ABOUT STUDIO HENSON

Meet Leigh, Owner & Artist of Studio Henson
When I was in first grade, the yearbook staff asked our class what we wanted to be when we grew up. My answer? An artist. Even so, I never took a dedicated art class while in elementary, junior high, or high school — I played trumpet and French horn in band (woo!) from grades 7-12, and that class fulfilled the required “Art” credit every semester. When it came time for college, I had forgotten about that yearbook quote and had no direction for a career. I loved to learn, but because of my struggle with depression and anxiety for nearly a decade, I had no real ambition.

It took a rollercoaster of a year, but by the end of my first year of college, I finally realized what I had known since was 6: I am an artist.

I set off to transfer to an art school to study something, anything art related. The graphic design program at the Art Institute of Dallas ended up being my top choice. I immediately loved the classes and being around so many other like-minded students. Outside of band and UIL competitions, I had rarely ever felt so in sync with a large group of people. The school threw me into an immersive, creative environment I didn’t know existed. It was amazing. I started taking on design jobs as well as commissioned art projects, relishing every second of it. 

Throughout my career, most of my work has revolved around digital projects with a marketing goal. Don’t get me wrong — I love that type of work. It’s what I got my degree in. But creating designs during the day wasn’t enough. I needed more. To balance the hours of purpose-driven design work, I focused my evenings on creating art with traditional media for years. I dabbled in everything from chalk pastels to polymer clay, from acrylics to oil paints. Any extra spending money I had went straight toward art supplies and books. Christmas requests always involved art store gift cards. I couldn’t tell you about a single pair of shoes or clothing I owned around that time of my life, but I do remember specific trips for more India ink. As my family grew from two to six, my time for art after work hours ebbed and flowed, but adding an iPad Pro to my list of tools? AH-mazing investment. The iPad allowed me to have a mobile studio at any given moment, regardless of location or whether it is “safe” to have art supplies out around my curious children. I cherished every second of learning and creating outside my traditional analog and digital tools.

Enter the pandemic of 2020. We went from normal to nothing-normal-about-it in a matter of weeks. I don’t know a single person untouched by COVID-19 in one way or another, but I try to stay grateful for what our family has and is able to do that resembles our previous normal…including creating art both as an outlet for the many emotions we have gone through since March of 2020 and to help others also cope.

As I work on my art and set goals for Studio Henson, I hope what I create helps you in some way — brings you joy, boosts your business, inspires your own journey. I think we all could use a little more of that as we have another year of uncertainty ahead of us. Thank you for reading my story and supporting my efforts as an artist.

What's New

Check out some of my latest product additions! I'm constantly working on new files and options for commissions right now. Get downloadable files for making your own merch like T-shirts, mugs, and more. Want unique and custom artwork for your home? Order a commissioned pet portrait — more portrait options coming soon! Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter to stay up-to-date on new product releases. 

These are just a few of my favorites things! Well, favorite Stock Graphics on my site anyway. These are my top picks currently — which ones are your favorite? Add them to your cart today and start making something awesome!

Featured Season: Winter

Winter is for warm, fuzzy blankets, hot cocoa, and lots of celebrations! Check out my original, handmade design files made especially for this season.

Check Out These Free Downloads!

Who doesn't love FREE stuff?! These items are FREE for personal use! I'll add new graphics, coloring pages, puzzles, activities, and more for individuals, families, and non-profits to use regularly, so be sure to check back often.

FOLLOW ME (BUT IN A COOL WAY)

It's a weird and wonderful world we live in where we can connect with others from ALL over the globe! Find me on social media for time-lapse videos, tutorials, my latest project updates, and announcements. If social media isn't your vibe or you just love getting important emails, be sure to sign up for my eNewsletter!