The world is full of magic. The question is whether we’re paying enough attention to see it.
For Southern California artist Kim Koehler, inspiration can be found in places that are easy to overlook: the spiral of a snail’s shell, the glow of a full moon, a wildflower in bloom, or the mysteries of the night sky.
Kim’s path to becoming a full-time artist began with a moment of burnout. About four years ago, after working as a graphic designer, she found herself questioning what she wanted to do next. Instead of looking further away for an answer, she began paying closer attention to what was already bringing her joy—walking, taking photographs, filling her sketchbook, and creating.
That daily practice eventually led to something bigger: the realization that art was the thing she wanted to build her life around.
Today, Kim’s work combines botanical illustration, folk-inspired patterns, and whimsical storytelling with her fascination for the natural world. Her art encourages us to pause, look a little closer, and rediscover the sense of wonder that exists all around us.
We sat down with Kim to talk about finding her way back to creativity, the magic of nature, her creative process, and the ideas currently inspiring her work.
About 4 years ago, I didn’t know what to do for work anymore. I was burnt out as a graphic designer. Every day I'd wake up, go for a walk, snap photos, and come home to my sketchbook. I felt so driven and inspired to create — excited to wake up and work on my projects. I wanted to feel like that every day for the rest of my life. It fulfilled me in a way nothing ever had. I realized that no matter what happened, I'd always have my art. Once I realized that, there was no going back. I'd figure out how to make a living doing it for the rest of my life. It felt like I had a dream again — and that was everything.
There is so much magic in nature. When we really slow down to see it, it sparks the feeling that anything is possible. That we live in this incredibly beautiful place where all these creatures have all these jobs that seem fantastic and impossible. But they are not. We all play a part in this vast universe. I feel my art inspires people to slow down and pay attention. It invites them to go outside and discover it for themselves. Life can be so hard. I believe nature is the best therapy.
My art desk is crowded with jars filled with alcohol markers and acrylic paint filled pens. I love to play in my sketchbook with color. But when it comes to finished art pieces, I use Procreate. I love to bring in handmade textures and papers. I layer them in there and experiment with bringing the handmade into the digital world. After being a graphic artist for so long, I feel like I’m trying to unlearn perfection in creating something. I try not to look too close, I want to get messy and experiment.
4. What are you currently working on or excited about?
I’m working on a book. It is my dream project. I have hundreds of books in my home. I’ve always loved to read and collect them. They always have the power to inspire and delight me. I want to create one of my own to share.
I get outside. I go to the local botanical garden. I take a ride to the beach. Nature never fails to inspire me. I will always see something that sparks inspiration in me.
Listen to the tiny whispers — that's what I call them. Artists get so overwhelmed by choice. We're exposed to so much; there are so many opportunities. Really listen to what is calling you, and don't talk yourself out of it. We're always thinking about what we should do, but if you really listen, you know what you actually want to do. The amount of inspiration you put into the thing that calls you will allow you to create something that's all your own. Pick one thing and bring it to completion — the rest will be waiting for you.
Outer space, tarot decks, astrology, Hilma af Klint, and poetry. I’ve been especially inspired by tarot and astrology lately, and I’m a bit obsessed with the moon and outer space in general. I go to star parties at Griffith Observatory here in Los Angeles, where astronomers set up huge telescopes and geek out about nebulae and star clusters. I love being around people who are genuinely fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. It makes me think about how little we know, and about our place within something so vast.
I’m also fascinated by the artist Hilma af Klint and the way she wove ideas of the cosmos, spirituality, and nature into her paintings. There’s something so mysterious and timeless about her work. And poetry has been a huge inspiration lately, too. It pulls me into a different kind of space - one that I want to linger in. It makes me want to make art.
8. Where is the best place to view your art?
You can find my monthly Nature Almanac and creative space on my Substack at Lookingforthemagic.com. I also post a lot of art on my Instagram @kim_ko_design.
Explore Kim’s work: Lookingforthemagic.com
Follow Kim: @kim_ko_design
Discover Kim Koehler’s Work
Explore Kim Koehler’s nature-inspired artwork, illustrations, and designs at Lookingforthemagic.com and follow along on Instagram at @kim_ko_design.
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