WELCOME!
Carly Kuhn is an artist and author whose work began during the Instagram era and has since evolved into a distinctive exploration of observation, line, and quiet humor. Formerly known as The Cartorialist, she is recognized for drawings that balance wit with restraint, transforming fleeting moments into something enduring. Born and raised in New York City, Kuhn approaches the world with the attentive eye of a lifelong observer - equal parts sophistication and curiosity - a sensibility that informs both her illustrations and her writing. She has collaborated with cultural institutions and heritage brands including Bergdorf Goodman, Sotheby’s, Tory Burch, Thom Browne, Rosewood Hotels, and American Ballet Theatre. Her forthcoming illustrated book, A Character Study (2026), reflects her fascination with human behavior and the poetry of everyday life. Extending her signature line beyond the page, Kuhn has introduced a collection of hand-drawn wallcoverings - delicate designs that feel as though they were sketched directly onto the wall - translating her artistic language into interiors with a sense of quiet timelessness. In Spring 2025, she partnered with Everhem on a capsule window treatment collection featuring four of her original patterns, further expanding her work into the domestic landscape. Working across paper goods, illustration, and design, Kuhn creates pieces that feel intimate yet enduring - often weaving hand-lettering and subtle humor into compositions that reward a closer look. Now based in Michigan, her practice continues to expand thoughtfully, guided by a belief that the most meaningful work invites us not just to look, but to notice.
