About Molly Chidsey Illustration & Design

I’m a Portland, Oregon based illustrator, designer, and creative coach who brings together art, strategy, and story. Whether through visual design or project planning, my work is about helping people imagine—and then build—the world they want to see. Art is my second act. At the height of my career, a health crisis sparked a creative awakening and led me back to art. In my mid-40s, I enrolled at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, studying illustration on nights and weekends while continuing my full-time work. I see creativity not just as a personal practice, but as a way to help others turn inspiration into action. I specialize in watercolor, drawing, illustration, hand-lettered calligraphy, and digital techniques that blend these mediums into cohesive, expressive designs. Before I was an artist, I was a project manager focused on social change initiatives like environmental sustainability, advancing equity, and building collaborative teams. I continue this work as a creative planning coach, helping others bring their ideas to life by leading them from spark to strategy. When I’m not getting ink on my hands, you can find me in my garden, playing with my dog Milo, or watching movies with my family. Find me online at mollychidsey.com and @mollychidseyillustration on IG. Read their story