Daily Inspiration: Meet Erika Barriga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Barriga

Hi Erika, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have been drawn to art for as long as I can remember. It was always my favorite activity and subject in school. My notes were always filled with little illustrations alongside the words. But I didn’t know how to turn my love for illustration into a career, so I followed a different path in telecommunications instead.

No matter where life took me, creating art always felt like home. It centered me, made me laugh, brought joy to others, and created connection. There’s something magical about bringing an idea to life—turning nothing into something visible and real.

Later, when I was working my 9-to-5 in telecommunications and adjusting to life as a new mom, my days were packed. Between work tasks and childcare, I barely had a moment to myself, and I wasn’t creating like I used to. Art had always been energy-giving for me, and without it, I felt drained.

Determined to fit creativity back into my life, I started using my breaks and lunches at work to sketch and paint. I’d eat at my desk, then take my backpack full of art supplies to the cafeteria and create. Almost instantly, the noise in my mind quieted. Watching the paint and water mix on paper put me in a state of flow—calm, joyful, present. In that moment, I knew I never wanted to be without my creative practice again. That realization led me to pursue art not just as a passion, but as a career.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Managing a creative business while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood can be overwhelming. The biggest challenge has been maintaining boundaries—separating work time from home tasks and errands when everything is so accessible.

To keep my work time from being absorbed by things like cooking and laundry, I set up a structured schedule with time blocks. I meal prep and cook one day a week, so all the planning and decision-making around meals is done ahead of time. Once that’s out of the way, I look at my schedule for the upcoming week and map out what I want to work on.

During the week (Tuesday–Friday), I start my mornings with a two-hour time block for exercise, breakfast, and getting ready for the day. Then, I dedicate a four-hour block to focused work, following the plan I set beforehand. I know I do my best work early in the day—before decision fatigue kicks in, while the kids are at school, and when I can fully focus.

This system helps me stay organized, productive, and always keep future me in mind.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an illustrator, artist, and watercolor teacher. I love creating whimsical watercolor illustrations—cute characters like mermaids, girls, and fairies—sweet yet strong reminders to be wild and free. I also design surface patterns and digital planners because if we’re going to be organized and productive, why not make it cute and fun at the same time?

What I’m most proud of is my online watercolor art membership, The Playful Painter Art Club. It’s a place where women can learn how to watercolor paint, reconnect with themselves, and build friendships with others all over the world. It’s an amazing, supportive community that makes learning watercolor easy and approachable.

When I first started painting with watercolors, I spent so much time (and money!) buying supplies and watching endless tutorials—yet I was still missing key pieces of the process. That’s why I created this membership. Everything is laid out clearly, step by step, so members can spend more time actually painting and less time hunting for answers.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Atomic Habits by James Clear has been the most valuable resource for me in all areas of life. Understanding how habits work—and how to change them—has made everything more intentional and organized. Instead of feeling like things just work or just don’t, I can step back, see what’s actually happening, and adjust so I do more of what I want and less of what I don’t.

For example, I wanted to exercise more because it helps me stay healthy and gets my creative energy flowing. Instead of setting a vague goal like “I want to exercise every week,” I created a dedicated time block in my schedule. Now, the decision to exercise is already made in advance—I just have to show up and follow through.

I use this approach for everything I want to focus on, and it keeps me accountable to myself. I don’t always succeed (because, well, life happens!), but I’m far more consistent and successful with this method than I ever was before.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.fluximagery.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/fluximagery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fluximagery6500
• Other: http://www.fluximagery.com/join