
Joy to the world! Your holiday favorites have starring roles in our fun and festive Holiday Spirit print from artist Nysha Lilly. We asked Nysha about her creative process, inspiration and what gets her in the holiday spirit. Read the full Q&A below!

Nysha Lilly works to bring warmth, magic and lots of fun detail to her illustrations. She lives in Raleigh with her son and is always singing. She feels the luckiest to be an Artist & Mom- two of her favorite things! Nysha has illustrated two published books with four more on the way this winter. She is also working on her own kid lit book for 2024 that is supposed to be pretty magical. We'll just have to wait and see!
1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now? Connecticut born, Ohio raised and currently reside in Raleigh, North Carolina
2. How long have you been drawing? I've been drawing my whole life. Any chance to take an art class I'd run, but professionally I've been an artist for about three years now!

4. How would you describe your personal style and how does this affect your work? My personal style is cool, classic, muted and yet I can't say no to a little sparkle. I love trends, but classics are classics for a reason. Good denim, a black coat- the staples! Then add on the fun! I think my artistic style follows this. I do a lot of whimsy (that's the storyteller illustrator in me) but at the heart of my art there's a realistic anchor. I think this allows us to feel like we can actually imagine being inside the images I create.

6. What has been your biggest struggle as an artist so far? My biggest struggle has always been pushing past what's deemed realistic for me. The road I took to become an Artist was financially difficult and lonely. I could see the vision but I couldn't convince others of it, so I had to walk alone. To me settling was scarier though. I knew if I kept going I'd see my vision become a reality. I've still got plenty more vision left in me!

8. How do you feel about seeing your prints on clothing? I feel like buying a dress for all my friend's babies haha I'm elated for one, but for it to be a brand that has such a presence in children's apparel makes it even more a dream!

9. What gets you in the “holiday spirit”?! I am in my holiday spirit prime when I feel a chill in the air, I'm near a lit tree and I hear Mariah Carey's Oh Holy Night. That's the trifecta right there, and I'm for sure gonna sing!
10. Any sneak peeks or hints on any upcoming works? I WISH I had a sneak peek for you, but I'll share a few on the list: Santa in the City, Some stylish gingerbread people and T'was the Night Before Christmas.. I cannot say more, but it's gonna be good!