Candice Hartsough Coping Through Cards: A Journey to Wellness with 'Cards to Cope'
Mental health has become a prominent topic of discussion in recent years, and for good reason. The world has faced unprecedented challenges, leading many to seek new ways to manage stress and anxiety. Enter 'Cards to Cope,' a unique tool designed to help individuals navigate the complexities of mental health and wellness.
Scott Hull Associates is proud to present the work of Candice Hartsough, an accomplished illustrator who collaborated with Denver-based yoga therapist and mindfulness practitioner Sarah Wartell to bring 'Cards to Cope' to life. This deck of 108 illustrated cards, inspired by yoga, harmonizes wellness through thoughtful design and expert artistry.
The Inspiration Behind 'Cards to Cope'
The idea for 'Cards to Cope' was born from Sarah Wartell's personal and professional journey. In March 2021, she received a cancer diagnosis that prompted her to explore deeper ways to cope with the mental and emotional challenges she was facing. As a yoga therapist with over twenty years of experience and a background in direct mental health care, Sarah had long been helping others navigate difficult times, providing support to clients dealing with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, chronic illness, addiction, borderline personality disorder, dissociation, grief, identity exploration, trauma, neurodivergence, and even suicidal and homicidal ideation. Yet, during a particularly tough chemotherapy week, she found herself wishing for a tool that could help her manage her struggles.
Drawing on her extensive mental health and wellness background, Sarah conceived the idea of creating a deck of cards filled with yoga therapy tools—something that could help others as much as it helped her. Thus, 'Cards to Cope' was conceived as a project based on personal needs and professional expertise.
A Creative Collaboration
Sarah knew she needed the right artist to bring her vision to life, and having worked with Scott Hull Associates on previous projects, she turned to us once more. We connected her with Candice Hartsough, a talented illustrator known for her work in children's books. Despite initial uncertainty about whether she was the right fit for this niche project, Candice’s distinctive style quickly resonated with Sarah.
"I was really drawn to Candice’s images and the warmth that came through her work,” Sarah recalls. “I felt a real connection and camaraderie with Candice when we spoke, and it gave me confidence that this project would be a success.”
The collaboration between Sarah and Candice has been nothing short of remarkable. Although this was Candice’s first time working on a project like 'Cards to Cope,' her artistic flair and ability to convey warmth and emotion through her illustrations made her the perfect choice. The partnership has not only expanded Candice’s range as an artist but has also provided her with an opportunity to work on something deeply meaningful.
Personal Connection
“When I started working on 'Cards to Cope' in 2022, I had no idea that a little more than halfway into the project I would get my own cancer diagnosis,” shares Candice. “Working on these cards during all those waiting periods that happen when you're facing something big with your health—waiting for test results, waiting for doctor’s appointments, waiting for surgery, etc.—was an enormous life preserver. Creating art about quieting one’s mind, naming and sitting with emotions, and finding ways to move one’s body through difficult times helped me keep a grasp on my life and my reality, and work toward a brighter light at the other end. I am forever indebted to Sarah for giving me the chance to work on this project that brought so much to my life.”
A Tool for Everyone
'Cards to Cope' is more than just a deck of cards; it’s a resource for anyone looking to explore self-understanding and healthily manage stress. Sarah aims to provide a tool that welcomes users into a space of self-exploration and emotional support.
“It’s been delightfully surprising,” Sarah concludes. “Candice has been extraordinary at bringing the concepts to life beautifully. I heartfully intend for 'Cards to Cope' to help people explore understanding themselves more while also learning to manage stress.”
