Daphna Sebbane never had a single moment when she decided to become an artist.
There was no dramatic turning point, no sudden realization that changed everything. Her story began much more quietly with the simple habit of making things.
As a child, Daphna was constantly drawing, painting, and finding new creative projects to obsess over. Making things was simply something she did. It wasn't until college that she began to see that instinct differently: that design could become more than something she loved doing. It could become a career.
That realization may have given her creativity a direction, but the reason she continues to create is much simpler. She loves making things. Her work draws from traditional tattoo art, nature, vintage design, old packaging, music, and anything else that carries a little history and character. Rather than keeping her work confined to a gallery, Daphna finds something meaningful in seeing it become part of everyday life.
Today, that curiosity has taken shape in her growing Gothic Botanica series, where botanical illustrations meet a darker, tattoo-inspired aesthetic. At the same time, collaborations with bands and brands continue to push her style in new directions.
We asked Daphna about the experiences, influences, and creative habits that have shaped the work she's making today.
1. Is there one moment you realized you were (or wanted to be) an artist? Describe that moment.
I don't think there was ever one big "aha" moment. I've always been making things. As a kid I was constantly drawing, painting, or finding some creative project to obsess over. It wasn't until I got to college that I realized design was actually something I could do for a living. Before that, it never really crossed my mind that making art could be a career. Once I figured that out, everything kind of clicked.
2. What has driven you to be an artist?
Honestly, I just love making things. I get excited about taking an idea that's been bouncing around in my head and turning it into something real. I'm inspired by traditional tattoo art, nature, vintage design, old packaging, music—pretty much anything with a little history and character. I also love that my work gets to live outside of a gallery. Whether it's on a shirt, a poster, or even as a beer can, it's fun knowing people get to experience it in their everyday lives.
3. What are you currently working on or excited about?
Right now I've been spending a lot of time building out my Gothic Botanica series. It's become this growing collection of botanical illustrations with a darker, tattoo-inspired twist, and I feel like I'm just scratching the surface. I'm also always working on new collaborations with bands and brands, which keeps things interesting because every project pushes me to look at my style in a different way.
4. How do you get through a creative block?
Usually by getting away from my desk. I've learned that forcing it almost never works. I'll go for a walk, dig through old tattoo books, visit an antique store, or spend time outside. Sometimes I'll even work on something completely unrelated just to get my brain moving again. Inspiration usually shows up when I stop chasing it.
5. What are 5 things currently inspiring you?
- Traditional tattoo flash
- Wildflowers and botanical gardens
- Antique engravings and vintage illustrations
- Punk Rock
- Old Matchbooks
6. Where is the best place to view your art?
Instagram is probably the best place to keep up with what I'm working on. I share new work, there pretty regularly. If you're looking to bring something home, my shop has prints, apparel, stickers, and other goods featuring my work.
Want to see more of Daphna Sebbane’s work? Follow her on Instagram at @daphnasebbane for her latest artwork, illustrations, and creative projects.
You can also explore and shop more of her art through her website.
