Art, Crohn’s, and a Fresh Start

Hey, I’m Veronica, an artist, planner-lover, and the human behind Printellea.

I’ve been living with Crohn’s disease since 2015/2016, though at first, I thought it was just a really bad stomach bug. You know the kind where you think, “I’ll be fine in a few days”? Yeah, not quite. The pain stuck around, the weight dropped drastically — I lost 30kg in under two months — and I was exhausted all the time. Something was clearly off. That “bug” turned out to be a lifelong condition that would change everything.

After years of treatments, tests, different medications and biologics, my body just wasn't responding the way we hoped. My consultant had gently introduced the idea of a stoma a few years back, but left the decision in my hands. And I was terrified. I didn’t know what life would look like after. I didn’t know if I would feel like me anymore.

But eventually, when options ran out and pain became a constant part of my life, I chose surgery. And now, one year later? I would go back and do it sooner. It gave me something I hadn’t had in a long time which is getting my life back.

Art as My Anchor

Drawing has always been my safe space. I’ve been sketching since I was young, but something really clicked in 2012. I became obsessed with capturing eyes, and soon found myself falling in love with portrait work, especially vintage and celebrity faces that carried a certain timelessness.

Art has this strange magic about it. When I draw, I get lost in it. Hours pass and I barely notice. It’s like everything else melts away, the pain, the worries, the constant overthinking, and for a while, it’s just me, the lines, and the vision in my mind. Even though I don’t always draw during flare-ups or recovery, knowing I can go back to it makes all the difference. It’s my mental escape. My calm in the storm.

The Heart Behind Printellea

Printellea was born from this love of creating and a desire to reach people beyond my tiny island, beyond borders and limitations. By turning my work into digital prints, I could share my art in an accessible way with anyone, anywhere. It was also a practical move: selling physical art when you’re dealing with a chronic illness can be tricky. Digital allowed me to keep going at my own pace.

My shop isn’t just about pretty prints or stylish planners. It’s about creating a space that feels safe, calm, and inspiring, the way I feel when I’m drawing. Whether someone is buying a vintage art print or downloading a digital planner, I hope they feel a little spark of that same peace.

I think Printellea is for anyone who appreciates art with a handmade touch, but doesn’t want to break the bank. People who love a cosy aesthetic, who like filling their space with things that quietly say, “this feels like me.”

Living Boldly, Stoma Bag and All

Adjusting to life with a stoma wasn’t easy, I won’t sugar-coat that. Physically and emotionally, it took time. It’s not something you’re exactly prepared for, and let’s be honest, looking at it in the beginning? Not the easiest. But once I realised I wasn’t in constant pain anymore, everything started to shift. I gained strength, confidence, and slowly, I started living again.

And here’s what I’ve learned:

Yes, I have a stoma. No, it doesn’t stop me from being an artist. Or a dreamer. Or a business owner. Or a human with messy days, big goals, and too many open browser tabs. 😅

If you’re someone living with chronic illness and chasing your goals at the same time, here’s my message to you: don’t give up. Better days are coming. You’ll get through the dark parts and you might even build something beautiful in the middle of it.

I’m just a slightly overthinker, kind-hearted doer (who also procrastinates more than I should 😅) trying to live well, create freely, and hopefully help others feel a little less alone while doing it.

So whether you’re here to read my posts, buy prints, or a planner, welcome. You belong here.

From your fellow crohnie,
Veronica