COVER ME IN SUNSHINE

“I’m Chelsey, the artist and founder behind Art Additive—a queer creative agency where I blend storytelling, illustration, and design into joyful, expressive visuals. I’m currently living in the Dominican Republic with my wife and our rescue cat, while also being based out of Atlanta. My work includes everything from murals and merchandise to children’s books and brand content, but at its heart, it’s always about connection. I love creating pieces that feel vibrant, personal, and a little bit magical—art that makes people feel seen, comforted, and curious. I use a range of mediums, but lately I’ve been focused on digital illustration through Procreate, which gives me flexibility as a digital nomad.

I’m a late-in-life lesbian, but I’ve been creating art centered on women and softness for as long as I can remember. Before I had the words or the language to name it, my work was already exploring connection, strength, tenderness, and the beauty of femininity. Coming out has opened up a whole new layer—now I get to create with intention, joy, and clarity. My art feels freer now. Being a lesbian doesn’t define everything I make, but it colors the way I see the world—and that lens adds richness to every piece. It’s a way of claiming space, and of offering love back to the community that helped me find myself.”