She wanted to be different. She tried. She tried really, really hard not to fit the mold and be like everybody else. She just wanted to be her own person. She wanted to be one of those people you see on the street, and you think,

I want to be like that when I get older. I want to wear bright colors, peace signs, chains, hats, and capes. I want to wear high heel shoes that look like they were made in the old days. To walk with my spine straight and shoulders back looking people in the eye.

Concept Art

But it doesn't work that way no matter how hard you try.

You can believe whatever you want when buying the clothes. If you are afraid to wear the clothes you have purchased, if you are too scared to show what you feel on the inside to the world, you will never be who you want to be.

I used transfer paper to get the outline to the watercolor paper.

We all look at people who dress like they belong in bright coats, hats, buttons, bonnets, bows, and plumage in a carefree manner, wishing that was us.

Yet, when it comes to ourselves, we hide what we want to be in caves, closets, and behind closed doors. So that nobody can see what we are afraid to show the world. The real you.

Using watercolors to get the rich tones down first.

It's time, it's time, it's time to get out of your shell.

It is time to be the turtle that starts on the journey to find the perfect hat for you to wear.

For the world to see that you love sparkly things and flowers and bows in your hair. Show the world you love the color of the deep blue sea, although you would not swim in it if you're dared.

That girly things make you happy. Those dresses that flounce, poof, and puff give you joy. That no matter how tall or thin or wide or short you are, you deserve to dress like how you are on the inside.

Using Colored pencils to add depth and brightness to the art

Now is the time to start your journey to find your perfect magic hat.

Go searching in every cupboard and cave that you come across looking for your perfect hat. Look deep inside each little hole and see if you can find your true self. Know while you are on your search, you can live with what you find.

Are you a plain hat person? If you are, that is fine because that is what makes you, you! There is no shame in that.

But if there are stories, games, and colorful things you think of and dream of on the inside, then keep searching for your hat with plumage, flowers, and crushed velvet of purple, green, and gold.

Checking for what else the piece of art might need.

What you are searching for will find you when you are ready and need it most. That when you are looking into that shop window, you will see your perfect hat. You will buy it. You will put it on, and you will never take it off.

Walking down the street testing out your new hat while looking straight ahead, so you don't lose your path, many will look at you and think, I want to be like them one day and be able to wear my velvet hat out in public one day.

So if you have the perfect hat tucked away, find it, wear it, rejoice in it and everything surrounding it.