Oh hey hello!

An introduction to Kelsey Marshalsey on Substack

Mar 04, 2025

Oh hey hello!

Thanks for stopping by to read my first post here on Substack!

As part of my 2025 goals for myself I would like to try and write one blog post a week for you all to read and learn and collaborate on!

WHO AM I?

My name is Kelsey Marshalsey and I am an illustrator and designer based in Ontario, Canada.

I started my career in design, graduating with a degree in Graphic Design in 2012 from Conestoga College.

From there I branched into Illustration and Hand-Lettering and Brown Paper Fox was born - starting as a little Etsy shop which has since grown into a full-blow Publishing company.

After my son was born I moved more into Picture Book illustration and I absolutely LOVE it. I really found where my passion lies and I love helping authors bring their stories to life.

A few fun facts about me:

I am a mum to two littles, Ewan and Isla
I have two cats - Simba and Yoshi (I just lost my other kitty Ollie and he was my first child and it really shook me)
I primarily work in Digital mediums but love taking paint and pencils to paper to change things up and add texture
I love reading - currently reading through the Outlander series
I love playing video games - currently playing the OG Paper Mario on N64 via Switch
I love to dance and do yoga - I used to be a ballerina in my youth
I love to start and try new hobbies - my favourites being textile arts like knitting and crochet
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD - and honestly… it makes a lot of sense

WHY A SUBSTACK?

When I first started my design career I started a blog and YouTube channel called “The DIY Diary” where I made a bunch of things from clothing and accessories to home decor to food - simple and easy DIYs that were often done on a budget and honestly I loved writing.

I then grew and shifted and I stopped posting and got more into professional illustration - but I have always enjoyed writing and I feel that I have a lot to share and this is the place to do it.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

This blog isn’t going to necessarily be one particular thing but everything that I love, like and know. I just want to share everything and anything it could be: