Climbing Tree Studio is a creative space in the home and heart of Karen Viola, a.k.a. me, specializing in design services for projects that inspire and enlighten children at home, school, and in the communities that nurture them. My roots run deep in the children’s publishing industry and bring a wealth of experience in all aspects of visual storytelling including graphic design, writing, illustrating, and paper engineering.

I have uniquely-designed items available for purchase at my Etsy shop, ClimbingTreePress.

Besides reading and making children’s books for years, I have raised two children, or rather they have raised me. I’m still growing up, and still climb trees. I hike, sketch, and write for mental health. I like strong coffee and solving problems, in that order. The more-than-human journey never ceases to fascinate me and I enjoy celebrating it. Often. 

Follow my Switchbacks blog here.

Peruse my personal art practice at kvartworks.com.