This little guy is more than just a piece of art—it’s a reminder of the flow state, that elusive feeling of being so completely absorbed in what you’re doing that the world fades away. I experience this most often in two places: behind the coffee machine and drawing.
What positive emotion do you feel most often?
As a barista, there’s something almost magical about the rush of a massive coffee order. The way everything falls into place, with two or three things happening at once, feels like a sped-up version of Tai Chi. The repetition, the rhythm, the focus—it’s like meditation, only with more caffeine and fewer serene landscapes. In those moments, I’m in the zone, powering through like a well-oiled machine, and it’s strangely satisfying.
But where I really find my happy place is when I’m illustrating. Headphones on, favorite music blasting, losing myself in the creation of my art. It’s that same flow state, only deeper, richer, and more personal. When I’m drawing, it’s not just about getting things done; it’s about purpose, achievement, and moving toward my passion. In those moments, I’m not just working—I’m living my purpose, and that’s where I find what I guess you could call happiness, or at least a sense of contentment.
So, whether it’s making the perfect latte or bringing a Dumbo Octopus to life on paper, the flow state is where I find my positive emotion. It’s where everything clicks, and for a few blissful moments, I’m exactly where I need to be. And if that sense of contentment can be captured in a cute little octopus on a coffee mug, well, I think that’s worth celebrating.
Kids Book Illustrator Andy C Marshall 