“I’ve always been a creative person. A lot of things motivate me to make art — especially the media I love, like indie shows, comics, and video games. I’m a very visual thinker, and even music or books come to life in my head, inspiring me to create. Digital art is my main medium because it gives me the freedom to explore different ideas and styles. I’m a storyteller at heart — I love giving my characters backstories and just having fun with the process.”

When asked why she makes art, Messick shared a simple but powerful answer: “I want to make people smile with my art.” It’s a truth that continues to guide her work today.

In her digital piece Snack Break, Messick illustrates a moment of peaceful rest after a long day. The figure is shown lying on the floor with her feet propped up against the wall, surrounded by books, art supplies, and a snack — clearly in the middle of a well-deserved break. She’s listening to music, with warm, golden sunset light casting across half her body, creating a tranquil, intimate mood.

Messick based the pose on a reference photo of herself, then added objects around the figure to help build the story. Among the personal touches is a Sleep Theory poster on the wall — a nod to a class project she previously completed. The piece features bold, thick black linework inspired by comic book art and one of her biggest influences: the Spider-Verse series.

Through Snack Break, Messick invites the viewer into a quiet, cozy moment — one that feels deeply personal yet instantly relatable to anyone who’s ever needed to pause and recharge after a demanding day.