British printmaker and painter ALISON SAUNDERS makes no bones about it—she doesn’t like boring beige. While her bold use of color belies her initial career as an accountant, Alison generously offers her professional insight on how to track expenses for art shows, weekly business check-ins and an old-school index card system to manage inventory. Alison also shares personal stories about growing up in a family of artists and making art during times of emotional upheaval.

The Artish Plunge shares an uplifting chat with Liz Murphy, a New Jersey-based painter, interior designer, illustrator and graphic designer who grew up in Surrey, England. Inspired by her mother’s ability to inject joy and stability through art and creativity into an otherwise turbulent home life, Liz has used her design skills to create meaningful spaces, and ultimately, found her own voice and truth through painting.