Welcome!

Creativity is at the heart of everything we do—but sometimes, bringing our ideas to life can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re an author looking for beautiful, custom illustrations for your children’s book or a creative entrepreneur seeking support and guidance to build a fulfilling artistic career, I’m here to help.

At Creatively Kind, I combine artistry and mentorship to bring stories to life and empower creatives to overcome self-doubt, procrastination, and fear. As a professional illustrator and creative coach, I know how challenging the journey can be—but I also know the magic that happens when you step into your full creative potential.

Wherever you are on your path, you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s create something amazing together.

Ready to begin?

Kayleigh Castle

I’m Kayleigh Castle, an award-winning illustrator and creative coach, passionate about helping storytellers and artists bring their visions to life. With a deep love for storytelling and a knack for capturing childhood nostalgia, I create custom illustrations that make children’s books truly magical.

As a graduate of the prestigious Ringling College of Art & Design, I’ve had the joy of illustrating thirteen children’s books, each reflecting my signature style— nostalgic, heartfelt, and full of wonder. Whether you’re an aspiring author in need of the perfect illustrations or a creative entrepreneur looking for support, clarity, and confidence in your artistic journey, I’m here to guide you.

Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about embracing the process, pushing past self-doubt, and stepping fully into your creative potential. Through one-on-one coaching, I help artists and entrepreneurs break through procrastination, fear, and overwhelm so they can build thriving, fulfilling careers.

Wherever you are in your creative journey, you don’t have to do it alone.

Let’s bring your vision to life—through art, coaching, or both!

Explore my illustration and coaching services today.

Discover What I Offer

ILLUSTRATION

Browse my online store for stickers, prints, stationery, and more, featuring my nostalgic illustrations.

Let my art take you back to the carefree '90s, where imagination knows no bounds.

Unlock Your Creative Potential with My Free Guide!

Download our Nostalgic Childhood Healing Guide: 7 Areas of Life Balance. Reclaim Your Creative Freedom and Live with Passion and Purpose.

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The Nostalgic Childhood Healing Guide is designed to help you reconnect with your inner child's creativity, joy, and curiosity. It delves into seven key areas of life balance that nurture emotional well-being and foster personal growth. Each section offers insights, exercises, and reflections to heal past experiences and rediscover your playful spirit. With practical steps and mindful practices, this guide empowers you to embrace creativity and cultivate a fulfilling, purpose-driven life, whether you are a creative professional, a parent, or simply seeking self-reconnection.

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🎨 Back to Work: Balancing Motherhood and Illustration 🍼

After 13 weeks of self-given maternity leave, I’m finally back in the studio—and wow, the transition has been both empowering and intense. ✨

As a professional illustrator and a new mom, I deeply appreciate the delicate balance it takes to nurture my business and my baby. The bonus of being your own boss is being able to step back, to honor the sacred pause, and to fully soak in those first few weeks of new motherhood. But the struggles of being your own boss? They come roaring back the moment you log in and see the deadlines up the wazzoo. 😅🎨

I’ve missed creating, and I’ve missed my flow. But finding it again has been a journey—a messy, beautiful dance between midnight feeds and mid-morning sketch sessions. I’m re-learning how to merge my identity as an artist and a mother in a way that serves both with intention.

And let me tell you: it’s not about balance—it’s about rhythm. Some days, I feel unstoppable, and others, it’s a miracle if I answer three emails. But I’m slowly carving out a new workflow, one that allows me to meet deadlines and snuggle my son when he needs me most. 💙

This season is teaching me resilience, flexibility, and grace like never before. I’m not the same artist I was before maternity leave—but that’s a good thing. I’m more focused, more inspired, and more connected to why I do what I do.

To all the self-employed parents out there: I see you. This is hard, but it’s worth it. We are building something beautiful—for our clients and our kids. 💪🎨

#momandartist #backtowork #maternityleaveends #creativeworkflow #artistmomlife #creativelykind #KayleighCastle #selfemployedlife #workingmom #illustratorjourney

🐶 Officially Part of the Pack! 🩵 Our two corgis, Ladybird and Scuttlebutt, have been absolutely obsessed with baby Creedence since the moment he came home! 🥹💙 From day one, they decided that he is one of them—officially part of the pack. 🐾✨

I wasn’t sure how they’d react, but these two have surprised me in the best way. They have been so attentive, always checking on him, giving him the gentlest sniffs, and lying near him like tiny, fluffy protectors. Scuttlebutt, our little shadow, follows us everywhere during diaper changes, and Ladybird sits beside his bassinet, watching over him like the good big sister she is. 🍼🐾

It’s like they instinctively knew that this tiny human was special, that he belonged, that he was theirs to love and protect. And honestly? My heart melts watching them all together. The bond between babies and dogs is something so pure, and I can already tell Creedence is going to grow up with the best little corgi companions by his side. 💕

I can’t wait to see them all playing together in the future, running around, sharing adventures, and forming the kind of friendship only kids and dogs truly understand. For now, I’ll just keep soaking up these precious early days, where their biggest job is cuddles and curious sniffs. 🥰🐾

Are your pets as obsessed with your baby as these two? Let’s hear those heart-melting pet & baby stories below! 🐶👶✨

#corgilife #dogandbaby #babysfirstbestfriends #corgination #corgistagram #corgibabies #proudcorgimom #creativelykind #KayleighCastle #dogsoftiktok #furbabies

🩵 Completely Enamored by Him 🩵His tiny hands, his sweet little face, his delicate ears, and even his adorable little tailbone—every single part of him has me absolutely mesmerized. 😍✨

I knew I would love him beyond words, but nothing could have prepared me for just how deeply I would fall in love with every inch of him. Every tiny detail is perfect, every movement makes my heart swell, and every sleepy sigh melts me all over again. 🥹💙

Motherhood has unlocked a new level of love that I never knew existed. I could spend forever just admiring him, tracing his tiny fingers, kissing his soft cheeks, and memorizing every little part of him. It’s almost overwhelming in the most beautiful way—like my heart grew ten times its size overnight.

I find myself just staring at him, in awe that this tiny, perfect human was created inside me and is now here, in my arms, in my life, in my heart forever. The way he instinctively reaches for me, the way his little fingers curl around mine—it’s a love so deep, so pure, and so powerful that I can’t help but feel like the luckiest person in the world. 💫

I never knew I could be this enamored, this in love, this completely wrapped up in someone so small—but here I am, obsessed with every tiny detail of my son. 🩵

#motherhoodmagic #mytinylove #newbornbliss #proudmommy #purelove #babyboy #mymiracle #creativelykind #KayleighCastle #motherhoodjourney #babylove

🎨 What I Have to Offer My Son 🩵 I may not have much to offer my son… except for endless love, a determined work ethic, wild creativity, a life surrounded by nature, healthy food, exciting adventures, and a deep sense of faith. 😉✨

Sarcasm aside, as a professional illustrator and new mother, I’ve thought a lot about what I want to give him—not just in terms of material things, but in the values, experiences, and mindset that will shape his world.

I want him to grow up knowing love without limits—to feel safe, supported, and free to explore who he is. I want him to see the value of hard work and passion, to understand that dreams aren’t just meant to be imagined but pursued with dedication. I hope he learns that creativity has no boundaries, that his ideas matter, and that art is more than a skill—it’s a way of seeing the world differently.

He will be surrounded by nature, learning from the trees, the ocean, and the seasons that everything has its time. He will eat food that nourishes him, fueling his body and mind so he can grow strong and adventurous. And oh, the adventures we will have—because life is meant to be lived with curiosity and excitement. 🌿✨

Most importantly, I want him to have faith—faith in himself, in the goodness of the world, and in the idea that no matter what, he is here for a reason.

So no, I may not have “much” to offer him in a traditional sense—but what I do have is everything that matters most. 💙

#artistmom #raisingcreatives #worklifebalance #newmotherhood #momandbaby #creativelykind #KayleighCastle #creativeparenting #intentionalmotherhood #momlife

🎨 My Baby in My Studio 🩵

I’ve waited years for this moment. Seeing him rocking cozily in my studio while I work brings my heart so much peace. 💕 This is what I dreamed of—creating art with my son by my side, knowing that one day, Creedence will be creating alongside me.

I think of all the illustrations I’ll bring to life while he naps nearby, the stories I’ll sketch as he grows, and the endless creativity we’ll share in this very space. One day, the same hands I use to draw will be guiding his tiny hands as he picks up his first crayon, makes his first brushstroke, and discovers the joy of artistic expression. 🎨✨

But it’s even bigger than that. This isn’t just about art—it’s about legacy. Just as I grew up creating in my mother’s art studio, he will grow up in mine. He will see firsthand that creativity isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are. It’s curiosity, imagination, and self-expression. It’s a way to see the world differently and leave a piece of ourselves behind in every stroke, color, and story.

One day, we’ll sit together, covered in paint and laughter, making art that speaks from the heart. Until then, I’ll cherish these quiet moments, watching him dream in the same space where so many of mine have come true. 💫

To all the artist parents out there—what’s been your favorite part of sharing creativity with your little ones? Drop your thoughts below! 💕

#artistmom #momandbaby #creativelegacy #momlife #artiststudio #mamatobe #creativelykind #KayleighCastle #artandmotherhood #fullcirclemoment #parentingwithlove

🎨 My Role as a Professional Illustrator 🎨

One of the most common challenges clients face when working with an illustrator? Expressing exactly what they want. Often, they have a clear vision in their minds but struggle to put it into words—or onto paper. That’s where I come in.

As a professional illustrator, my job isn’t just about drawing—it’s about interpreting, refining, and bringing ideas to life. Whether it’s a client’s verbal description, a rough little sketch, or just a feeling they want to capture, I take their concepts and transform them into something that not only matches their vision but often exceeds their expectations. ✨

It’s a process built on communication, trust, and creative problem-solving. I listen closely, ask the right questions, and guide my clients through the artistic journey. Sometimes, what starts as a vague idea turns into something far more magical than they ever imagined. That’s the power of collaboration.

Every project is unique, and that’s what makes this work so rewarding. Seeing a client’s excitement when their idea is fully realized is one of the best parts of being an illustrator. 💡 From children’s book illustrations to custom artwork, I take pride in crafting pieces that feel deeply personal and meaningful.

If you’ve ever had an idea but struggled to put it into words or visuals, I’d love to help!

Let’s take that dream and turn it into something truly special.

Have an illustration in mind? Let’s create it together! 🎨💡

#illustrationprocess #professionalillustrator #bringingvisionsalive #customart #artistatwork #creativelykind #KayleighCastle #creativecollaboration #artthatinspires

🍼 Balancing Business and Baby: Finding My New Rhythm 🎨

Balancing a business and a baby has been a skill I’ve been slowly building since the very beginning of my pregnancy. I knew this season of life would require me to juggle more than ever before, but nothing truly prepares you for the blend of creativity, chaos, and cuddles. 💕

Throughout my pregnancy, I focused on gathering content, creating art, and building my business while still staying present in the moment. But wow—it’s not as easy as it sounds! Being an artist means I’m constantly inspired by the world around me, but being a new mom means my world is often wrapped up in tiny fingers and soft baby breaths. Finding the balance between the two has been an incredible journey.

Maternity leave has become a sacred time—a chance to figure out my new routine in the studio, redefine my illustration workflow, and learn how to create while being fully present for my little one. I’ve discovered that creativity doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Some days, it looks like painting with a baby wrap on. Other days, it’s sketching ideas between nap times. And honestly? I love every messy, beautiful moment of it.

My art and my son both fill my heart, and learning how to make room for both has taught me that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about grace. It’s knowing that some days, the studio will be full of creative energy, and other days, it will be full of lullabies and baby cries. And both are exactly where I need to be.

To all the artist mamas and creative parents out there—how do you find your balance? I’d love to hear your tips and stories! 🌟

#momlife #artistmom #maternityleave #worklifebalance #creativelykind #KayleighCastle #illustratorlife #newmomjourney #businessandbaby

🎨 Finding My New Mom-Artist Workflow: As a professional Artist, finding my new workflow in the studio while embracing motherhood has been a journey—one that’s both inspiring and, at times, a little messy! 🎨✨

Working for yourself comes with unique challenges. When you’re your own boss, you’re also the one who has to give yourself maternity leave, and let me tell you, that’s not as easy as it sounds. Balancing the drive to create with the need to rest and recover has required a whole new level of patience and grace with myself.

It’s been almost a month with my sweet newborn, and I’m learning to find a rhythm that honors both my creative work and my role as a new mom. After a C-section, getting back to work has taken more time and energy than I anticipated. There are days when my studio is a bit of a beautiful mess, and my workflow is more of a gentle flow, but I’m okay with that.

This season of life is all about blending my worlds—holding a paintbrush in one hand and my baby in the other. 👶🖌️ It’s about letting go of perfection and embracing the reality that sometimes my studio looks more like a nursery than a workspace. And that’s okay.

Art has always been my outlet, my sanctuary, and now it’s also a space where I can model for my son what it means to follow your passions and build a life around creativity. I hope he grows up seeing that it’s possible to pursue what you love while nurturing the ones you love most. 💙

Every brushstroke, every sketch, every messy studio day is a step toward finding my new normal. And I’m grateful for this beautifully imperfect balance.
#artistmom #creativeworkflow #newmomlife #professionalartist #maternityleave #artstudio #balancingmotherhood #creativelykind #KayleighCastle #artinprogress

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