Hullabaloo and a Teacup!
...and feelings towards starting something new.
Today, I’m launching the new series “A Word and a Thing!” We’re going to draw together. But first, some thoughts…
Since 2014, give or take a few days here and there, I have drawn and posted to Instagram almost every day. That's a decade of visual journaling. I didn’t go to art school, but I like to think I went to the school of “practice”. When people inquire about my "skill," I often counter that it's less about inherent talent and more about cultivating confidence in one's unique voice and style. It’s about the craft. The practice. Learning what makes your work you. How do you achieve that? Quite simply, PRACTICE. Do it over and over again. Draw everyday. Even if it’s just for 5 minutes. It’s a simplified, perhaps trite answer, but one I truly believe to be true.
The past ten years I’ve experienced an array of life’s milestones and changes: exiting my 20s into my 30s, marriage, motherhood, cross-country migrations. Yet, amidst these shifts, my creative output and its presentation on Instagram remained constant. Of course, the work itself has evolved over the past decade, but an overarching theme or intention behind my work has pretty much remained the same: creating and sharing joy through illustration and creativity. I have cultivated a wonderful audience, sold art prints, collaborated with incredible brands, met other inspiring individuals, painted on walls, sold a book!…all essentially through the magic that is/was Instagram. Today, though, I perceive it more as a curated portfolio, a showcase with inherent limitations.
So, where are we today? A new chapter here on Substack. It echoes those early days on Instagram: a chance to unveil fresh vulnerabilities through my art, to experiment, to connect with like-minded creatives, and to cultivate a new community. This corner of the internet feels invigorating. As creatives, we thrive on evolution, on pushing beyond the familiar. And perhaps, after a decade on one platform, that kind of exploration felt a bit stifled. There's a sense of rediscovery, a creative renaissance if you will…and I’m ready for it.
My vision for this space extends beyond my own creative exploration. I hope to cultivate a community where others discover their own artistic confidence, their unique visual voice, through the simple act of consistent illustration. But it's also a place for anyone seeking a creative outlet, a moment of pause in the week's hustle. Expect a bi-weekly- or (time permitting) weekly prompt, and join me in the joy of drawing. It's that simple. And, of course, I'll be right there alongside you. As artists, as humans, we are perpetual students, forever evolving. I intend to continue my own practice, well, for as long as I have a pen and a piece of paper.
So, let’s start today, shall we!? Introducing “A Word and a Thing!” This will be our weekly/bi-weekly- activity. One of my favorite things about being an illustrator is integrating my love of learning with my love of drawing. I call it learning through the line. So that’s what we kinda get to do here- in a very simple, low stakes way. Here’s how it will work:
Pick a word, any word- I like to search bizarre whimsical ones. Write it on a piece of paper. I’m going with HULLABALOO today.
Look up the definition. (noun. a commotion; a fuss.)
Write out the definition on the paper as well (writing the word and definition out on paper isn’t necessary- I just like to get pen to paper as quickly as possible to begin calming the mind- and it’s a more effective way to learn/absorb what you’re learning).
Next- think of a thing. Any thing. Whatever pops into your head. Don’t overthink it, ok you can, I likely did…but try! I thought of TEACUP!
NOW! On a new piece of paper, start drawing/writing. No formula, you can write the word first, or draw the thing first. The word’s definition may inform your drawing, or you can simply just write out the word and draw the thing. This exercise is for you.
Repeat if desired for as many times as you would like. Experiment with typography style, spacing, scale. Make the thing really big! And the text really small. Or vice versa.
Have fun! The exercise is whatever you want it to be. These types of exercises usually get me out of my head when I’m stuck in it. It may spark an idea for a book, a poem, a grocery list (now I need to buy tea)…
Lastly, if coming up with the word or thing feels like too much brain work, feel free to use mine. And if you have the Substack app, share your drawings in your notes tagging @carlykuhn or on Instagram with tag or #thecartelier. Here are some instructions written out and my final illustrations below:
If you’d like to listen/watch me (my hand) sift through my sketchbook of the above- while blabbering about it for a minute or so, enjoy the video below (and since you made it this far- you’ll even see the pre-edited drawing where I did in fact spell Hullabaloo wrong. Ooop!
Curiously Yours,
Carly
If you’re looking for more drawing to do immediately, I have a few classes on Skillshare. I also recently remembered I did some drawing videos during 2020 lockdown. Feel free to explore them all here!
Love this!! Excited to try it out.
This is such a fun idea!