Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaly Quarles.
Hi Kaly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to Salt Lake City from Austin right in the heart of the pandemic. I also launched my freelance illustration career in January 2020. I probably should’ve consulted the Magic Eight Ball first…
Backing up a bit: I grew up on a farm in Texas, where I spent my childhood digging for treasures beneath oak trees and daydreaming about Nancy Drew adventures in old barns. I could be lured back inside with the promise of art supplies, books, and vintage cartoons. Later, I studied Interior Design and worked in architecture & construction before I found my way to illustration.
When I’m not drawing or painting, you can find me exploring the mountains on foot or on skis, hunting for obscure antiques, or hosting a one-woman french fry eating contest. Mazza wins my vote for best fries in the city!
I live on the cusp of Sugarhouse and Yalecrest with one handsome fella and four rascally cats – five, if you count the neighborhood swindler who swoops in for snacks.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The pandemic turned my original strategy for thriving in freelance illustration on its head. Farewell, socializing…in-person events…working side by side in coffee shops. But hello, Salt Lake City! Moving to a new city without the usual opportunity to meet neighbors and socialize was definitely a strange experience. I’m also an introvert that works from home, and it can feel pretty isolating at times.
It’s been a bit slow going, but I’ve met some exceptional friends and I’ve discovered some incredible creative communities. I’m so happy to see Creative Mornings SLC return!
AI is the latest thing making creatives breathe in a paper bag. Some days it feels like technology is outpacing my sanity, but I do believe there will always be people that value bespoke, handcrafted work. They’re my people, and I believe we’ll show up for each other.
Personally, I’m always struggling to get the cat hair off my clothes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an illustrator, lettering artist, and surface designer. I learned how to illustrate digitally, but lately I’ve been painting with gouache and experimenting with mixed media. There’s something magical about the wonky, imperfect charm of traditional materials. Going analog also feels like the perfect rebellion against too much screen time.
I started my career in children’s publishing (and I still love those projects), but lately I’ve been leaning into decorative, non-narrative art–think stationery, puzzles, greeting cards. I’m a bit cheeky with a mischievous streak, and I find it’s easier to let that shine for adults. I also adore drawing food, maps, and historic architecture. A Christmas advent calendar is my dream project! And food labels. Someone please hire me to draw food with vintage lettering!
In the meantime, I’m getting ready to launch an online shop with art prints and paper goods, and I’m planning to dip into wholesale and pop up at local markets. Come say hi if you see me!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t let perfectionism stomp out your fire! Embrace the ugly phase and keep at it. Also, don’t lowball yourself on pricing because you’re new. Your time and skills are still valuable and worth fair payment. It brings down the whole industry to price yourself too low.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kalyquarles.com/
- Instagram: @kalyquarles
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyquarles/
- Other: My newsletter if it makes sense: https://www.kalyquarles.com/kaly-quarles-newsletter-signup
