Vanessa Paulina studied fashion and illustration at the Academy van Beeldende Kunsten now Willem de Kooning Art Academy in Rotterdam. Prior to that she studied at the Mode Academie in Eindhoven.

To support her artistic endeavours, she took classes in Caribbean History at Leiden University. Did a business course at Atlas in Rotterdam and took various courses at Kunstenaars en Co in Amsterdam; In the picture and Time management .

Besides her painting Vanessa works freelance as a stylist, designer and illustrator.

She also conducts workshops on Painting, fashion and Soul Art.