--- title: 5 Minutes with Artist, Kate Pullen description: Meet artist, Kate Pullen, and explore how her creative practice intersects with mindfulness. Then, indulge your own creativity using Kate's activity. image: https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Kate%20p%204.png --- [Back to smilingmind.com.au](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SM_BlogLogo_black.svg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au) [Login/Sign up](https://app.smilingmind.com.au/?_ga=2.99144346.505229074.1559522319-1047861382.1534989894) - Mindfulness - [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation) - [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) - [Mindful eating](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindful-eating) - [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care) - [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/tips-tricks) - At Home - [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) - [Parents](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/parents) - [Family](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/family) - In Schools - [Students](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/students) - [Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/teachers) - [Schools](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) - At Work - [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) - [Business](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/business) - Mental Health - [Anxiety](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/anxiety) - [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) - [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health) - [News](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) # 5 Minutes with Artist, Kate Pullen ![Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMind_Icon_RGB_Purple-Background.png) by [Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/smiling-mind) ![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Kate%20p%204.png) January 31, 2023 Kate Pullen is an Australian letterer and illustrator who's inspired by the inner workings of the human mind. She incorporates colour, pattern, nature and pop culture into her work, and seeks to recreate emotions she feels in her art.  ![Kate Pullen smiling while colouring her activity, ' the recipe of you'](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Kate%20P%201.png?width=690&height=518&name=Kate%20P%201.png) ## Tell us a bit about yourself... Heya! I’m Kate, or KP. I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and am lucky enough to continue living by the beach. I studied graphic design and have slowly built my freelance business specialising in hand lettering and, more recently, illustration with just the tiniest hint of animation. I often work digitally, mainly drawing directly on to my iPad, but I also love jumping away from the screen and painting with a brush. It’s lovely to have this combination of analogue and digital, it keeps things super interesting! ## **What inspired this tutorial and activity you have created?** Sometimes there can be nothing scarier than staring at a blank page, unsure of what to do next, and so I wanted to build an activity that gave people the opportunity to be creative without it being too daunting. Added into the mix was mindfulness, and the opportunity to pause and acknowledge some wonderful parts of you. This is not something I often take the time to do and so I thought if I baked it into an activity, we could all enjoy a little ‘hey, you’re quite ace’ moment. Plus it enabled me to indulge in multiple baking puns. [![DOWNLOAD KATE'S ACTIVITY TEMPLATE HERE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/b9b7905a-1451-4e41-bfa4-1c97850587aa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4687378/b9b7905a-1451-4e41-bfa4-1c97850587aa) [![WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/e2d11496-de17-4648-9678-f9b62a793cf5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4687378/e2d11496-de17-4648-9678-f9b62a793cf5)   ## **Were you always a creative person?** I don’t think I realised this at the time but looking back, yes! It might not have always been drawing, but music, dance, reading, and writing were all thrown into the mix, too. Not that these things are clear binaries, but my brain does tend to gravitate more towards the arts over maths or science. ![Kate Pullen's own version of her 'The Recipe of You' activity](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Kate%20P%202.png?width=1200&height=900&name=Kate%20P%202.png) ## **How familiar are you with mindfulness?** As I’ve gained more understanding around how my brain works I’ve also learnt the power of mindfulness, and its importance when dealing with certain mental health issues like anxiety. For me, mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment, not ruminating on the past or anticipating the future. It sounds so simple when written down like that, but boy it’s tough to do! I try to practice it when my brain is being kind to me so that it’s easier to access when things get tough. [Read about mindful colouring and how it can benefit your mental health.](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-mindful-colouring) ## **Describe your creative process** It usually goes like this—a brainstorm/word vomit/scribble, followed by super loose sketches, more often than not on my iPad. Then I spend time refining those sketches and maybe bringing in a little colour, so I can really start to see how the final product might look (and if it’s going to work). Once I’ve reached a spot I’m happy with I’ll either tighten up the final design on the iPad, or bring it across to another program like Adobe Illustrator. What program I use is pretty much dependent on what the final output needs to do. If I’ve got the time, it’s also really nice (and helpful!) to have breaks throughout this process. For me, it helps the idea marinate and gives me the space to see what’s working and what might need to change. ![Kate Pullen focused on colouring her work](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Kate%20P%203.png?width=900&height=1200&name=Kate%20P%203.png) ## **How do you get in flow (aka in the zone)? What does it feel like?** When I think about a kind of flow state, for me it would usually involve drawing or painting whilst listening to something, whether that be music, a podcast, or an audiobook. I think it’s usually a time when my mind is quiet; the self-doubt that is so often present has lessened, and there’s a real sense of calm and enjoyment about what you’re creating. > I know people might say this a lot but time really does manage to disappear without you noticing when you're in flow, it’s a beautiful place to be. ![Kate Pullen](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Kate%20p%204.png?width=1200&height=900&name=Kate%20p%204.png) ## **What inspires you and your art?** Colour, pattern, nature, pop culture, trying to make sense of how our brains work and what makes ‘em tick. ## **What are some ways you connect with what inspires you?** I really love hearing people’s stories. I love books and history, movies and biographies. I can get lost in podcasts and audiobooks, fascinated by how someone got to where they are today, and how past decisions or events impact us in the present. I think all of this then feeds into my work, whether it might be a phrase that really resonated, or trying to recreate an emotion I felt watching or listening to something. It’s then even *more* exciting when you realise others have had similar experiences and you share it in together. ![Kate Pullen writing her name on her activity template](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Kate%20p%205.png?width=1200&height=900&name=Kate%20p%205.png) ## **How do you think people can start to use creativity to support their mind?** It’s another way to express ourselves, when perhaps saying how we feel is difficult. It is also an opportunity for pure, enjoyable play, and that’s not something we often allow ourselves as adults. Finally, it encourages us to perhaps view the world slightly differently, encouraging lateral thought and maybe introducing new thoughts/feelings/views/opportunities that we hadn’t otherwise experienced. ![Kate Pullen smiling while holding up her complete activity](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Kate%20P%206.png?width=1200&height=900&name=Kate%20P%206.png) Support your mind with creativity and find more activities on our website. Don't forget to share and tag us! #SMILINGMINDCREATES [![DOWNLOAD KATE'S ACTIVITY TEMPLATE HERE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/b9b7905a-1451-4e41-bfa4-1c97850587aa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4687378/b9b7905a-1451-4e41-bfa4-1c97850587aa) [![WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/e2d11496-de17-4648-9678-f9b62a793cf5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4687378/e2d11496-de17-4648-9678-f9b62a793cf5)   ![SmilingMindCreatexBICIntensityLockup (2)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/SmilingMindCreatexBICIntensityLockup%20(2).jpg?width=11069&height=2609&name=SmilingMindCreatexBICIntensityLockup%20(2).jpg)   ![Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMind_Icon_RGB_Purple-Background.png) ### Written by [Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/smiling-mind) ### SIMILAR POSTS [![Image of Smiling Mind Artist](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/2O0A2076.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-minutes-with-illustrator-candy-ng) #### [5 minutes with illustrator, Yan Yan Candy Ng](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-minutes-with-illustrator-candy-ng) [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) 2 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Ellen%203.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-minutes-with-artist-ellen-porteus) #### [5 Minutes With Artist, Ellen Porteus](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-minutes-with-artist-ellen-porteus) [Mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindfulness) 2 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Nick%20T%20hero.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-minutes-with-illustrator-nicholas-tsekouras) #### [5 Minutes With Artist, Nicholas Tsekouras](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-minutes-with-illustrator-nicholas-tsekouras) [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) 4 minute read [![man stressed at laptop](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/image-from-rawpixel-id-259968-jpeg.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/beating-burnout) #### [Beating Burnout](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/beating-burnout) [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [Mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindfulness) 3 minute read [![What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1319763211.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) Family, Parents, Self care, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 10 minute read ### [What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) by Smiling Mind ## Latest [![What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1319763211.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) ### [What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) If you’re a parent or caregiver, you probably know the feeling: your brain feels full of tasks that somehow keep multipl... Family, Parents, Self care, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![How to tell if it's stress or anxiety, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1135957638.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/overwhelmed-and-on-a-deadline-how-to-tell-if-its-stress-or-anxiety-and-what-to-do-about-it) ### [How to tell if it's stress or anxiety, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/overwhelmed-and-on-a-deadline-how-to-tell-if-its-stress-or-anxiety-and-what-to-do-about-it) You're staring at a long to-do list, the clock is ticking, and suddenly you can’t remember your email password. Is this ... Mindfulness 7 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/all) ## At home [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1307370020.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) ### [How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) Each year Smiling Mind checks in on the wellbeing of Australians through our State of Mind survey. The 2024 report focus... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 7 minute read [![Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Collection%20Resilient%20Families%20Parents%20.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) ### [Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) Creating generational change in mental health for Australia’s young girls and women is the driving force behind a new 3-... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) ## At Work [![The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2154297863.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) ### [The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) Running a small business can be challenging—you're the strategist, the problem-solver, the cheerleader, and everything i... Workplace, Tips & Tricks, Business, Self care, Mental Fitness 11 minute read [![Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2160502739.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) ### [Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) Running a business is no easy feat, and the current economic uncertainty adds another layer of complexity. To support bu... Workplace, Business, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1317277259%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) ### [Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) Did you know that one in three small and medium sized business owners identify mental health as their top concern? It's ... Workplace, Business, Meditation 14 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) ## At school [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-907283180.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) ### [How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) Healthy friendships are fundamental to a child’s emotional and social learning in school, but they don't always come eas... Tips & Tricks, Teachers, Students, Schools 9 minute read [![Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Schools%20program%20impact%20article.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) ### [Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) Schools, and the educators that work within them, are in a unique and influential position. They have the ability to cre... Children, Schools 18 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) ## News [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/youth%20social%20media%20ban.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) ### ["A social media band-aid won’t stick": Smiling Mind's take on Australia's Proposed Under 16 Social Media Ban](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) The ban to prevent Australian children under 16 from accessing social media is filled with great intentions. However exp... Parents, Mental Health, Media release, Mental Fitness 4 minute read [![Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/childrens%20mental%20health.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) ### [Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) The 2025 Federal Budget has failed our children, according to Australia’s leading children’s mental health not-for-profi... Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [![Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/210506_SmilingMind_WaitaraPrimary_PaulMcMillan-014_Edit.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) ### [Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) Tomorrow’s budget announcement will be an important reflection of what we care about as a nation. There’s an opportunity... Children, Family, Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) © 2026 Smiling Mind - [Privacy & Terms](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/privacy-and-terms) We recognise and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their ancestors, the Elders past, present and future from the different First Nations across this country. We acknowledge the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family and community for the wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. ### Info - [Home](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) - [Mindfulness](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-mindfulness) - [Education](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/education) - [Workplace](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness-workplace) - [Our free app](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app) - [Blog](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/) - [FAQs](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us#our-faq) ### About - [About us](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-team) - [Our Board](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-board) ### Action - [Contact](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us) - [Donate](https://shoutforgood.com/embed/lightbox?version=latest&client_token=dc092e09-150a-4a06-93de-14a387bffccc&custom_css=https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/smgeneral/media/shout-donate-form.css&uid=d375e26da7&logLevel=error&xcomponent=1) - [give](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/support-us) - [shop](https://smilingmind.org.au/) - - - -