creative highlight
MEMBER from our community
ANITA ELROD
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Hi, my name is Anita Elrod the “Doodlingista”. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA; a real Georgia peach and southern as the day is long. My father was an award winning artist and photographer and he influenced my appreciation for all the arts. I married my high school sweetheart and we just celebrated 43 years of marriage. Our home has been built on the foundation of Christ’s love. Through Him we have been blessed with three children and six grandchildren. When our children left the home and I found myself an “empty nester”, I prayed a prayer that God answered beyond my wildest belief. Based on Ephesians 3:20, I asked God to use me to make an impact on those around me in a way that would be unmistakably His power. That year, my husband uncharacteristically bought me an oversized chalkboard for Christmas. That is when I began doing chalkboard verses of my morning devotionals and texting the verses to my husband and adult children. Shortly after, a few friends saw the texts and the infectious nature of sharing God’s word grew to a group so large I had to transition to social media to spread God’s good news. The chalk art also grew to new mediums of ink, watercolor, and paint. What I thought was a simple ministry has enriched my life and others around the world. I am so blessed God chose me and infused my talents to articulate his beautiful creation on a blank canvas.
All for His Glory
Nitabug
Instagram: @nitabug24
Facebook: Nitabug's Necessities
All for His Glory
Nitabug
Instagram: @nitabug24
Facebook: Nitabug's Necessities
Can you tell us about your introduction to art? How did you know you had a creative gift?
My introduction to art was growing up in an artist home. I’ve come to understand the reason God chose me to be born into such a creative family. He gave me a loving earthly father with painting and photography being his lively hood to teach me all he knew. So, in turn now I am able to glorify my Heavenly Father with unique art to make one look and read the verses. I believe that is my heart and purpose, and it's usually done with natural lighting which I call God’s light. For many years I was a photographer as well. Over my 20 years I was able to apply the techniques taught to me about lighting, composition and color. As far as being creative, it’s a gift! I’ve always had a way to make something out of almost nothing. I never thought I would end up being an artist without the training. That is why I call myself the Doodlingista.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don't find themselves in a creative background or field such as with family/friends or even strangers?
I’ve been blessed with a personality to talk with people from all walks of life. This is when I share with them my faith and tell them how each morning during my quiet time that I have “Coffee with Jesus.” That sparks a conversation!
What are your favorite ways to express your creativity?
My favorite time is devotions and creating art. I also love flowers and arranging. I love to decorate my home, events etc... I enjoy thinking of a theme and fulfilling that thought.
My introduction to art was growing up in an artist home. I’ve come to understand the reason God chose me to be born into such a creative family. He gave me a loving earthly father with painting and photography being his lively hood to teach me all he knew. So, in turn now I am able to glorify my Heavenly Father with unique art to make one look and read the verses. I believe that is my heart and purpose, and it's usually done with natural lighting which I call God’s light. For many years I was a photographer as well. Over my 20 years I was able to apply the techniques taught to me about lighting, composition and color. As far as being creative, it’s a gift! I’ve always had a way to make something out of almost nothing. I never thought I would end up being an artist without the training. That is why I call myself the Doodlingista.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don't find themselves in a creative background or field such as with family/friends or even strangers?
I’ve been blessed with a personality to talk with people from all walks of life. This is when I share with them my faith and tell them how each morning during my quiet time that I have “Coffee with Jesus.” That sparks a conversation!
What are your favorite ways to express your creativity?
My favorite time is devotions and creating art. I also love flowers and arranging. I love to decorate my home, events etc... I enjoy thinking of a theme and fulfilling that thought.
How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
My mornings always begin with prayer. He leads me in creativity daily. I’m like a kid on Christmas morning excited to see what He has in store for me. I truly love His creation. He is the Master Artist. I could sit in his sunlight watching every bird, and flower bloom.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
I know that God has called me or chosen me with this adventure. I prayed for creativity and He hasn’t failed me.
Is it costly to be a creative/artist?
You asked about the cost, I assume you mean money? God more than once has supplied many materials. One company gave me loads of chalk markers to use during my chalkboard beginnings. Then as I went to other mediums, He put on the heart of a couple to supply some expensive watercolor markers which exploded my art. I’ve been given so many things. When God does this, I’m very thankful and so humbled. God always provides and I know I’m doing His Will. The future is in His hands. I’m very satisfied at the moment. Working full time I am pretty busy. Sharing Him every day makes my heart smile.
How do you juggle your business/family/social time?
Juggling time? This is my job for the Lord so it’s top priority. I rise early in the dark to meet with Jesus every day. I took one break this summer when my daughter, her husband and 4 kiddos under 5 lived with me for 4 months. I did have my quiet devotions, but by the time I finished I had a precious baby or 3 other toddlers under my feet. I spent that time with their sweet little souls. The few times that I did art it was a mess with the kids. All summer those kiddos found every ruler and eraser I had for art. At the moment I have none of those!
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Words of encouragement, Do what you love! Pray for it, and if it is His Will it will be done. I’m living proof. It might not be at this moment. God’s timing is always perfect. I was a stay at home Mom. In their teenage years I went back to work. I too had 3 kids under 4 so they kept me extremely busy. When they were all in college I missed them so much. Then came marriage, and I was able to encourage and minister to them in ways I never imagined.
Blessed Indeed, Anita Elrod
My mornings always begin with prayer. He leads me in creativity daily. I’m like a kid on Christmas morning excited to see what He has in store for me. I truly love His creation. He is the Master Artist. I could sit in his sunlight watching every bird, and flower bloom.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
I know that God has called me or chosen me with this adventure. I prayed for creativity and He hasn’t failed me.
Is it costly to be a creative/artist?
You asked about the cost, I assume you mean money? God more than once has supplied many materials. One company gave me loads of chalk markers to use during my chalkboard beginnings. Then as I went to other mediums, He put on the heart of a couple to supply some expensive watercolor markers which exploded my art. I’ve been given so many things. When God does this, I’m very thankful and so humbled. God always provides and I know I’m doing His Will. The future is in His hands. I’m very satisfied at the moment. Working full time I am pretty busy. Sharing Him every day makes my heart smile.
How do you juggle your business/family/social time?
Juggling time? This is my job for the Lord so it’s top priority. I rise early in the dark to meet with Jesus every day. I took one break this summer when my daughter, her husband and 4 kiddos under 5 lived with me for 4 months. I did have my quiet devotions, but by the time I finished I had a precious baby or 3 other toddlers under my feet. I spent that time with their sweet little souls. The few times that I did art it was a mess with the kids. All summer those kiddos found every ruler and eraser I had for art. At the moment I have none of those!
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Words of encouragement, Do what you love! Pray for it, and if it is His Will it will be done. I’m living proof. It might not be at this moment. God’s timing is always perfect. I was a stay at home Mom. In their teenage years I went back to work. I too had 3 kids under 4 so they kept me extremely busy. When they were all in college I missed them so much. Then came marriage, and I was able to encourage and minister to them in ways I never imagined.
Blessed Indeed, Anita Elrod