Artist Rach Jackson began her painting journey as a teenager two decades ago, aspiring to become a full-time artist. But back then, her dream felt unobtainable, so she got a “proper job” in retail and put her art on the backburner. 

In 2019, she reignited her love for painting, driven by a need for change as her children grew into adulthood and became more independent. “I was at a point in my life where I needed a change,” she says. “My two kids were grown and they didn’t need me as much and I felt like I could put everything into making my dream a reality.” 

Rach painted daily and worked to build a supportive community. Within six months, she transitioned from her retail job to full-time artistry. Today, Rach creates ‘art with happy vibes’, drawing inspiration from Australian flora and fauna. Discover her tips for boosting creativity and what inspired her designs for her collaboration with Officeworks.

Rach Jackson painting a large, colourful floral artwork on a canvas in a studio, holding a paintbrush and palette, with vibrant designs visible in the background.

‍Experiment to Find Your Style

“I tried many different techniques before finding my style, which is evolving all the time. I don’t think it will ever stop changing, I just paint what feels authentic to me. It’s important to try anything and everything! Learning new creative styles is fun and can open doors for different opportunities. You never know which process will feel the most natural for you until you try it.”‍

Let Your Surroundings Spark Your Imagination‍

“Nature is my biggest inspiration. I love taking the many colours, shapes and patterns of our landscape and interpreting them in my own way. My source [of inspiration] has stayed the same, but the way I interpret it has changed over time. I see more detail [in nature] than I did before.”

SEE ALSO: My Creative Process with Jess Keeli

Items from the Officeworks Rach Jackson collection, including stationery, ceramics and accessories featuring vibrant floral and tropical designs, displayed on a paint-splattered table in an artistic setting.

‍Follow Your Passions to Find Your Flow

“The pieces I created [for my collaboration with Officeworks] are representations of the places and things I’ve seen during my time travelling Australia. From the tropics to bushland, the Great Barrier Reef and explosions of colourful flora, I love interpreting these scenes in my own unique way. ‘Coral Reef’ [pictured on the tech storage case and notebook and pen set above] is my favourite piece from the collection. I painted it while camped by the ocean on the coast of NSW, and it just flowed onto the canvas effortlessly. I enjoyed every moment of creating it.” 

Rach Jackson working at a paint-splattered table in a studio, surrounded by colourful paintings, art supplies and tools organised on a pegboard and shelves.

‍Streamline Your Surroundings to Boost Focus

“I like my space feeling clutter-free, and having a space for everything to belong makes cleaning up quick and easy. My current studio space has a nice big window to let in the natural light and fresh white walls. I have a trolley on wheels to bring my paint wherever I need it, and a set of shelves to hold all my supplies, which helps keep the studio organised.” 

Stay in Tune With Yourself

“Nothing is a ‘must-have’ or a ‘must-do’ for me; each day is different depending on my mood. Most of the time I like to have music playing, but sometimes I prefer a podcast, and on the odd occasion I like to work in silence. I love the flexibility of being an artist, and the freedom to shed a set routine after years of working a rigid schedule.” 

SEE ALSO: Celebrating the Creative Process With Anna Blatman

Three colourful, ceramic vases from the Officeworks Rach Jackson collection, featuring intricate floral and tropical designs, arranged on a neutral fabric surface.

Take Breaks to Recharge Your Creativity

“When I’m feeling low, I find it very hard to fill my creative cup. It’s wonderful when you can push through and end up lifted and feeling better after a creative session, but that doesn’t always happen. Going for a walk or doing some baking is more beneficial; it gives me a moment to breathe, feel refreshed and takes the pressure off trying to create. Then, I can go to the studio when I’m feeling better and more inspired to create.” 

Rach Jackson painting a canvas with pink paint at a table in a studio, surrounded by vibrant artworks and an easel in the background.

Find Art Tools That Work for You

“Acrylic paint is my number one art material, followed by oil pastels. I always apply paint with brushes, ranging from big to small sizes. I also like to scratch patterns or shapes into wet paint using a pencil or skewer [to create texture]. To create digital artworks, I use a tablet and digital pencil, and my PC to scan and edit original artworks.”

What to Try

SEE ALSO: Celebrating the Creative Process With Zowie Baumgart