So, how did I end up in a 9-5 accounting job?

Well, at the time a professional art career seemed unrealistic, like a pipe dream. Who am I to become an artist and where would I even begin? So I did the “responsible” thing and went to college to study business management. I had no idea what I would do with that degree but one thing I knew for sure, one day I would leave my lovely little hometown and find out what the world has to offer.

So in my 20s I moved to Los Angeles after marrying the love of my life. I found a job and spent the following years adapting to my new life in a foreign country.

Los Angeles is a fascinating city filled with creative people wherever you go. Eventually, I felt inspired to find my own creativity, so I started drawing again. It soon became my creative outlet after rather analytical days in the office.

In my free time, I loved going to the art supply store to look for new pens, markers and sketchbooks. After spending hours at the store, I couldn’t wait to get home and try out my new art tools.

My husband was not aware of my creative side up until he saw my drawings. He became so supportive of my rediscovered passion that he went to the local BLICK® store to get advice on professional art supplies. He even showed some of my illustrations to random customers there. They liked the drawings so much that they suggested sharing them on social media as well as doing freelance work. Receiving positive feedback from strangers felt surreal, but it was also encouraging and very exciting. Maybe I could actually be an artist…? After all, we are in the creative capital of the world…

But several years went by, life took some unexpected turns and so we made the decision to start a new life in Florida. All the while, I took the time to work on my skills and also learned digital drawing, which has now become my main medium.

It’s been a long journey, but after a lot of soul-searching I’m finally ready to give this professional art career – my dream – a chance and share my artwork with you. So, here it is… Welcome to Daniela Allen illustrations!

I hope you like what you see, maybe you find something here that makes you smile or brings joy to a loved one.

Please feel free to ask questions or leave feedback via the contact form or connect with me on Instagram @danielaallenillustrations. I would love to hear from you.