#AdobeLife at Home: Alison Morrison Putting a Smile on People’s Faces, One Rock at a Time

How are people spreading joy at home? Our #AdobeLife at Home series is all about highlighting how our community of passionate employees are doing just that. Through this series, we’ll be featuring Adobe employees who want to teach our readers new skills—from emotional wellbeing tips to creative online classes. Here’s how they’re spreading joy.

Today, we’re featuring Alison Morrison, a Program Manager at Adobe, who is spreading joy during this time by painting Happy Rocks and putting them in places around her neighborhood. Check out her video tutorial and start painting your own!

What inspired you to create the Happy Rocks in your neighborhood?

Walks have become a staple in our new schedule and while exploring our neighborhood, I saw a yard with a few painted rocks that read ‘Stay Safe’ and ‘Wash your hands.’ I thought it was sweet. When I got home, I looked on Pinterest for inspiration and once I came across one of the puns, I knew I had to continue the theme. Most of the rocks I’ve painted are a version of an idea I found online.

Your illustrations on them are so cheerful and adorable! Do you paint and draw in your spare time?

I grew up drawing. My grandpa, who was also my babysitter, was an illustrator and at a very young age I learned an appreciation for detail. As I grew older, I realized that being an artist wasn’t going to be my full-time career path, but I never wanted to lose the skill. I paint, mostly with acrylics, from time to time. This stay-at-home order has really given me some time to bring out the paints and get creative. I figure if I can create something that makes me smile, it will also put a smile on the face of someone walking by as well. Embracing the little things that can brighten your day is important, especially in a time like now.

Is there anything you’d like to tell our audience?

I love that I get to share these rocks with more than just those that walk by my house. I think that if there is something you can do to put out a little more cheer and happiness into the world right now, you should. Making masks, buying groceries for your parents, sending someone a package ‘just because’, even painting some rocks, these are all ways to stay connected as we navigate this new world. Stay safe out there and don’t forget to smile!