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Motherhood can make even the simplest parts of the day feel like an adventure. Sleep becomes a luxury, personal space practically disappears, and keeping everyone fed, dressed, and relatively happy can sometimes feel like a major achievement. Artist Bella Maris, the creator behind ‘Bella Illustration,’ turns those familiar experiences into colorful comics filled with humor and real-life parenting moments.

Her work embraces the less polished side of raising children, touching on everything from breastfeeding and postpartum changes to toddler moods, interrupted sleep, and the challenge of finding even a few quiet minutes for yourself. While motherhood remains a major source of inspiration, Bella’s comics have also expanded into the many other complications of adult life. Relationships, anxiety, therapy, aging, body image, and everyday frustrations all find their way into her illustrations, usually with the kind of punchline that comes from recognizing yourself in the situation a little too well.

Scroll down to see her latest work, and upvote your favorite comics.

More info: Instagram | bellaillustration.com | x.com | youtube.com

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    #2

    Humorous comic by Bella Maris relatable for parents, a tired parent vacuuming while a child hugs their leg, Wow Motherhood looks so good on you

    bella.illustration Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    49 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Helping a child grow up is (usually) worth the late nights, disturbed sleep, loss of earning capacity, and bone weariness, but unless you've walked that road you'll never know how rough it is underfoot - or how, just sometimes, the views can take your breath away.

    #3

    Humorous comic by Bella Maris relatable for parents, a stressed parent breastfeeding, This Is Fine caption, messy house

    bella.illustration Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    49 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cleanliness is not the target. Love - and at least a basic effectiveness - are. The world can wait for vacuuming, but cuddles are *now*.

    #4

    Humorous comic by Bella Maris relatable for parents, a parent holding a baby who giggles at the ceiling at 3:33 AM

    bella.illustration Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    46 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you weren't there, you'll never know.

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    #11

    Humorous comic by Bella Maris showing a therapist enthusiastically relating to a patient's problem, relatable for parents.

    bella.illustration Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    46 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's why therapists have therapists. Even mental loads are easier when shared.

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    #21

    Humorous comic by Bella Maris showing a couple making up after an argument, relatable for parents.

    bella.illustration Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    42 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hint - if you have external genitals, the only acceptable answer is "yes"

    #24

    Humorous comic by Bella Maris depicting a parent trying to stay calm amidst chaos, relatable for parents.

    bella.illustration Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    42 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Better eat the chocolates before they melt ?

    #29

    Humorous comic by Bella Maris showing tired parents and kids sleeping in a bed, relatable for parents.

    bella.illustration Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    39 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Remember - you chose to have them. They didn't choose to have you. Patience will be required.