by our local fly fishers and the vibrant colors of summer in the Adirondacks.
Each pair reflects the movement, energy, and beauty found along the water—bringing a little piece of that outdoor experience into something you can wear every day. Light, playful, and full of character, they’re perfect for anyone who feels connected to the river, the seasons, and the art of being outside.
Rail Trail Bike Ride Straw Fedora
This straw fedora features a hand-painted scene inspired by one of my bike rides along the rail trail. The trail holds such a vibrant mix of life and activity here in the beautiful Adirondack area—something I always find inspiring, no matter the season.
This piece is a reflection of those moments out on the trail, taking it all in.
The painting is carefully sealed to help withstand the elements, making it both wearable and durable for everyday adventures.
I truly love this hat and the painting on it, and I hope whoever wears it can enjoy it just as much—whether you're out exploring or simply soaking up a summer day.
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!
