In our Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story.
There’s no universal recipe for success—creative or otherwise—but for self-taught artist and illustrator Karina Daniel Parris of Lovely Earthlings, persistence and passion have been key ingredients. “There have been so many times I’ve almost quit—so many times I’ve failed, cried, thrown away stuff I shouldn’t have thrown away and dug it back out of the trash can,” she says. “You have to fail, and then get up and do it again.”
Explore the Lovely Earthlings collection
Karina, who was born in Panama and raised in Atlanta, always knew she could draw, but the idea of making art for a living took some warming up to. “Being an artist isn’t something I was raised to think could work,” she says. “In my head, I come from a place of ‘no,’ but I’ve had to rework that into a place of ‘yes.’”
Luckily, Karina put in the time to redefine her inner narrative and cultivate her skills as an artist—and it’s paid off immensely, in the form of a successful paper goods and accessories business built around her original illustrations. “I’ve always been a person who tries,” Karina says. “And I’ve learned that the more I do what I love, the more that things come to me. I didn’t believe in that before, but it’s true.”
Read on to learn more about Karina’s journey to manifest her vision—and shop her joyful collection below.

How did you get started?
I didn’t grow up studying art or thinking of myself as an artist; I was always the girl doodling in class but I never thought it could be a career. Ten years ago, I came to New York to find myself. I was working as a model and waitressing on the side.
One day, I got my hand slammed in a door and broke it; for a while I was out of work and really bored. Since my drawing hand was okay, I figured I’d go back to what I used to do when I was bored in class, which was doodling. My roommate at the time saw, and she was like, “You can draw?” And I was like “Oh no, not really.” And she said, “No, Karina, you can really draw. You need to try to do something with it.”
What was your response when she said that?
I was like, “Oh, I mean—I guess, girl. But how am I gonna make money?” I didn’t know what I wanted to draw, so I started looking on the internet. That’s when I found Etsy. I noticed that most of the artists there had something consistent about their work, so I thought, “Whatever I’m going to do, it needs to be cohesive, and it needs to be true to myself.”




How did you figure out what to draw?
At first, what I thought was being true to myself was drawing these little chickens, but that didn’t work out for too long. I live in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, which is full of brownstones, so after chickens I started drawing those, but eventually I realized there were only so many ways I could draw them. Around that time, I remembered Mama Oprah saying, “Just do what you love. Think about what you love, and do what you love.”
What I love is people-watching women. I like the way they dress, their posture, how they put themselves together, wondering where they’re going and what their lives are like. Every girl I see is interesting. I look for different shapes and shades of beauty, especially hair textures. So I started focusing on that, and Lovely Earthlings manifested.
It’s amazing how many different iterations you went through to find your thing.
Oh yeah. And this took, I don’t know, three to four years? It took a long time to figure things out. It wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I actually started drawing. I’m hoping in my 50s I completely figure it out.




What does your creative process look like?
I’m always saving images from the internet or magazines and snapping pictures of girls I see out and about—especially girls on bikes. They’re so cute! I’m like, “Oh my god, why are you on a bike looking so cute?” Only in New York. Next, I’ll go to my tablet and start sketching. I used to draw on paper, but then my boyfriend bought me an iPad Pro and I fell in love with it. It’s so much easier than erasing all the time and making holes in the paper! After the first sketch, I think about what the background should be. Then I move on to color, doing everything on my iPad.
How does it feel to call yourself an artist now?
It feels so good to have a career that I love, and that I can be proud of. Most of the time when I tell people I’m an artist, they assume I’m a singer. I don’t know why they go to that, but when I say, “No, I draw,” and I show them, they’re like, “Ooooh—you’re an artist artist.” And I’m like, “I know!” It’s the best feeling.





Will you tell me about your aesthetic?
I like big thighs, polka-dots, and prints—I’m not a less-is-more person, I’m a more-is-more person. And it’s very hard for me to stop drawing. I’ll reach a point where I think, “Okay, that’s enough stuff. She has a watermelon swimsuit, her friend has a cherry swimsuit—you can cool it with the next girl.” But I can’t help it, you know? I just do whatever my eyes and hands say to do, and I keep going until I finally decide that it’s enough.
Your work is so inclusive. Can you share more about that aspect of your art?
I love drawing all types of girls. I don’t want to be a black artist who only draws black people—I draw everyone. I have all kinds of friends, and I believe everyone deserves to be represented. I want to be inclusive.
I think that’s how it started for me with making cards. When I was growing up, if I wanted to buy a card showing someone who looked like me, it would either be very religious, or African-themed. Which, okay, yes, I know at some point I came from Africa, but it almost felt too cultural. Maybe one day I’ll have a daughter, and I want her to see herself in common things like cards. I don’t want her to have to go to a special flea market all the way in Harlem to find them. They need to be normal—as normal as everything else.



Your collection has evolved quite a bit over the years. What other items are you interested in making?
After cards, art prints, and tote bags, my newest thing is notebooks. I love them so much! Next I want to make coffee cups, pillows, clocks, laptop sleeves, phone covers, makeup bags, stickers, calendars, gift wrap…I want to have a whole line of stuff, and possibly an actual retail shop one day. I’m still trying to figure out how I’m going to do it, but it’s definitely coming.
Follow Lovely Earthlings on Instagram.
Photographs by Eddie Thomas.
63 comments
Renee from RandMhandmade said 2 years ago
Congratulations on the feature! Love your shop!
DeUno from DeUno said 2 years ago
Beautiful graphic art! Congratulations on the feature!
Lizzy from Bagitconscious said 2 years ago
I love your designs, They are so unique, quirky, colorful and fun. Very creative. Wish you much success!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 2 years ago
You are really talented! Everything is very unique!!!!
Renee from RenaisyDaisyDesigns said 2 years ago
Oh my goodness I love your art, and your story is so inspiring. I'm excited to go browse your shop now!
Wendy from sewitsmadebyWendy said 2 years ago
Your shop is beautifully designed! I love your artistry! Wishing you many happy sales :)
Anna L. from FoxyStyleJewelry said 2 years ago
Great modern graphic art designs! Congratulations on the feature! Happy sales!
Serhii Tyshchenko from WoodenTeam said 2 years ago
Bright and juicy tone, great ideas!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 2 years ago
It's never too late to start a new passion. Congratulations on the feature! Beautiful shop.
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 2 years ago
Your bags are very beautiful! I like this style very much!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 2 years ago
Lovely shop. Congrats on the feature.
Jan Lerum from SandhillHouseVintage said 2 years ago
Love your art, the stories of how you started & what you draw, and your aesthetic: "I like big thighs, polka-dots, and prints--I'm not a less is more person, I'm a more is more person." Yay! Best wishes for great success.
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 2 years ago
Cute shop, congrats on the feature!
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 2 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature
R.M Garrett from ArtisticAcrylics said 2 years ago
Beautiful, sexy and fun! That's what comes to mind when I look At your art!! I also love how your art opens the door to true creative freedom, beyond familiarity, or stereotypes. I'm learning to let go, and give way to expression. I'm a lot better than I used to be, but it is still a process of transition I'm going through, and your story has inspired, and encouraged me to keep going through the journey, because the end result is worth it. Thank you for your honesty about the numerous times you almost quit, and how many times you threw away art that you should have kept. That honesty is beautiful and helpful, and I thank your for that. I love your shop, and I wish you continued blessings, joy, and success on your journey!!!
Oonah from unatuna said 2 years ago
Lovely work! And I love your shop name! Congrats!
Dig Deep Vintage from digdeepvintage said 2 years ago
Very cool and awesome creations! Congrats on the feature!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 2 years ago
Wonderful shop, and love your illustrations! congratulations on the feature!
Nancy from PiacereMioPaperie said 2 years ago
You go girl! I am thrilled that you were able to follow your passion. Your work is fabulous.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 2 years ago
Very creative and lovely work! Congrats!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 2 years ago
Such a wonderful and inspiring story! Congrats on the feature Karina!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 2 years ago
Beautiful work! Very different and artistic! Congratulations on the feature!
marleen kleiberg from marleenart said 2 years ago
an artist artist! yes you are. beautiful artworks!
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 2 years ago
Wow, what an awesome shop! Beautiful work and talented artist!! :)
Markisha Velazquez from JuniorBabyHatter said 2 years ago
Go, Karina! So proud to see your feature! Many blessings!!!
achono from NourishJournal said 2 years ago
Gorgeous!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 2 years ago
Fun designs, continued success! Great feature
D Buczek from sutaszula said 2 years ago
love your art, so inspiring, so unique!
Rosita from pillowlink said 2 years ago
Amazing print works. On real items they look so cool!
Fields Of Vintage from FieldsOfVintage said 2 years ago
How cute are your Illustrations, Congrats on the feature.
littlechook from littlechook said 2 years ago
These are absolutely gorgeous.
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 2 years ago
Beautiful art!! Lovely shop!! ooak fab!! Congrats!!!
TattooIcon from TattooIcon said 2 years ago
Beautiful! Just beau -ti -ful !!!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 2 years ago
Lovely drawings, Karina! Congrats and all the best!
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 2 years ago
Oh my what a cute story and I love your art! Congratulations on your feature and I wish you the very best on all of your future endeavors.
Mireya from GoMadDIYDesign said 2 years ago
Wow this is really cool and makes me feel connected to the idea and to my work. I often think about my focus and trying to develop that more. I feel encouraged to continue on my with art. Thanks,
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 2 years ago
Really wonderful art work - I love your style :o)
Liene from SilkArtbyLiene said 2 years ago
So cool drawings
Jaclyn from Moozega said 2 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats on the feature!
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 2 years ago
Well done. Love your work and I love the wall of different frames and sizes with your illustrations. Looks great.
Oriaku Onuoha-Bean from JewelryByOri said 2 years ago
Beautiful feature! I love when you showcase fellow black creative/shop!
Rosemary Lambert from cardhugs said 2 years ago
I like what you say about being true to yourself. My favorite was your urban bush babies. Congratulations on the feature1
bluewine studio from bluewinestudio said 2 years ago
Very cool designs! Love your tote bags! Beautiful.
nja interiors THE SHOP from njainteriorsTHESHOP said 2 years ago
Congrats on the feature. I enjoyed reading about your journey on manifesting this beautiful brand!!
Amy Winslow Wright from overthefenceart said 2 years ago
Fabulous shop! All the best!
Joanna Szymkowiak from Szczyptaszczypta said 2 years ago
Great ideas! Congrats!
Carol from MasCollected said 2 years ago
Lots of really inspired art, thank you!
Amy from GibasAeroGiftShop said 2 years ago
Great story! Congrats on the feature!
Deanna M from I365Art said 2 years ago
I so love your shop! Congratz on being featured!
StudiocygMiniatures from StudiocygMiniatures said 2 years ago
It is so lovely to see people doing what they love and start a career,congratulations your work are unique and creative. Many blessings on your life :-)
Mattie from poppeparker said 2 years ago
Your illustrations are amazing. Congratulations on the feature!
Denessa from MinimalistStyle said 2 years ago
Beautiful work!
Claire Showalter from sQuircle said 2 years ago
So very fun, so vivid!
Marna SQuires said 2 years ago
Love love your art very creative and I’ve found where I can get my grandchildren your works especially journals thank you so much
brendaq42 said 2 years ago
congrats on being one of the featured shops... I love your stuff... so cute!!!!!!!!
Rachel Ramos from RacheBoutique said 2 years ago
Authentic you are.Lovely you are. Congratulations.
Jackie from JGirls5Designs said 2 years ago
Love this shop! Beautiful art work!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 2 years ago
Self taught, wow! Love your art, great feature!
Yevheniya from Yevheshka said 2 years ago
Wow! Illustrations are soo beautiful 😍
Cheryl Shackelton Hawkins said 220 days ago
Beautiful and inspiring.
Ashley Eddie said 205 days ago
Congratulations on the feature!!! You’re pieces are lovely 😊 That faux friends bag!!!
Laurie said 67 days ago
You’re work is creative and inspiring. I enjoyed seeing your artwork and your crafts. They look original and abstract. Good work.
Umesh Vigg from TheInspireDecor said 53 days ago
Very creative and lovely work! Congrats!