Behind the Frame: An Interview with Dina Riddle
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Time to read 4 min
For this edition of Behind the Frame, we’re stepping into the vibrant, joy-filled world of Dina Riddle — an artist whose work feels especially timely as we head into a new year rooted in fresh perspectives and intentional living. Known for her playful motifs, bold color palettes, and inspiration drawn from everyday moments, Dina’s playful art for home decor invites us to surround ourselves with creativity that uplifts and energizes.
As many of us look to reset our routines and refresh our spaces, her designs offer a thoughtful reminder that the artwork we choose can shape our mindset just as much as our décor. Whether layered into a gallery wall, styled as a focal point, or used to introduce color and whimsy into a room, Dina’s work encourages us to curate environments that spark imagination, inspire optimism, and set a joyful tone for the year ahead.
Read on as Dina shares how her creative practice has evolved, where she finds inspiration, and how she balances artistry with everyday life.
Dina Riddle | Life of Passion & Purpose Black Framed Gicleé Print (Front View)
Dina Riddle | Life of Passion & Purpose Black Framed Gicleé Print (Side View)
My style has definitely evolved over time...I think the shift happened naturally as I learned what I enjoy creating and what feels authentic to my voice.
How do you structure your day?
Since I juggle my surface design business, my baby apparel line Little Bird, and my UX/UI client work, my days are usually a mix of required project check-ins and pockets of free creative time. I try to keep my nights open for creativity and fun brainstorming once the kids go to bed because that is when I feel the most inspired.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently working on UX design projects for clients, sketching ideas for new greeting cards, finalizing my spring pattern collection, creating illustrations for design challenges, and recoloring older patterns for Spoonflower. I am also developing new concepts for upcoming Little Bird launches.
How do you approach creative roadblocks?
When I hit a creative roadblock, I often revisit past work. Recoloring an older design or pulling out a motif I’ve always loved and transforming it into something new helps spark ideas again. It’s a great way to reignite that creative energy and reconnect with why I love making art. I’ve also learned to accept that some days simply are not creative days. When that happens, I take a walk, switch my environment, or step away long enough to reset.
Where do you find inspiration? What trends inspire your current work?
I find inspiration in everyday life. When I see flowers on a nature walk, I usually end up drawing them. If I travel to a new city, I always come home with sketches of motifs from that place. Little moments with my kids and any color palette that catches my eye also shape my work. I’m naturally pulled toward bright, joyful colors, and I love keeping an eye on current trends through Spoonflower challenges and Pinterest.
Dina Riddle | Slow Down and Enjoy Snails White Framed Gicleé Print (Front View)
Dina Riddle | Slow Down and Enjoy Snails White Framed Gicleé Print (Side View)
How does your background or environment influence your art?
Living in Austin influences my style in a big way. I often incorporate a bit of Western flair into my work, and being a mom to twins inspires the playful, kid-friendly motifs I’m drawn to. That sense of fun and imagination shows up both in my art and in my designs for Little Bird.
Dina Riddle | Austin Texas with Cowgirl Boots Floating Framed Canvas in Elm (Front View)
Dina Riddle | Austin Texas with Cowgirl Boots Floating Framed Canvas in Elm (Side View)
How has your artistic style evolved, and why do you think it has changed?
My style has definitely evolved over time. I started out creating mostly watercolor illustrations, but now I’ve embraced digital drawing more fully. My iPad is typically where everything begins, though I still love incorporating hand-drawn elements, organic shapes, and lettering. As I’ve grown as an artist, I’ve become more confident with bolder color palettes, and finding the colors that feel most like “me” has truly been a game-changer. I think the shift happened naturally as I learned what I enjoy creating and what feels authentic to my voice.
As we look ahead to a new year, Dina Riddle’s work serves as a thoughtful reminder that embracing fresh perspectives often begins with the spaces and routines we shape around ourselves. Through joyful color, playful motifs, and an evolving creative practice rooted in authenticity, Dina’s art encourages us to approach the year with curiosity, confidence, and openness to growth. Whether her designs find a home on your walls, in a creative corner, or woven into everyday moments, they offer a simple but powerful way to invite inspiration, optimism, and creativity into the year ahead. We’re grateful to Dina for sharing her journey — and for reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful new beginnings start with what (and who) we choose to surround ourselves with.
Shop the Dina Riddle collection
Dina Riddle is an artist and surface pattern designer whose work is defined by its vibrant color, playful energy, and whimsical charm. Based in Austin, Texas, Dina creates art that celebrates the beauty in everyday moments—drawing inspiration from nature, travel, and life with her husband and twin children. Her pieces often feature florals, food, and travel or fun novelty items that speak to her, bringing a sense of joy and imagination to the home.
With a background in graphic design and a passion for storytelling through pattern and composition, Dina’s work has a signature warmth and brightness that invites connection. Her art is designed to spark joy—whether it’s hanging on a wall, printed on fabric, or bringing a smile in the form of a playful illustration.
Dina is honored to share her artwork with Stupell and hopes each piece adds a little color and happiness to your space.
