My Artist Journey: Practice Makes Progress

If there’s one thing that’s been constant in my life, it’s my love for Lady Gaga — and my passion for creating art inspired by her. I’ve been drawing and painting Gaga since 2009, back when “Poker Face” was on repeat and I was just starting to explore what art meant to me.

Here's my first ever drawing of Lady Gaga in 2009. It's funny to look back on now, but I was so proud of it in the moment!

Over the years, my art has changed a lot — new styles, new mediums, new confidence. But one thing never changed: my connection to her music. Every time I heard a new Gaga album, it would spark something in me. The boldness of Born This Way, the vulnerability of Joanne, the electric energy of Mayhem — all of it found its way into my artwork.

This is one that I did in 2016. Significant improvement, but left unfinished.

I recently put together a reel on Instagram showing my evolution over the years — from my earliest sketches to my most recent piece. You can watch it here. It’s surreal seeing my 2009 work next to what I’m creating now.

My most recent work of Gaga created in 2025 using acrylic paint.

There were so many moments where I wanted to give up. Times when I compared myself to other artists or felt like my progress was too slow. But looking back now, I’m so grateful I kept going. Because the truth is, practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes progress.

When I look at my art from 2009 to 2025, I don’t just see improvement — I see growth, dedication, and love. I see someone who refused to give up on what made them happy.

Music impacts art more than people realize. It tells stories, sets moods, and gives us permission to feel. Lady Gaga’s music has always done that for me and I'm so glad it has, because it sparked creativity inside of me from a really young age.

So to anyone out there who feels stuck or unsure if they’re “good enough,” please don’t stop. Keep showing up for your art, your dreams, your passions. Even if it's "ugly" or "embarassing"," hold onto it! You’ll surprise yourself one day when you look back and see just how far you’ve come.

Here’s to never giving up, to always evolving, and to letting music — and passion — guide the way.