An Artist's Dilemma - From Pet Portraits to Mushroom Art: Liz Donoghue’s Whimsical Journey

The Real West Michigan

Have you struggled with your CREATIVE PATH? What happens when an artist allows herself to explore multiple creative paths before finding her true focus? In this captivating conversation, illustrator, mixed media artist, and art educator Liz Donoghue takes us on her winding artistic journey as an artist—from her early love of drawing, through formal training at CCS, to building her brand, Mushabloom Studio. Learn how her work with kids, a move to Mexico, and a random toad under a mushroom helped shape her signature whimsical style. Whether you're a creative or just curious about the path to finding your “one thing,” this episode will inspire you.

For creators and art enthusiasts alike, Liz offers valuable wisdom about finding freedom through focused practice. After years of exploration, she discovered that limiting herself to one medium - mushroom art - actually expanded her creative possibilities rather than constraining them. Through her brand "MushaBloomStudio," she now combines technical skill with playful whimsy, creating unique pieces that carry authentic stories.
Do you struggle with finding your creative focus or appreciating handmade art? Follow Liz's journey on Instagram and Facebook at MushaBloomStudio and discover how concentrating on your unique passion might be the key to unlocking your artistic potential.

FIND LIZ HERE:

https://www.instagram.com/mushabloomstudio/

🧠5 Listener Takeaways

1. Repetition beats perfection. Like the pottery experiment from Atomic Habits, creating consistently—even imperfectly—leads to growth faster than aiming for perfection.
2. Whimsy has power. Liz discovered her artistic "why" by reconnecting with childhood joy, playful storytelling, and a love for nature.
3. Creativity is in the doing. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or aspiring artist, showing up and making something—even badly—is the gateway to finding your voice.
4. You don’t need art school to be an artist. Liz affirms that hard work, online resources, and community support can be just as powerful as formal education.
5. Discipline creates creative freedom. By narrowing her focus to mushrooms, Liz opened the door to deeper expression, branding opportunities, and meaningful storytelling.

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team. The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.
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Chapters

1. Art Beginnings and Childhood Creativity (00:00:00)

2. Art Education and Finding Direction (00:06:08)

3. Teaching Art and Volunteer Experience (00:17:22)

4. Discovering Storytelling Through Art (00:27:15)

5. The Artist Conk Mushroom Medium (00:35:55)

6. Building the Musha Bloom Studio Brand (00:47:42)