Meet Brianna Stockwell | Artist & Marriage and Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna Stockwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brianna, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work-life balance has undergone significant shifts over the years as I’ve navigated my roles as a marriage and family therapist, mother, and self-taught artist. While I still hold my therapist license, I stepped away from direct client work after experiencing how mentally and emotionally draining it can be. I knew I needed to conserve my energy to be fully present for my growing family.

When I stopped practicing therapy, I had my first son and poured everything into being a mother. Painting, a passion I’ve held for years, became a rare luxury I could only indulge in during fleeting moments when my son was asleep. Even then, it was hard to focus, and I often felt stretched too thin to truly enjoy it.

Fast forward to today, I have three children, with my youngest now four years old. Life is still very busy, but I’m finding pockets of time to reconnect with myself and my creativity. Painting has always been what excites me and I’ve adapted to my circumstances by embracing digital art. Using an iPad allows me to paint without the mess or setup that traditional mediums require—which is crucial when inquisitive children are present. This flexibility has enabled me to create an Etsy shop for my digital artwork and even design murals for Away Travel in San Jose and Washington, D.C.

Balancing everything is still a challenge. My children remain my top priority, and I work around their schedules to carve out time for my own hobbies and side-hustles. Much of my creative and professional work happens after they go to bed, which has also meant late nights juggling projects, part-time therapist work reviewing children’s records through the the county (to rule out risks of harm when released parents) and just trying to squeeze in a moment to decompress.

Though my days are full, I’ve learned to embrace the season I’m in. I see this as a time to cultivate my passions and find creative ways to blend work and parenting. I know that as my children grow, I’ll have more space to further develop my career, but for now, I’m proud of how I’ve found ways to nurture both my family and my own aspirations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve loved art since I was little, always asking for paints for my birthday and spending my free time drawing or painting. Even though I became a marriage and family therapist, art was always a passion I returned to—especially after becoming a stay-at-home mom.

I’ve never had any formal training in painting and still don’t know much about technique. I just do what I love and have learned a lot along the way. In some ways, not knowing the rules has given me the freedom to explore and create in ways that feel completely my own.

One of my first creative projects during my time as a mom was making watercolor paintings for every member of my family one Christmas. From there, I kept experimenting with watercolors until my kids started getting into my supplies. That’s when my husband got me a professional iPad and Apple pencil, which allowed me to keep creating without the mess. While digital art isn’t the same as traditional painting, it sparked a whole new side of my creativity.

I started my Etsy shop to offer neutral, soft designs that provide a calmer, more refined alternative to the bold and vibrant styles often found in children’s bedrooms. My princess series, featuring castles and crowns, quickly became a hit, inspiring me to branch out into landscapes. One of my Sedona-inspired prints turned into a bestseller, and its popularity motivated me to visit Sedona in person to experience the stunning scenery that had connected with so many.

In my Etsy shop, I sell digital downloads, allowing customers to instantly access my artwork and print any size to suit their space. The success of my designs on Etsy even led to surprising opportunities, like being discovered and commissioned to create murals for Away Travel.

I was asked to create two murals, digitally, for two separate AWAY stores— all inspired by local landmarks. For the San Jose store at Santana Row, I painted Big Sur and the Lick Observatory, and for their Washington, DC, store, I created a city bridge landscape and Skyline Drive, a famous scenic-route in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Seeing my work transformed into large-scale murals was a surreal and unforgettable experience. Visiting the San Jose store with my family, especially in the swanky outdoor shopping area of Santana Row, felt like a dream. Viewing the mural in person was completely different from just seeing photos of the setup process. Knowing that people shop there every day, viewing my art on those large walls while perusing the high-end luggage is something that continues to make my head spin.

More recently, my National Parks-inspired work has been gaining traction, and I’ve been contacted by shop owners wanting to sell my art in their park-adjacent gift boutiques. It’s an exciting opportunity that makes me want to continue exploring landscapes, as they give me a reason to travel and connect with nature in new ways.

I was also thrilled recently when a television-set designer found my work on Etsy and reached out to feature it on a special episode of a very well known show — my art will appear in the background of an interview segment. I can’t wait to see how it looks when it airs—it’s surreal to think of my art being part of something like that!

My sister, who owns Palmyra Home with her husband, has also asked me to create art for her gorgeous custom furniture store. I just finished a four-by-five-foot abstract acrylic floral piece that fits perfectly with her modern style and is currently on display in her shop. I plan to create more work for Palmyra Home and love having this new avenue to share my art.

My creative work extends beyond my Etsy shop, too. My husband and I have rental properties, and while he focuses on the building and renovation, I get to handle the creative design. I brainstorm colors, furniture, and overall aesthetics to create inviting spaces for guests. It’s been such a fun way to combine our strengths and see my ideas come to life in a different way.

I’ve also been approached about commissions, which I haven’t done much of yet, but it’s something I might explore more in the future.

Right now, I sell digital downloads of my work, which fits into my life as a busy mom. But I look forward to the day when I can dedicate more time to painting on canvas again, taking on commissions, and growing my shop even further. I’m giddy to see where this creative journey takes me, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. I’m hoping to one day have a piece of my art sold in Anthropologie—fingers crossed they come across my work someday!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m originally from Chico, California but have lived in Medford, Oregon since getting married over a decade ago. If a friend came to visit me in Medford, I’d start by admitting that being a stay-at-home mom for the last nine years has kept me mostly focused on the basics like grocery shopping and family routines—so I’m not the biggest adventurer when it comes to exploring the area. But the truth is, Medford and its surrounding towns have so much to offer, especially for people who love the outdoors.

One of the highlights nearby is Crater Lake National Park, a stunning natural wonder that’s just a short drive away. It’s the deepest lake in the U.S., with impossibly blue water and breathtaking views—definitely a must-see for any visitor. The Oregon coast is also only about two hours from us, and it’s famous for its rugged beauty, charming small towns, and beaches that are perfect for a day trip.

Closer to home, Ashland is a fantastic spot to explore. It’s known for its Shakespeare Festival, which draws theater lovers from all over, and its vibrant, artsy vibe. You’ll find adorable boutiques, amazing restaurants, and a cultural diversity that gives it a unique charm compared to Medford.

Another favorite of mine is Jacksonville, a quaint historic town with beautiful wineries, charming restaurants, and a picturesque downtown that’s perfect for strolling. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing day, especially with family or friends.

And while Medford might not be the most exciting city in the world, it does have some really cute coffee shops to try out, and for anyone who loves hiking or outdoor adventures, the area is full of amazing trails and stunning natural beauty.

So although I might not have an elaborate itinerary planned, I think Medford’s mix of simplicity, outdoor access, and nearby gems like Ashland and Jacksonville make it a great place to visit!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents were the first to instill in me the belief that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to, and their own confidence in themselves modeled for me that there was no reason to hold myself back. The confidence I developed as a child has stayed with me and shaped how I approach my work. I’m working to raise children with that same self-assurance.

My younger sister has been a huge part of my journey. Since our youth, she has been my unwavering supporter, dedicating countless hours to watching me sketch princesses and design their fancy gowns. A few years ago she encouraged me to take the leap and put my work out there. Her excitement really fueled me and helped me put my plan into action.

And then there’s my amazing husband. He’s my biggest supporter and partner in everything I do. He’s always cheering me on, encouraging me to take risks, and genuinely gets so excited about my projects. His belief in me keeps me motivated.

Having their support has been everything to me—it’s made all the difference in where I am today.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannabydesign.co/profilecard/?igsh=MWE5ZTllcHRmdjJvag==

Other: https://briannabydesignprint.etsy.com/

Image Credits
I am the artist of the mural, the store is AWAY Travel in San Jose, California; at Santana Row