After completing high school, which had an excellent arts program , she was accepted and attended Alberta College of Art and Design in 2003.

 After two years of study,she transferred to The Art Institute of Vancouver, where she completed a diploma in Game art and design in October 2008.  For the next few years, Natalie would continue to privately build her skills while working for different video game companies as a Quality Assurance specialist, known for her artist eye. In 2011 looking for a more balanced life and a desire to pursue her artist goals, Natalie packed up and moved back to Calgary AB. Immediately, she jumped into the culture of hiking, fishing and camping in the breathtaking countryside. Falling in love with the surrounding national parks and its inhabitants, she quickly found new inspiration for her artwork.