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New! Shop the 2026 Traveller's Road Map - Available now ⛰

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I make art for people who want their homes to feel like a passport. Even to places you've never been! I drew this pattern inspired by one of my top bucket list places to visit - Joshua Tree National Park 🌵⁠ - imagining myself looking out at the desert as the sun rises with coffee in hand. I'll get there someday!⁠
⁠
What national parks are on your bucket list? This park & more are part of my National Parks Stamp Collection travel print- available to shop on my site in my bio!🐪

I make art for people who want their homes to feel like a passport. Even to places you've never been! I drew this pattern inspired by one of my top bucket list places to visit - Joshua Tree National Park 🌵⁠ - imagining myself looking out at the desert as the sun rises with coffee in hand. I'll get there someday!⁠
⁠
What national parks are on your bucket list? This park & more are part of my National Parks Stamp Collection travel print- available to shop on my site in my bio!🐪

2025 was a year of so much learning! I explored making patterns, took some risks on new styles (some I will not be trying again!), and had some fun commissions- all inspired by adventure, connection, global foods, and of course coffee. ⁠
⁠
Some of my favorites from the past year:⁠
⛰️ My first illustration of 2025, Atlas Mornings, inspired by a trip to Morocco⁠
⛰️ "Street Food Around the World" print that made me very hungry and also gave me the travel bug (coming soon to my shop!)⁠
⛰️ Land Rover pattern from my safari collection- one of 3 collections I finished this year while trying to learn surface pattern design⁠
⛰️ One of my favorite commissions- a Chinese dumpling recipe card for friends⁠
⛰️ Joshua Tree pattern inspired by one of the top places on my bucket list to see in the US! ⁠
⛰️ National Park Stamp Collection print - available on my website! ⁠
⛰️ A few more botanic-inspired patterns in lush, earthy colors⁠
⛰️ Coffee bag design and surface illustration⁠
⁠
Looking forward to what's to come in 2026! Will be posting more about intentions for the year and upcoming projects ☕️⁠
⁠
Anything you'd like to see more of this year?!

2025 was a year of so much learning! I explored making patterns, took some risks on new styles (some I will not be trying again!), and had some fun commissions- all inspired by adventure, connection, global foods, and of course coffee. ⁠
⁠
Some of my favorites from the past year:⁠
⛰️ My first illustration of 2025, Atlas Mornings, inspired by a trip to Morocco⁠
⛰️ "Street Food Around the World" print that made me very hungry and also gave me the travel bug (coming soon to my shop!)⁠
⛰️ Land Rover pattern from my safari collection- one of 3 collections I finished this year while trying to learn surface pattern design⁠
⛰️ One of my favorite commissions- a Chinese dumpling recipe card for friends⁠
⛰️ Joshua Tree pattern inspired by one of the top places on my bucket list to see in the US! ⁠
⛰️ National Park Stamp Collection print - available on my website! ⁠
⛰️ A few more botanic-inspired patterns in lush, earthy colors⁠
⛰️ Coffee bag design and surface illustration⁠
⁠
Looking forward to what's to come in 2026! Will be posting more about intentions for the year and upcoming projects ☕️⁠
⁠
Anything you'd like to see more of this year?!

If you're craving more creativity, connection, and adventure in 2026- this is for you ⛰⁠
⁠
This year’s version is fully refreshed from last year, with a look that feels warm and adventury (think: Morocco-inspired). The heart of it is the same: questions that help you slow down, reflect, and dream about what's ahead.⁠
⁠
A sneak peek at what’s inside the 2026 Traveller's Road Map:⁠
🌿 12 intentional questions to look back on your past year⁠
🌿 10 questions to help you lay out your intentions for the year ahead⁠
🌿 A guide to choosing a theme for your road map (with examples!)⁠
🌿 Sample road maps to get you inspired⁠
🌿 A hosting guide for doing road maps with friends (always more fun with friends!)⁠
⁠
My favorite way to do a road map is starting at a coffeeshop with a couple of uninterrupted hours, like the videos here! Then, planning a low-key night with friends to create our road maps on paper together as vision boards we can hang in our homes as visual reminders of what we dreamed of in the new year.⁠
⁠
Get on the waitlist for the road map and take a next step to a more intentional and creative 2026 by commenting "roadmap" or heading to the link in my bio! ⁠

If you're craving more creativity, connection, and adventure in 2026- this is for you ⛰⁠
⁠
This year’s version is fully refreshed from last year, with a look that feels warm and adventury (think: Morocco-inspired). The heart of it is the same: questions that help you slow down, reflect, and dream about what's ahead.⁠
⁠
A sneak peek at what’s inside the 2026 Traveller's Road Map:⁠
🌿 12 intentional questions to look back on your past year⁠
🌿 10 questions to help you lay out your intentions for the year ahead⁠
🌿 A guide to choosing a theme for your road map (with examples!)⁠
🌿 Sample road maps to get you inspired⁠
🌿 A hosting guide for doing road maps with friends (always more fun with friends!)⁠
⁠
My favorite way to do a road map is starting at a coffeeshop with a couple of uninterrupted hours, like the videos here! Then, planning a low-key night with friends to create our road maps on paper together as vision boards we can hang in our homes as visual reminders of what we dreamed of in the new year.⁠
⁠
Get on the waitlist for the road map and take a next step to a more intentional and creative 2026 by commenting "roadmap" or heading to the link in my bio! ⁠

It’s here!🎉 The 2026 Road Map. My go-to ritual for starting the new year that always makes me feel like the most refreshed version of myself: a road map. I take a couple hours at a coffeeshop to process the past year and write through how I want to live differently in the year ahead. A soft, stress-free approach to New Years intentions.

This year, inspired my husband and I’s trip to Morocco a few years ago, the 2026 Traveller’s Road Map is updated with a fresh design and a couple new questions⛰️

Always encouraged by people that are looking for the same things and walking this journey together! Comment “road map” or head to my bio to snag your copy ☕ happy adventuring!

It’s here!🎉 The 2026 Road Map. My go-to ritual for starting the new year that always makes me feel like the most refreshed version of myself: a road map. I take a couple hours at a coffeeshop to process the past year and write through how I want to live differently in the year ahead. A soft, stress-free approach to New Years intentions.

This year, inspired my husband and I’s trip to Morocco a few years ago, the 2026 Traveller’s Road Map is updated with a fresh design and a couple new questions⛰️

Always encouraged by people that are looking for the same things and walking this journey together! Comment “road map” or head to my bio to snag your copy ☕ happy adventuring!

9 years ago, I started gathering with friends once a year- sprawled out on hardwood floors in tiny living rooms to cast vision about what we wanted for the direction of our lives in the next year⛰️⁠
⁠
I got asked for a template for vision boards so many times over the years that, last year, I decided to make a full guide to share. Something that you and I can do to cultivate intentionality in our own lives, and also bring others along for the journey!⁠
⁠
This year's refreshed version of the Traveller's Road Map will be out this month! ⁠
⁠
☕️ Get on the waiting list to grab your copy by commenting "road map" below or heading to the link in my bio ↟⁠

9 years ago, I started gathering with friends once a year- sprawled out on hardwood floors in tiny living rooms to cast vision about what we wanted for the direction of our lives in the next year⛰️⁠
⁠
I got asked for a template for vision boards so many times over the years that, last year, I decided to make a full guide to share. Something that you and I can do to cultivate intentionality in our own lives, and also bring others along for the journey!⁠
⁠
This year's refreshed version of the Traveller's Road Map will be out this month! ⁠
⁠
☕️ Get on the waiting list to grab your copy by commenting "road map" below or heading to the link in my bio ↟⁠

That's a wrap for 2025! It's been a fun year of illustrating- diving deep into trying out patterns, stories, and new prints. ⁠
⁠
Excited for all that's to come this year. ⁠Thanks for being here for the journey! 🏔️

That's a wrap for 2025! It's been a fun year of illustrating- diving deep into trying out patterns, stories, and new prints. ⁠
⁠
Excited for all that's to come this year. ⁠Thanks for being here for the journey! 🏔️

Relaxing mood all week in between Christmas and New Years! Lots of fresh coffee, pilates, thinking through a vision board for the new year and recipe planning appetizers for New Years Day☕️⁠
⁠
Hope you enjoy some rest and creativity this week🌿

Relaxing mood all week in between Christmas and New Years! Lots of fresh coffee, pilates, thinking through a vision board for the new year and recipe planning appetizers for New Years Day☕️⁠
⁠
Hope you enjoy some rest and creativity this week🌿

As someone who's lived in 11 different homes in 10 years, there are no shortages of goodbyes. My recent illustration of a bao cart (last slide) was inspired by a conversation with friends who also lived in Asia- talking about eating fantastic bao in China. ⁠
⁠
It got me thinking about people who know the places we've called home- and how they uniquely know the versions of ourselves we became in certain seasons of "home". ⁠
⁠
If you're like me and have said lots of goodbyes over the years, read on in my newest field journal "The People Who Know the Places We've Called Home" through my site in my bio📚️

As someone who's lived in 11 different homes in 10 years, there are no shortages of goodbyes. My recent illustration of a bao cart (last slide) was inspired by a conversation with friends who also lived in Asia- talking about eating fantastic bao in China. ⁠
⁠
It got me thinking about people who know the places we've called home- and how they uniquely know the versions of ourselves we became in certain seasons of "home". ⁠
⁠
If you're like me and have said lots of goodbyes over the years, read on in my newest field journal "The People Who Know the Places We've Called Home" through my site in my bio📚️

Why is it that a great coffeeshop is the best place in the world for creative inspiration?! ⁠
⁠
Today, I'm using this caffeine and cozy cafe-induced creative energy for:⁠
↟ working towards my writing goals ⁠
↟ language learning⁠
↟ adding more whimsical, abstract elements to my illustrations⁠
↟ improving my architecture drawing skills ⁠
⁠
What's on your list to work on creatively this week?☕️⁠
⁠
I hope you find the space for creativity & adventure today- even if it's in the margins! ⁠

Why is it that a great coffeeshop is the best place in the world for creative inspiration?! ⁠
⁠
Today, I'm using this caffeine and cozy cafe-induced creative energy for:⁠
↟ working towards my writing goals ⁠
↟ language learning⁠
↟ adding more whimsical, abstract elements to my illustrations⁠
↟ improving my architecture drawing skills ⁠
⁠
What's on your list to work on creatively this week?☕️�⁠
⁠
I hope you find the space for creativity & adventure today- even if it's in the margins! ⁠

On a January afternoon, coffee in hand on my tiny dorm room bed, I flipped through my copy of Kinfolk and landed on an article about winter. Each line sang the praises of winter. A winter I didn’t know. ⁠
⁠
I'd traded the blizzards of Washington, D.C. for university in a city of palm trees. But far from cold, slushy walks and melancholy skies aching for sunshine, this winter was an invitation. ⁠
⁠
An invitation to slowness. To cozy away from the outside world. A necessary hibernation that our bodies and souls need to rest. A peaceful and intentional gathering with others.⁠
⁠
Each word reintroduced me to a friend I’d outgrown. In my hurry to outrun the dreary, uninspired pining for spring, I’d missed winter in its truer form. Winter who wasn't inconvenient. Who gave me respite from school during blizzards, and resurrected memories of my mom making my hot chocolate after building igloos. Winter who held unrushed conversation, cooked soup from scratch, and wore cabin socks. ⁠
⁠
My soul craved that cozy kinship. Winter’s better story. I craved conversations that felt like a campfire. Home-cooked meals. Rescue from the hustle. A necessary pause- making way for things that wouldn’t exist in sunlit seasons. I shifted my posture to welcome the winter. ⁠
⁠
May we all find little ways to befriend our winters this year.⁠
⁠
-⁠
An excerpt from some writing I'm doing called "Reframing Winter". This cozy girl is how I imagine making the most of winter- soaking up the chilly fresh air outside, equipped with a mug of fresh coffee and a cozy sweater❄️⁠

On a January afternoon, coffee in hand on my tiny dorm room bed, I flipped through my copy of Kinfolk and landed on an article about winter. Each line sang the praises of winter. A winter I didn’t know. ⁠
⁠
I'd traded the blizzards of Washington, D.C. for university in a city of palm trees. But far from cold, slushy walks and melancholy skies aching for sunshine, this winter was an invitation. ⁠
⁠
An invitation to slowness. To cozy away from the outside world. A necessary hibernation that our bodies and souls need to rest. A peaceful and intentional gathering with others.⁠
⁠
Each word reintroduced me to a friend I’d outgrown. In my hurry to outrun the dreary, uninspired pining for spring, I’d missed winter in its truer form. Winter who wasn't inconvenient. Who gave me respite from school during blizzards, and resurrected memories of my mom making my hot chocolate after building igloos. Winter who held unrushed conversation, cooked soup from scratch, and wore cabin socks. ⁠
⁠
My soul craved that cozy kinship. Winter’s better story. I craved conversations that felt like a campfire. Home-cooked meals. Rescue from the hustle. A necessary pause- making way for things that wouldn’t exist in sunlit seasons. I shifted my posture to welcome the winter. ⁠
⁠
May we all find little ways to befriend our winters this year.⁠
⁠
-⁠
An excerpt from some writing I'm doing called "Reframing Winter". This cozy girl is how I imagine making the most of winter- soaking up the chilly fresh air outside, equipped with a mug of fresh coffee and a cozy sweater❄️⁠

Maybe the space we're given from old friendships is an invitation. With every move and busy schedule, there are chances for new things to bloom. ⁠
⁠
Things aren't what they once were, but who knows what they could be?⁠
⁠
--⁠
A little challenge to myself this year to branch out and experiment with different types of illustrations, like stories and patterns🎨

Maybe the space we're given from old friendships is an invitation. With every move and busy schedule, there are chances for new things to bloom. ⁠
⁠
Things aren't what they once were, but who knows what they could be?⁠
⁠
--⁠
A little challenge to myself this year to branch out and experiment with different types of illustrations, like stories and patterns🎨

Just illustrating some whimsical polar bears while watching a Christmas movie to match the holiday spirit🎄 The most wonderful time of the year!

Just illustrating some whimsical polar bears while watching a Christmas movie to match the holiday spirit🎄 The most wonderful time of the year!

In each new city, I pray for even just one kindred spirit. As someone who feels like I’m always leaving, I look for someone with common threads. Someone anchoring, who feels like an old friend even if it’s our first conversation. ⁠
⁠
It’s a different kind of friendship than the people you grew up with. You’ve probably never met their parents or been to their childhood home. You won’t have walked through the awkward stages with them or know who they dated before they got married. You weren’t there when they lost their grandparents or made the big decisions that shaped them into who they are today. ⁠
⁠
But there’s something special about people getting the versions of us that we’ve become. The versions we’ve worked hard for. Certain kindred spirits will meet us on the other sides of our moves, milestones, and losses. We’re not the same people we always were, but with our new friends, we feel uniquely at home in our new skin.⁠
⁠
Just some thoughts today as I challenge myself to write more and pull on themes of places & people into new illustrations this month🎨

In each new city, I pray for even just one kindred spirit. As someone who feels like I’m always leaving, I look for someone with common threads. Someone anchoring, who feels like an old friend even if it’s our first conversation. ⁠
⁠
It’s a different kind of friendship than the people you grew up with. You’ve probably never met their parents or been to their childhood home. You won’t have walked through the awkward stages with them or know who they dated before they got married. You weren’t there when they lost their grandparents or made the big decisions that shaped them into who they are today. ⁠
⁠
But there’s something special about people getting the versions of us that we’ve become. The versions we’ve worked hard for. Certain kindred spirits will meet us on the other sides of our moves, milestones, and losses. We’re not the same people we always were, but with our new friends, we feel uniquely at home in our new skin.⁠
⁠
Just some thoughts today as I challenge myself to write more and pull on themes of places & people into new illustrations this month🎨

Been inspired lately by more pencil-like textures, and playing around with old brushes trying to cultivate some whimsy🍂⁠
⁠
As I challenge myself to write more this year, winter's been on my mind- and the invitation it gives us to find its beauty, rewriting its narrative from cold and slush into brisk air with fresh coffee that gives us an excuse to wear cozy sweaters. ⁠
⁠
I think this illustration will go hand-in-hand with that❄️

Been inspired lately by more pencil-like textures, and playing around with old brushes trying to cultivate some whimsy🍂⁠
⁠
As I challenge myself to write more this year, winter's been on my mind- and the invitation it gives us to find its beauty, rewriting its narrative from cold and slush into brisk air with fresh coffee that gives us an excuse to wear cozy sweaters. ⁠
⁠
I think this illustration will go hand-in-hand with that❄️

Dreamt up this little bao stand illustration while thinking about a conversation with friends who also lived in Asia about the most delicious bao we ate in Chengdu. ⁠
⁠
How strange a thing it is- for people to connect across places and time and be anchored by something as small as a dumpling shop at the foothills of the Himalayas. 🏔️⁠
⁠
It got me thinking about the people who know the places we've called home, and uniquely know the versions of us that formed in those places. ⁠
⁠
The full blog "The People Who Know the Places We've Called Home" that inspired this little bao cart is on my site now. Head to the Field Journals my bio to check it out, and order some bao for lunch if you get hungry!🥟🥢⁠

Dreamt up this little bao stand illustration while thinking about a conversation with friends who also lived in Asia about the most delicious bao we ate in Chengdu. ⁠
⁠
How strange a thing it is- for people to connect across places and time and be anchored by something as small as a dumpling shop at the foothills of the Himalayas. 🏔️⁠
⁠
It got me thinking about the people who know the places we've called home, and uniquely know the versions of us that formed in those places. ⁠
⁠
The full blog "The People Who Know the Places We've Called Home" that inspired this little bao cart is on my site now. Head to the Field Journals my bio to check it out, and order some bao for lunch if you get hungry!🥟🥢⁠

Something about the weather getting cooler always makes me feel more creative this time of year❄️ More hibernating, slowing down, and focusing on things I love like illustrating, writing, and learning languages😊 ⁠
⁠
Getting back on the creative grind, I'm excited to share some illustrations from the last few months! I've been inspired lately by Asia, street foods, people, and coffeeshops. But what's new! ⁠
⁠
Hope you're finding creative inspiration wherever you are today as we lean into the winter months🌲

Something about the weather getting cooler always makes me feel more creative this time of year❄️ More hibernating, slowing down, and focusing on things I love like illustrating, writing, and learning languages😊 ⁠
⁠
Getting back on the creative grind, I'm excited to share some illustrations from the last few months! I've been inspired lately by Asia, street foods, people, and coffeeshops. But what's new! ⁠
⁠
Hope you're finding creative inspiration wherever you are today as we lean into the winter months🌲

One of my favorite ways to experience a culture is through their street food! I collected a few of my favorite spots for street food (and some places that are on my list✈️) and gathered them into one illustration that makes me hungry every time I look at it😋⁠
⁠
Some of my favorite street foods are: mango sticky rice or moo ping (bbq pork with sticky rice) in Thailand, simit or fish sandwiches along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, and bun cha in Vietnam. ⁠
⁠
What are your favorites?!

One of my favorite ways to experience a culture is through their street food! I collected a few of my favorite spots for street food (and some places that are on my list✈️) and gathered them into one illustration that makes me hungry every time I look at it😋⁠
⁠
Some of my favorite street foods are: mango sticky rice or moo ping (bbq pork with sticky rice) in Thailand, simit or fish sandwiches along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, and bun cha in Vietnam. ⁠
⁠
What are your favorites?!

Some play for this rainy Thursday🎈

Some play for this rainy Thursday🎈

stopping to notice the little moments and new joys, like fresh dragon fruit and market friends🥥

swipe through to see the illustration process! trying something new with visual storytelling & posting while it still feels unfinished and imperfect🌿

stopping to notice the little moments and new joys, like fresh dragon fruit and market friends🥥

swipe through to see the illustration process! trying something new with visual storytelling & posting while it still feels unfinished and imperfect🌿

In my little corner of the internet, I wanted to kindle a place where people could stay awhile and explore illustrations, projects, field journals, and even playlists driven by stories of travel, sustainability, and humanitarian efforts. I explored different platforms that could bring this all to life🏔️

I happen to have the chronic problem of not being able to do anything halfway. So, even though websites are not my specialty, I landed on Wix because it’s the only platform that allowed for the flexibility I needed to splash my illustrations all over the page and customize everything exactly how I wanted it.

Head to www.kellywallacecreative.com or through the link in my bio to explore the final result!🌿

#webillustration #wixpartner

In my little corner of the internet, I wanted to kindle a place where people could stay awhile and explore illustrations, projects, field journals, and even playlists driven by stories of travel, sustainability, and humanitarian efforts. I explored different platforms that could bring this all to life🏔️

I happen to have the chronic problem of not being able to do anything halfway. So, even though websites are not my specialty, I landed on Wix because it’s the only platform that allowed for the flexibility I needed to splash my illustrations all over the page and customize everything exactly how I wanted it.

Head to www.kellywallacecreative.com or through the link in my bio to explore the final result!🌿

#webillustration #wixpartner

“Invitation Over Isolation” is a print inspired by the resilience and hope I've seen in conversations with South Sudanese refugees, Pakistani asylum seekers, and Afghan women. It's a simple invitation to bridge the gap and ask the question: what would happen if we were more proximate and curious of our international neighbors?⁠
⁠
→Swipe to the last photo to see some of the original sketch concepts on the theme of the refugee experience that developed into this print.⁠
⁠
Printed on high-quality artwork printed onto archival-certified Hahnemühle Hemp paper, sustainably produced from hemp fiber (60%) and cotton (40%), this print is for the welcomers- who want to choose invitation over isolation. ⁠
⁠
Want to explore the print? Comment "invitation" to get the link directly in your DMs!

“Invitation Over Isolation” is a print inspired by the resilience and hope I've seen in conversations with South Sudanese refugees, Pakistani asylum seekers, and Afghan women. It's a simple invitation to bridge the gap and ask the question: what would happen if we were more proximate and curious of our international neighbors?⁠
⁠
→Swipe to the last photo to see some of the original sketch concepts on the theme of the refugee experience that developed into this print.⁠
⁠
Printed on high-quality artwork printed onto archival-certified Hahnemühle Hemp paper, sustainably produced from hemp fiber (60%) and cotton (40%), this print is for the welcomers- who want to choose invitation over isolation. ⁠
⁠
Want to explore the print? Comment "invitation" to get the link directly in your DMs!

I'm learning that you never really feel like you've "arrived" in a creative practice. You're always growing and shifting. And once you feel confident in one area, there's another to learn! ⁠
⁠
When I started illustrating, I drew a LOT of people. Once I felt comfortable with people, I moved into more simple elements- plants, elephants, land rovers :) ⁠
⁠
Recently, I've been nose to the ground exploring pattern development🙌 But I think next will be the seasons to figure out a style of landscape illustrations. ⁠
⁠
Nature captures my heart- but I'm still working on how I want to illustrate story-driven landscapes. This one is the closest I've found - inspired by the rice terraces of Thailand on a quiet road trip outside the big city. ⁠
⁠
What kind of landscapes would you want to see illustrated? I'm looking for all the inspo! ⬇️

I'm learning that you never really feel like you've "arrived" in a creative practice. You're always growing and shifting. And once you feel confident in one area, there's another to learn! ⁠
⁠
When I started illustrating, I drew a LOT of people. Once I felt comfortable with people, I moved into more simple elements- plants, elephants, land rovers :) ⁠
⁠
Recently, I've been nose to the ground exploring pattern development🙌 But I think next will be the seasons to figure out a style of landscape illustrations. ⁠
⁠
Nature captures my heart- but I'm still working on how I want to illustrate story-driven landscapes. This one is the closest I've found - inspired by the rice terraces of Thailand on a quiet road trip outside the big city. ⁠
⁠
What kind of landscapes would you want to see illustrated? I'm looking for all the inspo! ⬇️

My happy place is a morning traveling abroad. Waking up in a place unexplored, the day untouched, knowing that I’m on the brink of adventure with people I love. Being out of my normal context helps me appreciate the wonder back in everyday life.⁠
⁠
These moments can carry us through the valleys. But what about the in-between? Most of us can’t hop to our mountaintops every time we crave refreshment.⁠
⁠
So, we anchor ourselves with reminders - visual adventures- that transport us, if even for a second, to where we feel alive. Art breathes life into our souls- like we’re in the places we feel whole. Until we are. ⁠
⁠
This is why I create.⁠
⁠
Have an idea you’d like to explore? I’m still accepting projects for 2025, message me to start bringing your story to life!

My happy place is a morning traveling abroad. Waking up in a place unexplored, the day untouched, knowing that I’m on the brink of adventure with people I love. Being out of my normal context helps me appreciate the wonder back in everyday life.⁠
⁠
These moments can carry us through the valleys. But what about the in-between? Most of us can’t hop to our mountaintops every time we crave refreshment.⁠
⁠
So, we anchor ourselves with reminders - visual adventures- that transport us, if even for a second, to where we feel alive. Art breathes life into our souls- like we’re in the places we feel whole. Until we are. ⁠
⁠
This is why I create.⁠
⁠
Have an idea you’d like to explore? I’m still accepting projects for 2025, message me to start bringing your story to life!

Dreaming of Arches National Park today! It's one of the top on my list so I decided to include it as a pattern in my National Park-inspired collection I'm working on. Hope to make it there one day! ⁠
⁠
What national parks are at the top of your list?⛰️ ⁠
⁠
--⁠
⁠
#nationalparkillustration #archesillustration #travelillustrator

Dreaming of Arches National Park today! It's one of the top on my list so I decided to include it as a pattern in my National Park-inspired collection I'm working on. Hope to make it there one day! ⁠
⁠
What national parks are at the top of your list?⛰️ ⁠
⁠
--⁠
⁠
#nationalparkillustration #archesillustration #travelillustrator

The feeling when you finally finish a project you've been working on for years (!!!) Looking forward to sending my newly completed pitch decks to purpose-driven people and brands to explore new collaborations⛰️⁠
⁠
I've had a running list of dream people to connect with for years, and even though I'm an advocate for "done is better than perfect", I only wanted to put a pitch deck in people's hands that I was truly proud of. ⁠
⁠
If you are or know of any purpose-driven people and brands (particularly within the travel, sustainability, or humanitarian sectors) looking to tell their stories in creative ways, shoot me a DM! Let's dream together🎨⁠

The feeling when you finally finish a project you've been working on for years (!!!) Looking forward to sending my newly completed pitch decks to purpose-driven people and brands to explore new collaborations⛰️⁠
⁠
I've had a running list of dream people to connect with for years, and even though I'm an advocate for "done is better than perfect", I only wanted to put a pitch deck in people's hands that I was truly proud of. ⁠
⁠
If you are or know of any purpose-driven people and brands (particularly within the travel, sustainability, or humanitarian sectors) looking to tell their stories in creative ways, shoot me a DM! Let's dream together🎨⁠

Day 3/3 of illustrating the refugee experience.⁠
⁠
Today we’re bringing the sketch to life with color. I want the color story to be diverse- just like the people. I also want this illustration to hold space for the unknown- unsure whether the place they’re going will be really better than what they leave behind. I can’t imagine fleeing my home and community because I see no other option.⁠
⁠
But this story is mostly about hope and connection with others- bright spots that have been true of the refugees I’ve had the privilege of meeting from places like Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Syria. ⁠
⁠
I think the gaps between us close with proximity, curiosity, and empathy. ⁠When strangers become friends. When assumptions break down over cups of coffee. ⁠When we choose invitation over isolation.⁠
⁠
My point of this series is this: I wonder how much would change if even a few of us made it our mission to be more proximate and curious of our international neighbors? ⁠
⁠
What if we helped usher in the hope and community that can be found in their new home?⁠
⁠
This print is now available on the shop so you can hang the reminder in your home⛰️ Comment “invitation” to get the link sent directly to you!

—
#travelillustration #refugeeart #humanitarian #purposedrivenillustration

Day 3/3 of illustrating the refugee experience.⁠
⁠
Today we’re bringing the sketch to life with color. I want the color story to be diverse- just like the people. I also want this illustration to hold space for the unknown- unsure whether the place they’re going will be really better than what they leave behind. I can’t imagine fleeing my home and community because I see no other option.⁠
⁠
But this story is mostly about hope and connection with others- bright spots that have been true of the refugees I’ve had the privilege of meeting from places like Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Syria. ⁠
⁠
I think the gaps between us close with proximity, curiosity, and empathy. ⁠When strangers become friends. When assumptions break down over cups of coffee. ⁠When we choose invitation over isolation.⁠
⁠
My point of this series is this: I wonder how much would change if even a few of us made it our mission to be more proximate and curious of our international neighbors? ⁠
⁠
What if we helped usher in the hope and community that can be found in their new home?⁠
⁠
This print is now available on the shop so you can hang the reminder in your home⛰️ Comment “invitation” to get the link sent directly to you!

—
#travelillustration #refugeeart #humanitarian #purposedrivenillustration

Day 2 of 3: Illustrating the Refugee Experience⁠
⁠
Yesterday, we narrowed in on story and sketched ideas. I wanted to capture the strength and hope of a new season- hope like I’ve seen in my international friends. This particular illustration doesn’t narrow in on the hardships alone but it does leave some space for the unknown.⁠
⁠
I first worked with refugees in 2016 at a local resettlement agency - helping go through mail, giving rides to job interviews, and mostly just being a friend over cups of juice and kids running around.⁠
⁠
Follow to see part 3 tomorrow where I’ll add color to the final illustration!⁠
⁠

Day 2 of 3: Illustrating the Refugee Experience⁠
⁠
Yesterday, we narrowed in on story and sketched ideas. I wanted to capture the strength and hope of a new season- hope like I’ve seen in my international friends. This particular illustration doesn’t narrow in on the hardships alone but it does leave some space for the unknown.⁠
⁠
I first worked with refugees in 2016 at a local resettlement agency - helping go through mail, giving rides to job interviews, and mostly just being a friend over cups of juice and kids running around.⁠
⁠
Follow to see part 3 tomorrow where I’ll add color to the final illustration!⁠
⁠

Day 1/3: Illustrating the Refugee Experience🎨 ⁠
⁠
Before any brushstrokes, I start with the story. Today’s sketches are drawn around the theme of hope—for a new home, for peace, for the strength found in community.⁠
⁠
So many of my international friends have lived through unimaginable hardship, yet they’re resilient and expectant of the future.⁠
⁠
I’m exploring visual ways to tell those stories— starting with lots and lots of rough sketches! ⁠
⁠
Follow along for Part 2 which drops tomorrow as I narrow down the concept and start bringing it to life through a final sketch🌿
⁠
—⁠
⁠
#illustrationprocess #refugeestories #creativejourney #humanitariandesign #refugeevoices

Day 1/3: Illustrating the Refugee Experience🎨 ⁠
⁠
Before any brushstrokes, I start with the story. Today’s sketches are drawn around the theme of hope—for a new home, for peace, for the strength found in community.⁠
⁠
So many of my international friends have lived through unimaginable hardship, yet they’re resilient and expectant of the future.⁠
⁠
I’m exploring visual ways to tell those stories— starting with lots and lots of rough sketches! ⁠
⁠
Follow along for Part 2 which drops tomorrow as I narrow down the concept and start bringing it to life through a final sketch🌿
⁠
—⁠
⁠
#illustrationprocess #refugeestories #creativejourney #humanitariandesign #refugeevoices

New "Forest Echo" pattern - inspired by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that spans Tennessee and North Carolina (where I called home for many years). With muted autumn tones and the Smoky's signature nature, I'm already wanting to go on a road trip 🛣️⁠
⁠
Pattern available for license soon! ⁠
⁠
Which park would you want to see in a National Parks-inspired collection? Let me know below!

New "Forest Echo" pattern - inspired by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that spans Tennessee and North Carolina (where I called home for many years). With muted autumn tones and the Smoky's signature nature, I'm already wanting to go on a road trip 🛣️⁠
⁠
Pattern available for license soon! ⁠
⁠
Which park would you want to see in a National Parks-inspired collection? Let me know below!

Illustrating the planet, one brushstroke at a time. This Earth Day, I sketched some things I love about our earth - plants and animals from land, sky, and sea🐨🌿⁠
⁠
From my early days of illustrating, environmental causes have been one of my favorite stories to bring to life! Reading about Earth Day today, I was so encouraged about the milestones made across the world:⁠
⁠
🌍 One billion of us are participating in Earth Day this year—proof that collective creativity can tilt even the biggest systems.⁠
☀️ Solar is now the cheapest electricity in history, Texas leads U.S. wind, and Uruguay runs on 98 % renewables. Maybe I'm an optimist, but tripling global renewable generation by 2030 seems like a dream within reach.⁠
🌱 Clean energy slashes pollution, cuts medical costs, and lifts communities still below the “modern energy minimum.” Energy equity for everyone.⁠
🎨 From installers on rooftops to illustrators like me, 14 million new green jobs are on the horizon (!!)⁠
⁠
→ Swipe to see the video process of creating this illustration. Let's keep loving our planet better!⁠
⁠
⁠
#EarthDay2025 #ecoillustration #cleanenergy #ourplanetweek

Illustrating the planet, one brushstroke at a time. This Earth Day, I sketched some things I love about our earth - plants and animals from land, sky, and sea🐨🌿⁠
⁠
From my early days of illustrating, environmental causes have been one of my favorite stories to bring to life! Reading about Earth Day today, I was so encouraged about the milestones made across the world:⁠
⁠
🌍 One billion of us are participating in Earth Day this year—proof that collective creativity can tilt even the biggest systems.⁠
☀️ Solar is now the cheapest electricity in history, Texas leads U.S. wind, and Uruguay runs on 98 % renewables. Maybe I'm an optimist, but tripling global renewable generation by 2030 seems like a dream within reach.⁠
🌱 Clean energy slashes pollution, cuts medical costs, and lifts communities still below the “modern energy minimum.” Energy equity for everyone.⁠
🎨 From installers on rooftops to illustrators like me, 14 million new green jobs are on the horizon (!!)⁠
⁠
→ Swipe to see the video process of creating this illustration. Let's keep loving our planet better!⁠
⁠
⁠
#EarthDay2025 #ecoillustration #cleanenergy #ourplanetweek

Let’s create something that matters. Whether it’s eco-travel, humanitarian storytelling, or personal memories, I’m here for it ⛰️⁠
⁠
Your story matters- and as an illustrator, my work is to bring it to life in a way that resonates. ⁠
⁠
If you leave our time together refreshed saying, “That was easier than expected!” and are proud to show your illustrations to people? Mission accomplished. ⁠
⁠
Got a project idea in mind? DM me to see if we can bring it to life! 🌿⁠

Let’s create something that matters. Whether it’s eco-travel, humanitarian storytelling, or personal memories, I’m here for it ⛰️⁠
⁠
Your story matters- and as an illustrator, my work is to bring it to life in a way that resonates. ⁠
⁠
If you leave our time together refreshed saying, “That was easier than expected!” and are proud to show your illustrations to people? Mission accomplished. ⁠
⁠
Got a project idea in mind? DM me to see if we can bring it to life! 🌿⁠

Strange fact: I only spend about 10% of my freelance work time illustrating. I’m a chronic learner, if that’s a thing. I enjoy the behind-the-scenes work of planning the heartbeat of the creative work just as much as making it come to life! 🎨⁠
⁠
From learning the logistics of building portfolios, improving at storytelling, and how to create cohesive collections, to working on the ethos of my illustrations. Things like: ⁠
- What values do I want to show through every illustration, post, and page? ⁠
- How do I want people to feel when they come across my work?⁠
- How can I bring a more human feel to a digital space?⁠
⁠
Between colors, word choices, field journals, and even contracts, I always ask myself:

Does this make me want to be more purposeful, adventurous, and creative?

To live more deeply into community, explore and hope?
⁠
If so, my mission is complete. ⁠
⁠
This week I updated my website (kellywallacecreative.com) with @dakotachasityphotography beautifully edited and creative photos and I love how she captured the same vision.⁠
⁠
So, I hope you find some inspiration here! Check out the new site in my bio to explore services, field journals, travel prints, my studio playlist, and more ⛰️

Strange fact: I only spend about 10% of my freelance work time illustrating. I’m a chronic learner, if that’s a thing. I enjoy the behind-the-scenes work of planning the heartbeat of the creative work just as much as making it come to life! 🎨⁠
⁠
From learning the logistics of building portfolios, improving at storytelling, and how to create cohesive collections, to working on the ethos of my illustrations. Things like: ⁠
- What values do I want to show through every illustration, post, and page? ⁠
- How do I want people to feel when they come across my work?⁠
- How can I bring a more human feel to a digital space?⁠
⁠
Between colors, word choices, field journals, and even contracts, I always ask myself:

Does this make me want to be more purposeful, adventurous, and creative?

To live more deeply into community, explore and hope?
⁠
If so, my mission is complete. ⁠
⁠
This week I updated my website (kellywallacecreative.com) with @dakotachasityphotography beautifully edited and creative photos and I love how she captured the same vision.⁠
⁠
So, I hope you find some inspiration here! Check out the new site in my bio to explore services, field journals, travel prints, my studio playlist, and more ⛰️

To make this creative corner feel more "human", I think 20 questions will help us get to know each other better :) If you recently joined the email list, you already know these! I'd love to hear your answers too, and if we have anything in common🌿⁠
⁠
1. Dream place to live for a year?⁠
Maybe Mallorca, Spain or San Jose, Costa Rica. I'd love to explore and become conversational in Spanish!⁠
⁠
2. What inspires me out of a creative rut?⁠
Getting outdoors, reading At Home in Joshua Tree or an international cookbook, popping into a Patagonia store 🎨⁠
⁠
3. What's my enneagram?⁠
1w2⁠
⁠
4. Something I'd love people to know about my art?⁠
I'm always asking myself if my work moves people closer to adventure, purpose, community, and refreshment. If it doesn't in some way, I try to rework it to reflect those values! ⁠
⁠
5. What's my favorite national park?⁠
I think I've yet to visit my favorite, but I love the Grand Canyon and hiked it a few years back! ⁠
⁠
6. Favorite color?⁠
Sage. It strikes a pretty vibe between peaceful and alive, so I use it in most of my illustrations!⁠
⁠
7. My go-to dish to cook?⁠
Chicken tikka masala. I found a great recipe 10 years ago and never stopped making it. ⁠
⁠
8. Where was I born?⁠
Washington, DC Metro Area.⁠
⁠
9. What's my guilty pleasure? ⁠
Learning new things on Youtube- travel, languages, cooking, all of it! ⁠
⁠
10. What's an odd quirk of mine? ⁠
Every time I visit a new country, I want to learn the language and move there.⁠
⁠
11. Drink of choice?⁠
Black coffee- Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (natural process) made with a V60, if I'm going to be pretentious about it. ⁠
⁠
12. Favorite way to move? ⁠
Hiking or walking outside.⁠
⁠
13. Morning person or night owl?⁠
100% morning person. I'm useless after 9pm unless I've hit a stride with a creative project!⁠
⁠
14. Dream place to travel to?⁠
Peru. I've never been to South America, and would love to see a guanaco! ⁠
⁠
*continued in the comments :)⁠
⁠
Do we have anything in common? Let me know below! ⁠

To make this creative corner feel more "human", I think 20 questions will help us get to know each other better :) If you recently joined the email list, you already know these! I'd love to hear your answers too, and if we have anything in common🌿⁠
⁠
1. Dream place to live for a year?⁠
Maybe Mallorca, Spain or San Jose, Costa Rica. I'd love to explore and become conversational in Spanish!⁠
⁠
2. What inspires me out of a creative rut?⁠
Getting outdoors, reading At Home in Joshua Tree or an international cookbook, popping into a Patagonia store 🎨⁠
⁠
3. What's my enneagram?⁠
1w2⁠
⁠
4. Something I'd love people to know about my art?⁠
I'm always asking myself if my work moves people closer to adventure, purpose, community, and refreshment. If it doesn't in some way, I try to rework it to reflect those values! ⁠
⁠
5. What's my favorite national park?⁠
I think I've yet to visit my favorite, but I love the Grand Canyon and hiked it a few years back! ⁠
⁠
6. Favorite color?⁠
Sage. It strikes a pretty vibe between peaceful and alive, so I use it in most of my illustrations!⁠
⁠
7. My go-to dish to cook?⁠
Chicken tikka masala. I found a great recipe 10 years ago and never stopped making it. ⁠
⁠
8. Where was I born?⁠
Washington, DC Metro Area.⁠
⁠
9. What's my guilty pleasure? ⁠
Learning new things on Youtube- travel, languages, cooking, all of it! ⁠
⁠
10. What's an odd quirk of mine? ⁠
Every time I visit a new country, I want to learn the language and move there.⁠
⁠
11. Drink of choice?⁠
Black coffee- Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (natural process) made with a V60, if I'm going to be pretentious about it. ⁠
⁠
12. Favorite way to move? ⁠
Hiking or walking outside.⁠
⁠
13. Morning person or night owl?⁠
100% morning person. I'm useless after 9pm unless I've hit a stride with a creative project!⁠
⁠
14. Dream place to travel to?⁠
Peru. I've never been to South America, and would love to see a guanaco! ⁠
⁠
*continued in the comments :)⁠
⁠
Do we have anything in common? Let me know below! ⁠

This “Bali Market” illustration was inspired by the tropical fruits of Southeast Asia. There’s something so dreamy about a farmer’s market- full of fresh flowers, ripe fruits, and people who bring life to the community.⁠ My favorite things to get at a farmers market in Asia are dragonfruit and mango! ⁠
⁠
If you saw last week’s post about how farmer’s markets make us better people, you may have already gotten this pattern as a phone wallpaper! ⁠
⁠
I’m thinking of making this illustration available as a vector icon set for people to use in projects. What do you think?!

This “Bali Market” illustration was inspired by the tropical fruits of Southeast Asia. There’s something so dreamy about a farmer’s market- full of fresh flowers, ripe fruits, and people who bring life to the community.⁠ My favorite things to get at a farmers market in Asia are dragonfruit and mango! ⁠
⁠
If you saw last week’s post about how farmer’s markets make us better people, you may have already gotten this pattern as a phone wallpaper! ⁠
⁠
I’m thinking of making this illustration available as a vector icon set for people to use in projects. What do you think?!

My 2 biggest challenges as a creative? Perfectionism & uninterrupted time.⁠
⁠
Maybe you can relate. As someone who wants everything they do to be good (1w2 for all my enneagram people🙈), trying new things is...humbling. You just can’t be good at everything from day 1! ⁠
⁠
Creating in the margins of the day with very little interrupted time makes me feel like I’m moving at a turtle’s pace🐢 My husband will attest that I have little creative crises quite often and wonder if I should put illustration on a shelf for a less-demanding season of life.⁠
⁠
But I keep coming back. Because, as a friend told me, “you create because you can’t not create.”⁠
⁠
I feel that in my bones. I’ve never looked back and wished I’d quit. Maybe the slowness, learning curves, and rough drafts are more about how I’m being formed as a creative and human, than the creations themselves. ⁠
⁠
I’m working on an email note to our Basecamp & Brew folks about tricks I’ve learned (and am still learning!) that help in creative dry seasons. If you don’t want to miss it, comment “brew” to get the next email⛰️

My 2 biggest challenges as a creative? Perfectionism & uninterrupted time.⁠
⁠
Maybe you can relate. As someone who wants everything they do to be good (1w2 for all my enneagram people🙈), trying new things is...humbling. You just can’t be good at everything from day 1! ⁠
⁠
Creating in the margins of the day with very little interrupted time makes me feel like I’m moving at a turtle’s pace🐢 My husband will attest that I have little creative crises quite often and wonder if I should put illustration on a shelf for a less-demanding season of life.⁠
⁠
But I keep coming back. Because, as a friend told me, “you create because you can’t not create.”⁠
⁠
I feel that in my bones. I’ve never looked back and wished I’d quit. Maybe the slowness, learning curves, and rough drafts are more about how I’m being formed as a creative and human, than the creations themselves. ⁠
⁠
I’m working on an email note to our Basecamp & Brew folks about tricks I’ve learned (and am still learning!) that help in creative dry seasons. If you don’t want to miss it, comment “brew” to get the next email⛰️

New artwork inspired by farmer's markets!👩‍🌾⁠
⁠
It was love at first sight: the first time I walked through a farmers market in a city of palm trees. I was not an environmentalist. But I found myself wanting to get a reusable market bag and cook with a rainbow of veggies. That farmers market opened a new part of my heart- one that cared. ⁠
⁠
How do farmer's markets make us better people? Swipe to learn. In a nutshell, they provide: ⁠
⁠
1. Fresh air and movement⁠
2. Connection with others⁠
3. Time with creative people doing what they love⁠
4. Inspiration to eat bright, nourishing foods⁠
5. The invitation to shop locally⁠
⁠
My personal favorite farmer's markets?⁠
1. Pepper Place in Birmingham, AL⁠
2. Bang Krachao in Bangkok, Thailand⁠
3. Soda City in Columbia, SC⁠
⁠
Your creative call-to-adventure this spring: Explore a farmers market. Break the monotony and get outside. Meet people, eat nourishing foods, and be inspired!⁠
⁠
🍍The new market-inspired print is coming soon, but you can snag it first as a free hand-drawn pattern as a phone wallpaper by commenting "FRESH"!⁠

New artwork inspired by farmer's markets!👩‍🌾⁠
⁠
It was love at first sight: the first time I walked through a farmers market in a city of palm trees. I was not an environmentalist. But I found myself wanting to get a reusable market bag and cook with a rainbow of veggies. That farmers market opened a new part of my heart- one that cared. ⁠
⁠
How do farmer's markets make us better people? Swipe to learn. In a nutshell, they provide: ⁠
⁠
1. Fresh air and movement⁠
2. Connection with others⁠
3. Time with creative people doing what they love⁠
4. Inspiration to eat bright, nourishing foods⁠
5. The invitation to shop locally⁠
⁠
My personal favorite farmer's markets?⁠
1. Pepper Place in Birmingham, AL⁠
2. Bang Krachao in Bangkok, Thailand⁠
3. Soda City in Columbia, SC⁠
⁠
Your creative call-to-adventure this spring: Explore a farmers market. Break the monotony and get outside. Meet people, eat nourishing foods, and be inspired!⁠
⁠
🍍The new market-inspired print is coming soon, but you can snag it first as a free hand-drawn pattern as a phone wallpaper by commenting "FRESH"!⁠

POV: You meet people who care about creativity & adventure like you do🌿⁠
⁠
I like to think of my illustrations as visual adventures that inch us toward the people we want to be. If you love travel, people, culture, and sustainability- you are in the right place! ⁠
⁠
I hope you find some kindred spirits here as we journey together to bring globally-inspired creativity into the world. ⁠
⁠
Happy travels! ⁠
⁠
PS - To get my newsletters & have more adventure in your inbox, you can find the link in my bio to be part of the Basecamp & Brew list (for free of course!) or comment “brew” below☕️

POV: You meet people who care about creativity & adventure like you do🌿⁠
⁠
I like to think of my illustrations as visual adventures that inch us toward the people we want to be. If you love travel, people, culture, and sustainability- you are in the right place! ⁠
⁠
I hope you find some kindred spirits here as we journey together to bring globally-inspired creativity into the world. ⁠
⁠
Happy travels! ⁠
⁠
PS - To get my newsletters & have more adventure in your inbox, you can find the link in my bio to be part of the Basecamp & Brew list (for free of course!) or comment “brew” below☕️

Getting inspired today, imagining I'm getting lost in bamboo forests⁠🪴 The botanical gardens near me have a little wooden walkway through towering bamboo and it inspired me to make a little bamboo pattern in my favorite color, sage. ⁠
⁠
I'm thinking of using this as part of an Asian-inspired art collection of surface patterns 🌏 If you have a project that could use a fresh bamboo pattern, it will be available to license this year!⁠
⁠
What's inspiring you this week? Let me know in the comments!⁠
⁠

Getting inspired today, imagining I'm getting lost in bamboo forests⁠🪴 The botanical gardens near me have a little wooden walkway through towering bamboo and it inspired me to make a little bamboo pattern in my favorite color, sage. ⁠
⁠
I'm thinking of using this as part of an Asian-inspired art collection of surface patterns 🌏 If you have a project that could use a fresh bamboo pattern, it will be available to license this year!⁠
⁠
What's inspiring you this week? Let me know in the comments!⁠
⁠

Working on a new email today for each of you who snagged the 2025 Traveller's Road Map!🏕️⁠
⁠
If you're anything like me, it's only March and you already need to re-visit the yearly intentions you scribbled down in January. It happens to all of us!⁠
⁠
I'm re-visiting my road map by:⁠
- picking just a couple intentions to focus on consistently (like getting fresh air and more movement🌿)⁠
- keeping my road map in a place I can easily see it⁠
- reminding myself that the goal is progress over perfection!⁠
⁠
Not on the email list yet? Comment "adventure" to get creative inspiration, behind-the-scenes of my process, and first access to new work (like the road map) to your inbox!

Working on a new email today for each of you who snagged the 2025 Traveller's Road Map!🏕️⁠
⁠
If you're anything like me, it's only March and you already need to re-visit the yearly intentions you scribbled down in January. It happens to all of us!⁠
⁠
I'm re-visiting my road map by:⁠
- picking just a couple intentions to focus on consistently (like getting fresh air and more movement🌿)⁠
- keeping my road map in a place I can easily see it⁠
- reminding myself that the goal is progress over perfection!⁠
⁠
Not on the email list yet? Comment "adventure" to get creative inspiration, behind-the-scenes of my process, and first access to new work (like the road map) to your inbox!

Maybe it’s because I’m privileged. ⁠
⁠
To have been welcomed into the home of South Sudanese refugees. To have heard first-hand stories from Pakistani asylum seekers. To have had tea with Afghan women over English lessons. ⁠
⁠
Without proximity, maybe it's harder to understand. People rarely flee their homes and communities unless they see no other options. ⁠
⁠
The people I've met aren't that different from me- other than having endured hardship I could never imagine. They want safety for their families. They want to live in community. They're skilled in their work. They have dreams. ⁠
⁠
I think the gaps between us close with proximity, curiosity, and empathy. ⁠
⁠
When strangers become friends.⁠
When assumptions break down over cups of coffee. ⁠
When we choose invitation over isolation.⁠
⁠
I wonder how much would change if even a few of us made it our mission to be more proximate and curious of our international neighbors?⁠
⁠
--⁠
#refugeeillustration #asylumseeker #wewelcome #humanitarian

Maybe it’s because I’m privileged. ⁠
⁠
To have been welcomed into the home of South Sudanese refugees. To have heard first-hand stories from Pakistani asylum seekers. To have had tea with Afghan women over English lessons. ⁠
⁠
Without proximity, maybe it's harder to understand. People rarely flee their homes and communities unless they see no other options. ⁠
⁠
The people I've met aren't that different from me- other than having endured hardship I could never imagine. They want safety for their families. They want to live in community. They're skilled in their work. They have dreams. ⁠
⁠
I think the gaps between us close with proximity, curiosity, and empathy. ⁠
⁠
When strangers become friends.⁠
When assumptions break down over cups of coffee. ⁠
When we choose invitation over isolation.⁠
⁠
I wonder how much would change if even a few of us made it our mission to be more proximate and curious of our international neighbors?⁠
⁠
--⁠
#refugeeillustration #asylumseeker #wewelcome #humanitarian

One of my favorite ways to cultivate creativity is cooking🥟 There’s hardly a more gratifying feeling than creating something delicious, and knowing you’ve tangibly cared for both yourself and someone else.

Cooking brings an invitation every day to craft something that will bring joy. Not only in the finished product but in the process.

In the time off a screen,
working with your hands,
appreciating real ingredients,
and the act of waiting for a timer to go off.

There's creativity waiting on the other side of the promise of convenience. Even if you only cook every once in a while- let it be an adventure. Experiment, find new favorites, get it wrong, and figure out how to fix recipes well.

I hope when you look back on this season of life, it’s full of people around your table, plated dishes, and full bellies. Whether as the hallmark of this season or in the margins, there is creative beauty to be cultivated on our kitchen counters🌿

One of my favorite ways to cultivate creativity is cooking🥟 There’s hardly a more gratifying feeling than creating something delicious, and knowing you’ve tangibly cared for both yourself and someone else.

Cooking brings an invitation every day to craft something that will bring joy. Not only in the finished product but in the process.

In the time off a screen,
working with your hands,
appreciating real ingredients,
and the act of waiting for a timer to go off.

There's creativity waiting on the other side of the promise of convenience. Even if you only cook every once in a while- let it be an adventure. Experiment, find new favorites, get it wrong, and figure out how to fix recipes well.

I hope when you look back on this season of life, it’s full of people around your table, plated dishes, and full bellies. Whether as the hallmark of this season or in the margins, there is creative beauty to be cultivated on our kitchen counters🌿

happy chinese new year!🎉

Stop and imagine yourself with a cup of tea in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in western China at the foothills of the Himalayas. Hazy skies with the smell of chao sho dumplings and hot pot in the air under Chinese pavilions.

>> swipe to see me in Chengdu in 2019!

This print is available in the shop! For travelers with a love of bamboo forests, pandas, and hua jow spice☺️

#chinesenewyear #chengduprint

happy chinese new year!🎉

Stop and imagine yourself with a cup of tea in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in western China at the foothills of the Himalayas. Hazy skies with the smell of chao sho dumplings and hot pot in the air under Chinese pavilions.

>> swipe to see me in Chengdu in 2019!

This print is available in the shop! For travelers with a love of bamboo forests, pandas, and hua jow spice☺️

#chinesenewyear #chengduprint

My happy place is a morning traveling abroad. Waking up in a place unexplored, the day untouched, knowing that I’m on the brink of adventure with people I love.

This illustration of Marrakesh, at the foothills of the North African Atlas Mountains, is- just slightly- more tranquil than my own visit there🌿. But even with all the chaos that unraveled on my trip to Morocco, the country landed a place in my heart as one of my favorites.

So, here's a more peaceful interpretation: unrushed morning mint tea, brisk mountain air, vibrant spice stands and hanging Moroccan textiles.

I can almost smell the berbere spice😌

My happy place is a morning traveling abroad. Waking up in a place unexplored, the day untouched, knowing that I’m on the brink of adventure with people I love.

This illustration of Marrakesh, at the foothills of the North African Atlas Mountains, is- just slightly- more tranquil than my own visit there🌿. But even with all the chaos that unraveled on my trip to Morocco, the country landed a place in my heart as one of my favorites.

So, here's a more peaceful interpretation: unrushed morning mint tea, brisk mountain air, vibrant spice stands and hanging Moroccan textiles.

I can almost smell the berbere spice😌

The travel bug hit hard while illustrating these National Parks stamps! Mentally transporting myself to all these places today.

🥾 At the top of my list to visit: Joshua Tree, Glacier & Yosemite
🏜️ My favorites visited so far: Grand Canyon, Acadia & Great Smoky Mountains

Which ones are at the top of your list for 2025?!

The travel bug hit hard while illustrating these National Parks stamps! Mentally transporting myself to all these places today.

🥾 At the top of my list to visit: Joshua Tree, Glacier & Yosemite
🏜️ My favorites visited so far: Grand Canyon, Acadia & Great Smoky Mountains

Which ones are at the top of your list for 2025?!

Even if you’re not exploring Turkey today, getting lost among endless simit carts and the smell of Turkish coffee, there’s adventure to find wherever you are.

On the journey.
Amidst the in-betweens.
🏔️

Even if you’re not exploring Turkey today, getting lost among endless simit carts and the smell of Turkish coffee, there’s adventure to find wherever you are.

On the journey.
Amidst the in-betweens.
🏔️

I’ve never read a compelling story exempt from conflict.

The characters I treasure most are the ones who face conflict head on, because they’re so different from me. We sit with our favorite characters in the trenches and follow them to their mountaintops. None of them become who they are without conflict.

But that’s what we expect from our lives. We only want to see conflict in the rearview mirror. As long as we don’t face it head-on? We’ll be at “peace”. But running across the country from conflict doesn’t ensure peace in our lives. And there’s more to peace than lack of tension.

Our lives are full of potentials - tough conversations that could end friendships, apologies that would shatter our pride, choices that might close the doors on our childhood dreams. Yet when we face the hard, we are formed. We learn.

We’re not unscathed, and some fears prove true. But it is worth it for who we are becoming. It’s worth it for a story to be proud of, for others to find hope in. Better than a life of timid avoidance- to live fully into the story God is writing.

What valleys can you lean into and find beauty in today?

I’ve never read a compelling story exempt from conflict.

The characters I treasure most are the ones who face conflict head on, because they’re so different from me. We sit with our favorite characters in the trenches and follow them to their mountaintops. None of them become who they are without conflict.

But that’s what we expect from our lives. We only want to see conflict in the rearview mirror. As long as we don’t face it head-on? We’ll be at “peace”. But running across the country from conflict doesn’t ensure peace in our lives. And there’s more to peace than lack of tension.

Our lives are full of potentials - tough conversations that could end friendships, apologies that would shatter our pride, choices that might close the doors on our childhood dreams. Yet when we face the hard, we are formed. We learn.

We’re not unscathed, and some fears prove true. But it is worth it for who we are becoming. It’s worth it for a story to be proud of, for others to find hope in. Better than a life of timid avoidance- to live fully into the story God is writing.

What valleys can you lean into and find beauty in today?

Happy new year! My word for 2025 is: grounding.

With this coming year holding a lot of change, my hope is to lean heavily into grounding rhythms like:
🌿 Drinking more green tea and smoothies
🌿 More frequent runs outside
🌿 Continue a consistent writing routine
🌿 Capture life moments better on camera
🌿 Ask more intentional questions with others

2024 was a lighter year for illustration, but a great year of exploring art mediums, honing in on creative direction, and learning a lot. It may not feel as productive, but choosing to see productivity as more than output!

🍵 Do you have a word of the year for 2025 yet? If you're looking for inspiration for 2025, I created the Traveller's Road Map as a digital download you can grab in my bio to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year to come!

Happy new year! My word for 2025 is: grounding.

With this coming year holding a lot of change, my hope is to lean heavily into grounding rhythms like:
🌿 Drinking more green tea and smoothies
🌿 More frequent runs outside
🌿 Continue a consistent writing routine
🌿 Capture life moments better on camera
🌿 Ask more intentional questions with others

2024 was a lighter year for illustration, but a great year of exploring art mediums, honing in on creative direction, and learning a lot. It may not feel as productive, but choosing to see productivity as more than output!

🍵 Do you have a word of the year for 2025 yet? If you're looking for inspiration for 2025, I created the Traveller's Road Map as a digital download you can grab in my bio to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year to come!

A few visual adventures from 2024🎨 I feel like I barely drew this year compared to the last few, but looking back I realized that at least a few creative spurts carried the year!

2024 was a year of creating in the margins. Waking up at 5am for “creative mornings”, scribbling ideas into my phone notes, carving out 30 minutes to draw during nap times. I only took 1 project the whole year.

But i’m thankful for the flexibility to give time to what’s most important in this season. And looking forward to hopefully more creative margin this next year!🌎 #artvsartist

A few visual adventures from 2024🎨 I feel like I barely drew this year compared to the last few, but looking back I realized that at least a few creative spurts carried the year!

2024 was a year of creating in the margins. Waking up at 5am for “creative mornings”, scribbling ideas into my phone notes, carving out 30 minutes to draw during nap times. I only took 1 project the whole year.

But i’m thankful for the flexibility to give time to what’s most important in this season. And looking forward to hopefully more creative margin this next year!🌎 #artvsartist

Whether you’re crossing an ocean or crossing the street, there’s a world to explore wherever you are🌿

May we feel our smallness, and let it be a reminder that the whole world is held together even if parts of it feel broken.

Our smallness keeps us humble. Expectant. Ready to look up and see the beauty around us. All the while, becoming who we were created to be.

🏔️How can you explore the world from wherever you are this week?

Whether you’re crossing an ocean or crossing the street, there’s a world to explore wherever you are🌿

May we feel our smallness, and let it be a reminder that the whole world is held together even if parts of it feel broken.

Our smallness keeps us humble. Expectant. Ready to look up and see the beauty around us. All the while, becoming who we were created to be.

🏔️How can you explore the world from wherever you are this week?

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