Arts & Culture

Courtesy Doodlesbynaomi

Local Artist Doodlesbynaomi Sits Down With The Richmond Sentinel

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:22 PDT, Wed May 6, 2026

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Richmond Sentinel(RS) has had the pleasure of chatting with and asking Doodlesbynaomi some questions about her artworks, creative process, and more. Doodlesbynaomi is a Canadian born Chinese artist based in the lower mainland that creates both physical and digital artwork, ranging from prints, pins, apparel, and more.

RS: What do you create and what medium does your art take?

DBN: My artwork is mostly digital, but I've had the opportunity to turn a lot of it into physical creations such as enamel pins and apparel.

RS: How would you describe your art to someone who hasn’t been in contact with it yet?

DBN: If I could pick a few words, it would be nostalgic, whimsical and childlike.

RS: What inspires your art? Where do you draw inspiration from?

DBN: A lot of my artwork is influenced by my childhood experiences growing up as a Canadian born Chinese. I draw inspiration from my favourite snacks, characters, and whatever media I'm currently consuming!

RS: Why is art important to you?/ What inspires you to create?

DBN: I’ve always felt like drawing and creating ever since I was old enough to pick up a paint brush in preschool so I don't know if anything started that drive. I just feel like it's a great way to translate my thoughts and imagination into something tangible that I wouldn't be able to through words.

RS: What was the first artwork you made that actually made you feel like an artist?

DBN: This is hard to say! I have always expressed myself creatively growing up, but I think the “trio of boba” artwork I drew was well received and kickstarted my style and presence in the art community.

RS: What’s something you think people miss when seeing your work that you wish they knew/understood?

DBN: I think my art can seem very childish, but one of my missions is actually for adults to be able to embrace and express their inner child!

RS: Creative processes aren’t always smooth sailing and linear. What’s something you do to pull yourself out of a creative rut?

DBN: Art block is still something I continuously struggle with, but my advice would be that it's okay to take a break and not feel like creating. When you can, remove all the pressure of making something good, and just draw horribly. Sometimes what comes out will surprise you.

RS: How do you balance creating art for yourself and for other people as a professional?

DBN: I think this is a really good question for all professional artists. In the beginning, I only created for myself, but I eventually decentered myself to create things that I thought other people would like. I think there needs to be a balance to prevent burnout. These days, I try to make sure I love and am inspired by everything I'm drawing, not just because they are popular.

RS: Where do you see yourself and your art in 5 years?

DBN: I don't know where DOODLESBYNAOMI will be in 5 years, but I hope that my artwork can reach more people around the world and inspire them in some way, whether it's expressing themselves or just feeling a bit of happiness. If my art business doesn't exist by then, I know I will still be creating for myself.

A huge thanks to Doodlesbynaomi for chatting with Richmond Sentinel!

To see more of Doodlesbynaomi’s work, you can find them on Instagram @Doodlesbynaomi.