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September in a Nutshell: Fireworks in Michigan, Queens in Florida, and Dracula in Kansas

September was a month of contrasts -painting in chilly Michigan under sherbet skies and explosive fireworks, then jetting to sunny Orlando for Miss America finals. Back home in Kansas, I dove into the whirlwind of prepping for Ballet Wichita’s Dracula after a sudden venue change, while gearing up for a packed October of conferences, travel, and performances. Cozy fall vibes, a little magic, and a lot of momentum carried me through.

August Recap: Wicked Firsts, Full Circles, and a Gallery of My Own

August was one of those months that felt like a blur. I’d been gearing up for this month for a while, prepping mentally for basically a marathon, and it flew by so much faster than I expected. It was stacked with travel, shows, and some really fun firsts; the kind that make you pause, look around, and realize, wow, Little Annika could only dream of this.

I Quit My Full-Time Job to Chase My Dreams

I’ve been speed painting since I was 18, but until recently it was my side hustle squeezed in between Zoom calls and late nights. Now it’s the thing I do—the only thing. Quitting my full-time job wasn’t reckless; it was the leap I knew I had to take. With freelance clients, a part-time role, and a safety net I built, I finally went all in on my dream. And for the first time, I feel exactly where I’m meant to be.

5 Days, 1 Canvas, and No Time to Flinch

I landed back in the US from Greece with sand still in my shoes and a painting due in five days. No time to ease back in—this is the part of speed painting that feels like an elite sport. I prepped on my honeymoon, ran rehearsals through jet lag, and locked in the design before hitting the stage. People ask how I pull it off with so little time, but the truth is: I’ve already put in the time. This is the thrill of it all. This is what I train for.

Dine with Chefs: Good Food, Good People, Good Cause

A few days ago, I painted at Meals on Wheels’ sold-out “Dine with Chefs” event in Northwest Indiana—450+ guests, incredible food, and a canvas reveal that lit up the room. The weekend was full of art in every form: chefs plating masterpieces, Chicago’s Bean reflecting the skyline, and even staying with an art teacher whose home was a gallery of inspiration. This trip reminded me that art is never just about the canvas—it’s about connection.

So… I Started a Substack. Let’s Talk About It.

Most people see the final painting, but the real magic happens in the in-between moments and the stories behind the canvas.

How Live Art Can Transform Conferences & Keynote Speeches

Why your conference opening deserves more than stale coffee and awkward small talk. Let’s talk about setting the tone  for a conference....

What It’s Like to Book Me for Your Event: A Step-by-Step Guide

Discover what it's like to book a live speed painting performance with Annika Wooton.

Intro to Speed Painting & Me (:

I get asked all the time what speed painting is, how I got started, or how I can even paint live in the first place. Picture this: You've...

Annika Wooton: Pioneering the Speed Painting Revolution

In the vast expanse of the entertainment industry, certain acts capture our imaginations in a unique way. Among the most mesmerizing is...

A Letter From A Former Pageant Girl: Guest Blog by Meg McGuire Conder

Last week, a post popped up on my Facebook page with words that were all too familiar for those of us who have stepped on a sparkly...

Grace in Defeat: Rising Above Pageant Loss

Have you ever walked away from a competition feeling so hot with anger you could spit fire? Mad enough to scorch anyone who dared to look...

An Open Letter to Pageant Parents: Supporting Your Daughter's Journey

You've raised a daughter who has the courage, determination, and grace to step onto a pageant stage, and that in itself is a victory.

Navigating State Pageant Season: A Survival Guide

It's that time of the year again: state pageant season, and it can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and preparations.

Confessions of a Pageant Competitor: Battling Imposter Syndrome 💭

As I've talked to women getting ready for their own competitions, they've asked me if I ever got imposter syndrome and I say, "GIRL, YES!"

Pageant Prep: Managing Stress and Distractions in the Final Countdown

Get ready for the pageant with these tips to manage stress and distractions in the final countdown.

The Beginning of the End: Farewell Photoshoots

It's that time of year when state titleholders are doing their final photoshoots and the beginning of the end starts to really feel real....

29 Things for 29 Years

Last night, I had one of those "oh my god, I'm going to be T W E N T Y N I N E" moments where I didn't totally know how to process it....

My First Speed Painting: I Painted In Front of My Entire High School with No Practice

The first time I picked up a paintbrush to paint live onstage, my entire high school was watching. Let's rewind a little bit... I've been...

PRK Eyeball Surgery Update: From Sobbing at the Pharmacy to New and Improved Vision

I've dreamt of getting LASIK eye surgery ever since I can remember. My dad had it done and was literally golfing the next day - so I...

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Light - Item image 4.avif

September in a Nutshell: Fireworks in Michigan, Queens in Florida, and Dracula in Kansas

September was a month of contrasts -painting in chilly Michigan under sherbet skies and explosive fireworks, then jetting to sunny Orlando for Miss America finals. Back home in Kansas, I dove into the whirlwind of prepping for Ballet Wichita’s Dracula after a sudden venue change, while gearing up for a packed October of conferences, travel, and performances. Cozy fall vibes, a little magic, and a lot of momentum carried me through.

Light - Item image 4.avif

September in a Nutshell: Fireworks in Michigan, Queens in Florida, and Dracula in Kansas

September was a month of contrasts -painting in chilly Michigan under sherbet skies and explosive fireworks, then jetting to sunny Orlando for Miss America finals. Back home in Kansas, I dove into the whirlwind of prepping for Ballet Wichita’s Dracula after a sudden venue change, while gearing up for a packed October of conferences, travel, and performances. Cozy fall vibes, a little magic, and a lot of momentum carried me through.

Light - Item image 4.avif

September in a Nutshell: Fireworks in Michigan, Queens in Florida, and Dracula in Kansas

September was a month of contrasts -painting in chilly Michigan under sherbet skies and explosive fireworks, then jetting to sunny Orlando for Miss America finals. Back home in Kansas, I dove into the whirlwind of prepping for Ballet Wichita’s Dracula after a sudden venue change, while gearing up for a packed October of conferences, travel, and performances. Cozy fall vibes, a little magic, and a lot of momentum carried me through.

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