We had the good fortune of connecting with Caroline Ellis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caroline, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I am a strong believer in building a daily routine that fosters motivation, creativity, and well-being. For the past few years, I have started each morning with avocado egg toast and a cup of coffee — a small ritual that fuels both my energy and mindset for the day ahead. As a creative person, I think it is essential to find inspiration in everyday moments and to keep moving, both mentally and physically. Whether it is visiting a local museum, watching a whimsical film, admiring signage around town, or noticing a stranger’s outfit, I actively seek out inspiration in the details. I also prioritize physical activity, which helps me stay grounded and maintain a positive outlook. I value a healthy work-life balance, making space for quality time with friends, while also recognizing the importance of rest and recharge. I believe working hard, playing hard, and taking time to reset are all key to long-term creativity and productivity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The most distinctive aspect of my artwork is its blend of pop art and surrealism, infused with both modern and nostalgic imagery to create bold, colorful, and empowering compositions. With every piece I create, my goal is to evoke a sense of optimism—not only within my clients’ home, but in their daily mindsets. The pieces I am and will continue to be most proud of are those that feature diverse communities or highlight underrepresented groups. This mission is deeply important to me, and when I can reflect it in my work, I feel I am using my talents to make a meaningful, lasting impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First off, as a Dallas native, I love this question. While there may not be enough time for everything, here’s my ideal weekend:

Kicking things off on Friday night, we’re heading to Javier’s for dinner and margs on the porch. Afterward, we’ll Uber to the American Airlines Center for a Mavs game. Post-game, we’ll head Uptown to hop around the bars.

On Saturday, we’ll grab Shug’s Bagels on Oak Lawn and Berkley’s for coffee. Then we will walk the Katy Trail and stop at Ice House for a relaxed afternoon outdoors. For dinner, we’ll rally a big group of friends and head to Mi Cocina or Odelay — two of our favorite go-to spots for a walk-in dinner.

Sunday starts with St. Luke’s to hear a sermon from Pastor Richie Butler, followed by a workout at Train45 at Class Studios — my favorite class in Dallas (if we’re up for it). After that, we’ll hit some local shopping gems like Clothes Circuit, To Be Continued, Saint Bernard’s, Clover, and Forestwood Mall. Lunch is at Ascension Coffee in the Design District, and then we bop around in cute outfits for an artsy afternoon. We’ll wrap up the weekend with a movie at the Angelika Theatre and sandwiches at Roly Poly.

Honorable mentions I love: Reunion Tower, Eatzi’s, and Pecan Lodge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I owe the biggest shoutout to my parents, Liza and Jae Ellis, and my brother, Judge Ellis, for being not only my biggest cheerleaders but also my best friends. Their unwavering love, support, and belief in me have been the foundation of everything I have accomplished. Pursuing a creative career can often be viewed as risky or unconventional, but my family has never once doubted my goals. I am also deeply thankful for my best friends, who champion both me and my art business through every chapter. When I launched my first independently owned website this May (carolineellisart.shop), my friends surprised me with a giant pair of scissors and a red ribbon to cut to celebrate the launch. This was a gesture I will never forget! I am truly fortunate to have such a strong support system, including extended family and friends from all walks of life.

Website: https://carolineellisart.shop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolineellisart/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineellis15/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolineellisart?_t=8rytckqrjg6&_r=1

Image Credits
Photographer: Heather Nicole Johnson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.