About me —
Some quick facts
My name is Carlea Kiddoo.
I’m 27 years old.
I grew up in western Illinois.
I went to the University of Colorado to study business, specifically marketing.
I currently live in Chicago, where I’m completing a post-baccalaureate in painting and drawing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Some slow facts
I deeply love hands. They are a frequent subject in my paintings. I have more to say if you care to read: Substack.
I care more about food than anyone you know. Don’t believe me? I was raised by a midwestern farmer and a master gardener. I’ve worked as a fishmonger, a saucemonger, and a server/bartender. I’ve studied wine and olive oil in Italy. I currently live with two chefs.
I’m a big fan of traveling by train. Amtrak loves to see me coming.
About my creative work —
While my paintings and drawings come from a deeply personal wellspring, they share a throughline with my collaborative design and branding work. Whether I’m creating a brand identity or a painting, I aim for storytelling that roots people in place, evokes emotion, and makes complex ideas feel intimate. I’m motivated by thriving communities, thoughtful processes, and creative constraints. I believe visual narratives can act as a gateway to both insight and agency.
