Why Tampa Bay Inspires So Much of My Artwork

Before moving to Tampa Bay, I did not really think about how much a place could influence the way someone creates art. I knew I loved making art and I knew I loved color, but I did not realize how much my surroundings mattered until I left Ohio.

If you are from the Midwest, you probably get this. Everything feels gray a lot of the time. The sky, the buildings, the seasons. My boyfriend always jokes that everything in Ohio is gray, and honestly he is not wrong. Moving to Tampa Bay felt like stepping into color for the first time, and my art changed right along with it.

A print of my colorful painting of the St Pete Pier.

Color Everywhere

One of the biggest ways Tampa Bay influences my work is through color. Bright skies, blue water, colorful sunsets, murals, and buildings that are not afraid to stand out. Being surrounded by that every day naturally pushed my art to become brighter and more vibrant.

I did not sit down one day and decide to use more color. It just happened. Whether I am painting or working digitally, those Florida colors always find their way in.

Taking a Leap and Finding My Style

Moving to Tampa Bay was a huge leap of faith for me. At the time, I did not move here because of my art. I honestly had no idea how much it would influence what I create.

There was never a clear connection in my mind between moving and my artistic journey until I was already here. Being in a new place pushed me to take more creative risks, try new things, and trust myself more than I ever had before.

The Community Changed Everything

One of the most meaningful parts of living here has been the community. Tampa Bay has such a strong small business and art scene, and the support feels very real. The number of art markets and events here truly helped get the ball rolling for me. Meeting other artists, small business owners, and customers in person gave me confidence and motivation I did not even realize I was missing. People here genuinely want to support local creatives, and that has made a huge difference in my journey.

More Tampa Bay inspired artwork at the Madeira Merry Beach Market.

So Many Iconic Places

There are also so many iconic landmarks in Tampa Bay that naturally inspire art. Places like the St. Pete Pier, the waterfront, and the skyline feel familiar and special to so many people who live here. Creating art inspired by these places feels personal, not just for me, but for the people who see it. It is really special to turn a place someone loves into something they can hang in their home.

Hockey, Energy, and Full Fangirl Mode

I am also a newer hockey fan, and Tampa Bay Lightning games completely pulled me in. The energy at the games, the passion from the fans, and the overall atmosphere are so much fun. I am a fangirl through and through, and that passion has definitely influenced my art. Sports bring out a different kind of emotion and creativity, and being surrounded by that excitement has played a bigger role in my work than I ever expected. And yes, Brandon Hagel and Thunderbug deserve an honorable mention.

I love Thunderbug! He actually shared this painting on his social media accounts, which was super cool.

Why Tampa Bay Will Always Be Part of My Art

Tampa Bay did not just inspire a few pieces. It changed how I create. The color, the community, the landmarks, the sports culture, and the leap of faith it took to move here all live inside my artwork now. Even when I create something that is not directly inspired by Tampa Bay, the influence is still there. This place shaped my art in ways I never could have planned, and I do not see that changing anytime soon.