Motherhood is a journey filled with highs and lows something you might not fully grasp until you experience it yourself. That’s exactly what Australian artist Paula Kuka illustrates in her witty and honest comics, shedding light on the everyday realities of raising children. Through her artwork, Paula highlights how much parenting happens behind the scenes. Society often judges moms based on fleeting moments—a mother scrolling her phone while pushing a stroller, for example without seeing the countless acts of love, care, and sacrifice that go unnoticed. Much like professional athletes or musicians, the final result is just the surface; behind it are endless hours of effort, exhaustion, and dedication. We’ve gathered some of Paula’s most insightful illustrations, so be sure to scroll through them and let us know which ones resonate with you the most. If you’re an artist yourself or struggling with creative motivation, don’t miss our interview with Paula, where she shares her journey, the challenges of motherhood, and her advice for reigniting artistic inspiration.
More info: CommonWild.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Paula Kuka never set out to become an artist. Her career began in an entirely different field. I never had plans to be an artist. When I finished school, I studied landscape architecture at university and went on to work in that profession for about 10 years,” Paula shared. But everything changed when she went on maternity leave with her first child. Looking for a way to stay creative, she picked up drawing and soon, it became much more than just a hobby. Paula explains that her background in landscape architecture still plays a role in her work. I draw digitally and use the very same technical skills that I used as a landscape architect. However, her artistic focus shifted after having her second child. Instead of design plans, she started sketching cartoons simple, heartfelt illustrations that documented her daily experiences as a mother. I was useless at writing in their baby books, so I started drawing instead.
What started as a personal project quickly resonated with parents everywhere. I posted them on Instagram, and they very quickly gathered attention from other parents who loved seeing such a relatable view of parenting. Paula’s comics capture the full spectrum of motherhood the guilt, the frustration, the boredom, and the moments of pure joy. It’s important to me to talk openly about these things because I know it can help other parents feel less isolated in what they are going through. Her work is a testament to the power of honest storytelling one that reminds parents they’re never alone in their journey.
6.
Also Read:
- Nellies Nest Comics: 20 Quirky Strips You’ll Love Scrolling Through
- When Rival Dragons Become Cat-Sitters – A Hilarious Twist from Part Time Dragons
- Got Dreams? – A Heartfelt Comic About Life’s Journey
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Paula Kuka’s relatable parenting comics have gained widespread attention and she’s now taking her creativity to new heights. In an interview with Bored Panda, Paula shared that she recently began writing a weekly column and creating cartoons for The West newspaper in Western Australia. But that’s not all exciting things are on the horizon. I am also putting together a book, which I hope to have out early next year she revealed. As her audience continues to grow, Paula remains dedicated to sharing her work. As long as people are enjoying what I am creating, I’ll keep posting and see what opportunities arise. With her ability to capture the joys and struggles of parenting in such a heartfelt way, there’s no doubt that even bigger things are ahead for Paula and her art. Stay tuned for her upcoming book and more insightful illustrations!
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
For artists facing creative burnout or struggling to find motivation, Paula Kuka offers some heartfelt advice: Opportunities can come from the most unlikely places. Be generous with your time and skills. Reflecting on her journey, Paula shared, All my greatest opportunities came when I went out on a limb and did something for someone without expecting anything in return. Her success is a testament to the power of putting yourself out there staying open to new experiences, and embracing creativity without immediate expectations. Her key message? Just keep going and stay true to yourself. People resonate the most with authenticity. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or someone who’s lost their creative spark, Paula’s words serve as a reminder that perseverance and authenticity are the keys to meaningful artistic growth.
17.
18.
19.
20.
