I'm Laura Caroline, a 21-year-old artist from the north of England.

I've always had a very creative side. Ever since I can remember, I've been labeled as 'The Artist' by everyone around me. I would be continuously doodling on my homework, painting surreal scenes from my imagination, or drawing elaborate patterns on the back of my hand with a ballpoint pen.

In school, I always felt very restricted with what I could create. The dreamy art-style I'd always admired was frowned upon by my teachers, and, over time, I slowly began losing interest in the subject altogether.

Art Became a More Significant Part of My Life

After the death of a family member, I struggled severely with my mental health. I dropped out of university after just a few months.

 To cope, I decided to pick up the paintbrush again and start to create art as a hobby (instead of a means to get good grades).

I Gained Confidence and Discovered My Style

I decided to start my own Instagram page to showcase my work, and I set myself the challenge of painting something new every day for 100 days! Although it was difficult, I am so proud that I managed to complete it! I gained more confidence in my art and finally discovered my unique style during this process.

The colourful and dreamy acrylic paintings I now create are a way for me to brighten my spirit and cope with my mental health - and I hope that they can spread positivity. I hope to put a smile on the faces of those who may be going through a hard time!

Art Brings Me Happiness

Some days are still a lot tougher than others, and it becomes challenging to distract my thoughts. My dream in life is to make a living out of my art. Because I would be making a living by doing something I love. Creating art makes others smile, and that brings me happiness!

"Why do people read? 

Why do people write?

To escape reality for a moment."

Where it All Started

When I was a kid, our primary school had students entering these short story competitions. There was one story in particular that I remember writing. Students had to write a story with 100 words to enter the contest. My mum kept my submission in the bookcase with her Chris Carter novels.

I still hear the other kids moaning and saying, "It is too difficult!" Some gave up before they even began. I've always known that I was a little bit different compared to my peers.

 I held my mighty sword in my hand, and in less than an hour, 8-year-old me had written a story of another little girl escaping into a hatch at the big Tesco and finding herself at Alton Towers (a theme park and resort complex in Staffordshire, England). 

I Aspired to be an Actress

For the longest time, I aspired to become a world-famous actor. At every school I attended, I joined the drama club. I made sure to audition for the starring role. Of course, that didn't always happen. Some key roles were forever carved into my mind: the Cowardly Lion (from my Year 5 production of the Wizard of Oz), a sea lion named Bailey, and Angela in Abigail's party. I still believed that I would do acting forever. That changed during my second year at sixth form college. 

I remember it like it was yesterday. I had a three-hour break on a Monday in my first year. I could have gone into town and bought comics, but I didn't. Instead, I sat in the library, got comfy in front of a laptop, and opened up a document. 

Filling the Empty Page

An empty page stared at me, begging to have words cover it up. I had a rough time during those days.  3 hours had passed, I was ready to go to my next lesson (Theatre Studies). I blinked and looked at the work I had done. I managed to do several chapters, fuelled by Dr. Pepper and a Kinder Bueno! 

I kept at it. Every day I arrived an hour early at college, sat down at a computer on the top floor, and fired up the engines! I found myself in places like London, India, or even a distant planet. I could have been sitting there for 30 minutes or 2 hours, but it felt much longer to me. It felt like years had passed. It was as if I had been living in the pages. It felt exhilarating! 

How I Shocked My Mom

When I would get home, I would tell my mum that I had been writing. She would say, "Well done." It wasn't until a few months later (when I finished the novel and sent it off to a publisher) that she realized what I had done. The look of pride on her face was such a pleasant sight!

I later joined a Facebook page for authors or writers. Many of them would talk about rejection and a weird feeling pooled inside of me. I didn't like it. The following week I opened my emails, which felt like checking the morning post. There it was, an email from the publishers! 

I felt my heart stop for a moment. My hands shook, and sweat built up on my forehead. I froze completely when I read it. It explained how I managed to do something that most people struggle with. The fact that I was seventeen was wild to them. To say they were shocked was an understatement. 

I thought, "Hmm, I wonder who else would like it?" I sent it to another publisher, and once again, they were impressed and offered to publish it. How could I refuse? 

People Believe In  Me

I felt a sense of achievement. One that I needed. I would often get depressed or experience anxiety attacks. To hear that something I produced was that good was strange and unfamiliar to hear, but so welcoming at the same time.  People have told me, "You'll be the next so-and-so," like I would become famous. I would say, "No. I won't be the next whoever. I will be me". 

I should aim to be myself, not just with writing but with everything I do. Whether it's baking apple pies or playing video games. I think people need to hear that. 

Show Kindness and Be Yourself

We pass many people throughout our lives. They could be having one hell of a day. That's why I smile at a passing stranger or hold the door open for my flatmates. It's why I thank the bus driver or the cashier serving me, or the person who showed me where the good books were in WH Smiths. 

If I was to tell my past self (let's say seven-year-old me), "Hey kid, keep being the little weirdo who talks to her toys. One day you'll do something extraordinary!" Or, "Hey kid, keep acting, keep reaching for the stars."

 To my younger self, I would confidently say, "Whenever anyone tells you to move out the way, plant yourself down and say, 'No. This is where I'm supposed to be.'"