Messy Ever After began in 2014 as a Blogspot blog. On September 3rd of 2014, I wrote my first post there called “Maybe This Time It Will Stick” where I considered the possibility that maybe I could consistently put effort into something. You see, at that point, I was really good at jumping from interest to interest, never fully committing to a single path. I tried to focus on one thing countless times, but my curiosities inevitably pulled me to new places. Messy Ever After became the warm embrace of my core nature. Rather than try to narrow my path, I thought why don’t I lean into the mess?
Creative lives take a meandering path, and my life is no exception. As I write this update, it is 2026, and I can confidently say that exploring all my whims and curiosities was the point all along. All roads I traveled eventually led me to a more fulfilled version of myself. Though I didn’t stick with that Blogspot blog, Messy Ever After stuck with me. In the last 12 years, MEA has evolved into something much bigger than a compilation of random craft projects. Embracing my messy lack of direction served me well. Through every creative experience in my life, I can’t help but want to share what I learn and connect with other creators.
My hope is that Messy Ever After can be a resource for creators at any level. You’re not alone in the wonderful, frustrating, confusing, fulfilling, and often maddening journey of creativity. Though the main focus of the content here is fine art and running an art business, I also write about mental health and creative well-being. Whatever falls under the umbrella of creativity is fair game here.
-Kelly
PS–I do sell art too 😉
