It started so simply. I always have had a passion for animals. Everyone in my life expected me to be a Veterinarian and while I worked as a Veterinary technician for several years in my early twenties (and still on occasion volunteer my services at local spay/neuter clinics), I knew that I also wanted to do something creative with my life. I began offering free photography services to local rescues to practice my own photographic skills, so it seemed like the perfect win-win for everyone. Shelter pets were being seen in a new light and I was slowly gaining an entire gallery of dogs and cats to feature in my future tote bag line.

A few years after I began photographing pets at local shelters, I joined an art co-op, where I was taught how to screen print. I never expected it to become my career, but as I printed more and more designs, my followers began to grow, I started receiving requests for more and more dog breeds and before I knew it, my hobby had blossomed into a lovely business. So, I decided to take it seriously, buckled down and focused on putting together a website, listing my tote bags on Amazon and working with local shops around Austin, TX to feature my line.

Now, nearly 10 years later, you can find Pet Studio Art totes all around the country as well as this website, Amazon, Etsy and Ebay! It's a dream to be able to do something creative, work with dogs and make my own schedule. I may work more hours than the average 9-5 job, but I love every minute of it! When you order a Pet Studio Art tote, you are truly shopping small and supporting a local business!

You can also follow the adventures of my personal pups and Pet Studio art mascots, Panda and Grizzly on Instagram @thespottedbears and follow Pet Studio Art @petstudioart