Character Study: Observations from a Very Curious Artist

This charming and stylish gift book showcases artist Carly Kuhn’s whimsical observations on everything from fashion shows to café life to pets in the park.

Enter the world of Carly Kuhn, who, with her keen eye, explores human behavior and fleeting moments with both humor and elegance. Consider this book an armchair visit to the museum, a behind-the-scenes look at Fashion Week, a trip to the farmers market, and a stroll down a city street―all populated by characters captured by Carly's expressive line.

Carly Kuhn is an artist known for her distinctive line drawings. Her work explores observation, human behavior, and the poetry of everyday life. Born and raised in New York City, Kuhn has an early background in television comedy and improv; she approaches the world with the attentive eye of a lifelong observer—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.

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 with her husband, Danny, their two boys, Oliver and Teddy, and a dog named Lucca, her practice continues to expand thoughtfully, albeit with a bit more joyful chaos than before.