The freedom of expression! @jm_studio_art

Dear diary,

My name is Juliana Murray. I am 25 years old and I’m from Florida.

When working traditionally I am a bit more cautious since there isn’t an undo button and separate layers like in procreate or photoshop. I have to take my time when deciding what to put and where to put them so I don’t ruin what I’ve already done. On the other hand, working digitally makes me feel a little more relaxed since I can just undo something or put it on another layer as well as easily match the colours. 

@jm_studio_art, 2025. Image sent via Instagram direct message to @x_mellowartz_x, 12 June.

Using more traditional mediums for me causes more emotion since so much more time and work goes into making the piece. This doesn’t mean it’s not emotional when creating digitally too but it just doesn’t resonate the same to me as a painting or pencil art when I work on it.

I would definitely say the technique of putting a grid down to ensure exact measurements when drawing free hand has helped me exponentially in understanding how easily drawing realistic can be thrown off just by one body part being too big or too close to another when it’s not supposed to be.

I had been shown the technique before but didn’t think much of it until I recently got back into traditional art and finally understood how useful it really is.

An advice I’d give to artists trying to balance both mediums is to jump and experiment to see what works best for you but also make sure to do what you love most. Don’t choose what to do just because it’s the trend, do it because you love it and if it also falls in line with a trend then great! Keep going so you don’t get burnt out. Express yourself whatever way feels comfortable even if it means jumping between 20 different mediums!

Till then, 

Juliana

Visit Juliana's website for more info:

https://jm-studio-art.com/

Featured image: @jm_studio_art, 2025. Image sent via Instagram direct message to @x_mellowartz_x, 12 June.