Find Your
Inspiration
The Sylvan Serpent encourages people to celebrate what they love, find that spark of excitement, and grow in themselves. I make creations to provide reminders of the beauty in this world and support others in learning and crafting their passions.
Behind the Sylvan Serpent
I was finishing my PhD and wasn’t sure where to go in life: I knew I didn’t want to stay in academia and the UX roles I prepped for all but eliminated by AI and the recession. I had a heart-to-heart and considered what my dreams really are.
I love to learn. I love seeing others excited by their hobbies and pushing their edges to create something new. It’s to not just about my creativity and interests, it’s helping others live their passions, too. I want to bring my own spin on inspiration, encouraging both natural and arcane interests. The idea formed of making products that celebrate our unique interests while helping others connect to their passions and the world around them.
I opened the Sylvan Serpent (broadly, Sylvan Serpent Designs) in 2025 as a small business here in Seattle, Washington. I am practicing my art, creating and offering my perspective, doing scicomm, and providing a service to others through support and education. It’s still in early form, shaping at the edge between natural woodland and living shadows.
The Serpent’s Role
“My mission is to connect people to the natural, the fantastical, and each other. I believe in celebrating our attraction to the wild and arcane— to engage in activities that stir our passions, encourage learning & practice for our personal growth and joy.
I bring resources: support on learning and skills, making fantastical creations, and sharing my journey. “
What You’ll Find Here
Practice and Growth
Guides from study skills to keeping a nature sketchbook to finding your own hobbies. Grow, learn, and maintain. I’ll be making workshops and classes, so stay tuned!
Personal
Sharing struggles, celebrating wins, and just…life. I tend to write about career changes, higher ed, chronic illness & mental health. I’ll bring news of my personal creations, too.
PNW Stories & Vibes
Sharing my local community, small businesses, and Queer and alt cultures. I love highlighting local artists and resources.
Science Communication
I’ll share my projects on science communication and nature art. I want to live as a steward to nature, promoting the preservation of our Pacific Northwest home.
Heya, I’m Kelsey
I weave my research background into my art, emphasizing the behaviors of animals, reflecting how humans and nature influence each other, and exploring our imagination. I’m bringing the spooky forests, foggy mountains, and things that go bump in the night.
My drawing habit began as a suggested exercise for managing stress during a life transition. Well, it worked. More than worked. Art became a lifeline during a career change, moving to another country (and back) and life instability.
I joined art communities online and in-person. I attended workshops, live demos, and took up figure drawing (my favorite!). During my PhD, I experimented with new mediums, explored science art, attended nature illustration conferences and illustrated a grant project. I was hooked.
I have learned how to learn, pivot, and connect with my passions. I created the Sylvan Serpent as a means to share this journey and support others in embracing their own interests and creativity. I’m no master artist, but I can bring support, resources, and cheer on fellow learners.
Thanks for dropping by
Whether you’re here for the science art, the spooky, or just poking around, I am glad to have you! I hope this space inspires you to pick up some charcoal, a needle, or simply see your world with a little more wonder and understanding. Let’s make some magic.
Say hello