Hi. I'm the shy caterpillar.
I'm a student on this campus. I draw small doodles and write short poems on postcards, and I leave them where someone might need them — then I walk away. You'll probably never know who I am. That's kind of the point.
No name on purpose.
- 01
The card is about you, not me.
If you knew who drew it, it would become a message from someone. Without a name, it can just be a message for you.
- 02
Nothing is owed back.
No thank-you, no follow, no reply. You found something small and kind. That’s the whole transaction.
- 03
Shy people can say hi too.
Not everyone can walk up to a stranger. A postcard on a table is a way to be kind without having to be loud.
Caterpillars are slow, a little awkward, and mostly go unnoticed. They're also in the middle of becoming something.
Most of us are, too — especially in the middle of a term. It felt like the right thing to sign the cards with.
What goes on a card — and what doesn't.
- ✓A doodle, a few lines of poetry, or both
- ✓Words that admit a day can be hard before offering any hope
- ✓Nothing to buy, sign up for, or follow
- ✕“Just smile” or “good vibes only”
- ✕Advice about what you should feel
- ✕Names, personal details or anything about who drew it
Then it was meant for you.
Keep it on your desk, tuck it in a book, or leave it somewhere for the next person. And if you ever feel like leaving a hello of your own — you'd be very welcome.
The Shy Caterpillar is a small student art project, not a health service. If you're going through more than a bad day, here are people who can help right now.
Card art inspired by Clover Robin & Sonia Cavallini, Flower Box, Princeton Architectural Press.