About

An artist’s fascination with aquatic life inspired a creative journey that became the world of Artful Aquarist

Hi! I’m Queena

I'm a Las Vegas–based fine artist, illustrator, and the creator behind Artful Aquarist. I earned my MFA from California College of the Arts, but the story of Artful Aquarist really began somewhere much quieter beside an aquarium.

As both an artist and a fishkeeper, I found myself endlessly inspired by the tiny worlds behind the glass. The graceful movement of fish, the beautiful textures of aquatic plants, and the visual harmony of aquascapes slowly found their way into my sketchbooks and paintings. Before long, I realized I wasn't just creating art about aquariums I was creating art because of them.

Watercolor became one of my favorite ways to capture these underwater moments. I painted fish, aquascapes, and many of the aquatic creatures that I had grown especially fond of. Two especially meaningful portraits were of my goldfish, Bluford my very first goldie and Mimsy, whose legacy lives on through her four little babies, each adopted into loving homes. Those paintings eventually made the leap from paper to stickers, becoming some of the very first pieces of Artful Aquarist that I was able to share with others.

About Artful Aquarist

In May 2024, I opened the Artful Aquarist Etsy shop with just a small collection of watercolor stickers and original artwork. It was a humble beginning, but every order reminded me that there were other people who found the same wonder and joy in aquatic life that I did.

Today, Artful Aquarist has grown into a collection of original illustrations, stickers, prints, gifts, handmade creations, and whimsical aquatic treasures all inspired by freshwater, saltwater, and everything in between. Every design begins in my home studio, where I continue to create, explore new ideas, and dream up new additions to the ever-growing world of Artful Aquarist.

Artful Aquarist is a one-person, home-based small business. Every visit, order, kind message, and word of encouragement helps this little world continue to grow. Thank you for supporting my journey and for helping this whimsical corner of the aquatic world flourish.

So come take a look around, meet the creatures that inspired my art, and stay awhile. Welcome to the world of Artful Aquarist, where aquatic life inspires art.

Meet the Residents of the Artful Aquarist World

  • PeeWee the Magical Pea

    Created: 2024

    PeeWee is a tiny pea puffer with a magical gift. She first swam onto the scene as the star of PeeWee the Magical Pea and has since begun building her own collection of stickers, artwork, and other whimsical adventures, with many more still to come.

  • The Real PeeWee

    The Inspiration

    Before there was a magical pea puffer, there was the real PeeWee, a tiny fish with a big personality. Her curious, feisty nature inspired the story of PeeWee the Magical Pea and continues to inspire artwork that celebrates the charm and character of these remarkable little fish.

  • Xander the Gar

    Created: 2025

    Meet Xander, the friendly alligator gar and flagship ambassador of Artful Aquarist! Xander represents the heart of the brand and welcomes visitors into the ever-growing world of aquatic art.

  • Bluford

    My First Goldfish

    Bluford was my very first goldfish and one of the earliest muses behind Artful Aquarist. Her watercolor portrait eventually became one of my first stickers, marking the beginning of a journey that transformed personal paintings into artwork shared with fellow aquatic enthusiasts.

  • Mimsy

    A Beloved Goldfish

    Mimsy inspired another of my watercolor portraits, which was later turned into a sticker. She also left behind a special legacy through her four little babies, all of whom found loving homes. Her gentle spirit continues to be part of the story behind Artful Aquarist.