Behind the scenes

 A glimpse inside my creative process, free art tutorials, and sneak previews from my illustration studio in Portland, Oregon. 

Topics

Molly Chidsey Molly Chidsey

On Making Art by and for Humans

In this post, I share my perspective as a human artist on why making art is an essential part of being human, and explore the relationship between Ai-generated images and art made by - and for - humans.

Read More
Illustration, Drawing Molly Chidsey Illustration, Drawing Molly Chidsey

How to Begin an Illustrated Journal Practice

Want to switch from writing your journal to illustrating it? In this post, I walk through my simple three-step process—pencil sketch, ink, and add color—so you can turn everyday moments into visual stories. I’m also sharing favorite journal pages from recent adventures and a free supplies & layout guide to help you get started.

Read More
Watercolor, Illustration Molly Chidsey Watercolor, Illustration Molly Chidsey

Creating Compelling Podcast Cover Art

Ever wondered how podcast cover art comes to life? In this behind-the-scenes post, I share how I collaborated with Kelly MacLeod on “It Might Get Dark”, a podcast about grief and sobriety. From mood boards to final illustration, I combined traditional watercolor style with digital painting in Procreate to capture light, dark, and transformation—the heart of her story.

Read More
Illustration, Watercolor Molly Chidsey Illustration, Watercolor Molly Chidsey

Illustrating The Emperor

This is a cross-post from my blog, Tarot of These Times. The Emperor card, number 2 in the Major Arcana, represents rules, power, and authority. It also represents patriarchy and other repressive systems. I am sharing this post with my Behind the Scenes blog subscribers on “No Kings” Day in the US.

Read More
Planning Molly Chidsey Planning Molly Chidsey

An (Im)perfect Plan

I am a lifelong list-maker. Recently, I changed my habits to center creativity, self-care, and wholeness. Sound corny? It is, but it’s also been a healthy change. In this post, I share my personal daily planning process, thoughts on being creative vs. being productive, and my FREE DOWNLOAD daily planning worksheet.

Read More
Art practice Molly Chidsey Art practice Molly Chidsey

Watching Paint, Dry.

What it’s like being a visual artist who also has Dry Eye Disease. Starting in 2017 with LASIK surgery, my ability to use my eyes was limited to about two hours per day, broken up into 5-10 minute increments. This is the story of what impact that had on the trajectory of my life, and how it informs my work as a creative coach.

Read More
Art practice Molly Chidsey Art practice Molly Chidsey

Taking Up Space

In this post, originally published in Upward Gallery Magazine, I describe how pivotal it has been to have a dedicated art space in my home, and my work to support others’ emerging creative voices.

Read More