Debbie opens up about her early dreams of becoming a syndicated cartoonist, the setbacks and detours she faced along the way, and how God’s faithfulness has carried her through seasons of challenge and change. We talk about the power of perseverance, the joy of creating art that brings delight, and the importance of sharing your faith through your creative life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Debbie’s early passion for cartooning shaped her unique style Finding joy in whimsical, hope-filled artwork Building creative community through hospitality and art Trusting God’s timing through life’s setbacks Ways to naturally share your faith with those who encounter your art.

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“I’ve always been an artist, but it’s taken a lifetime of twists and turns to get to where I am now—and I wouldn’t trade the journey.” — Debbie Gallerani
“When you open your home and your heart to people, creativity flows in both directions.” — Matt Tommey
“God made us to create. Every time we use our gifts, we reflect His heart to the world.” — Debbie Gallerani

Comments on the Podcast:

Wow so glad I found this podcast! As a Christian artist this is resource is just what I needed!! Praise God! Really related to Debbie’s story
Gold! You both shared so much truth in the path of an artist. You shared the importance of submitting to and partnering with the creator, God. Thank you so much for this beautiful talk.
Excellent. This was super helpful. Thank you.️
So inspiring!
This is great!
Thank you so much for this wonderful episode. I am in 'that' place. This is so encouraging and affirmative to trust the Lord and then... trust! Thank you.

FEATURED ARTIST: Debbie Gallerani

Whimsy, grit, and God’s gentle guidance in the desert
Tucson, Arizona • debbiegalleraniart.com Instagram: @debbieartworld

When you step into Debbie Gallerani’s world, you’re greeted by sun-washed desert color, playful jack-rabbit sculptures, and mixed-media paintings with a joyful wink. A lifelong cartoonist turned fine artist, Debbie embraces a style that’s delightfully whimsical and folk-art inspired—proof that your “secret sauce” is often the very thing you once tried to hide.

Watch Debbie’s Story Below…

“I finally stopped trying to be someone else and accepted that I’m a cartoonist at heart. Once I let that shine, the work came alive.”

From press-type to Palm Springs Life—then a holy pivot

Raised in Palm Springs, Debbie chased creativity wherever she could find it: illustration, hand-painted signage, silk-screening, and eventually production and design at Palm Springs Life magazine (“$5 an hour and I was thrilled!”). Years of commercial work honed her eye—but hours at the computer brought pain and a longing to make with her hands again.

A visit to her father, an oil painter, rekindled Debbie’s fine-art fire. The transition wasn’t instant—perfectionism and “is this real art?” doubts knocked loudly. But with prayer, courage, and community, she gave herself permission to blend her cartoon line, folk-art color, and desert motifs into something uniquely her.

Art, hospitality, and holy conversations

In Tucson, Debbie runs a cozy B&B—“La Casa de Artista (The Artist House)”—where musicians, poets, and painters swap stories over coffee and canvas. That same hospitality has opened kingdom doors: gallery guests became gallery partners, invitations multiplied, and Debbie’s work found a home in the very places that fit her voice best—mid-century-modern boutiques and desert-forward venues.

Scottsdale gallery show via B&B guests who fell in love with her work
Borrego Springs (CA): a mid-century shop invited her to a Christmas event…then full-time representation…then two solo shows
Current: a three-artist exhibition inside a classic mid-century hotel

“God keeps steering me to the right people. My job is to keep my eyes and ears open—and say yes.”

Teaching that heals the artist, too

A season teaching high-school art became sacred ground. Debbie learned to break the process into simple, doable steps, calling out gold in students who were ready to quit. That same compassion now marks her studio practice and the way she encourages fellow creatives she meets through her B&B and shows.

Created to Thrive + a new way of walking

After joining our Artist Cashflow Bootcamp and Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, Debbie found fresh clarity and courage in both mindset and method.

“Leaning into the Lord—and getting practical mentoring—shifted everything. I stopped striving and started partnering.”

Daily rhythms that keep her grounded

Morning Scripture + prayer: “God meets me in the Word with exactly what I need.”
Studio play: folk-art color + cartoon line + desert critters = Debbie’s signature joy
Hospitality as ministry: art, conversation, and prayer with guests

A desert lesson for every season

Plumbing failures, summer slowdowns, and changing markets could rattle anyone. Debbie’s response? Flexible trust.

“Some seasons are harvest, some feel like winter. God is constant in both. When there’s margin, I ask, ‘Lord, what do You want to grow now?’”

Debbie’s encouragement to fellow artists

Honor your wiring: your “quirky” might be your calling.
Invite God into the process—every brushstroke, every decision.
Be patient and faithful: God rarely shows the whole map—just the next step.
Find your fit: place your work where your voice belongs (not every gallery is your gallery).

What’s next

Debbie’s exploring hand-painted handbags, considering teaching private lessons, and continuing to place her work in boutiques and venues that celebrate joyful desert design.

Click to watch episode “From Cartoonist Dreams to Faith-Filled Art”