Creative and endlessly curious, Caroline Kerfoot has built a life fusing art, storytelling and the natural world.

A West Bloomfield resident since 2017, Kerfoot is an author, illustrator, designer, and novice perfumer, whose journey has taken her from Grosse Pointe Farms to New York, London, Austria, Portugal, and beyond.

“I’ve always pursued creative sparks,” Kerfoot said. “As an artist, I believe it’s important to try new things and have as many experiences as you can manage.”

Kerfoot grew up in Grosse Pointe Farms and graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School. A standout student and competitive all-state tennis player, she graduated early and spent what would’ve been her senior year studying at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies before earning her BFA in graphic design from Maryland Institute College of Art.

“During college, I was lucky enough to study for a semester in London at Central Saint Martins,” she said. “It was a huge honor, as it’s perennially ranked top in the world.”

After returning to work at a small Michigan ad agency, she soon found a job in New York City.

“I lived in Hoboken and commuted to Manhattan,” she said. “Later, I moved to Salzburg, Austria, designing surface graphics for KTM Motorcycles through KISKA Design Studio. Currently, a lot of my clients are focused on décor and educational products for elementary-aged children.”

Kerfoot’s most personal project emerged in 2021. While walking her rescue dog Foxy in West Bloomfield, the pair encountered a turtle that immediately retreated into its shell.

“I was struck by the way these two little characters were
interacting,” she said. “A few days later, my first book, ‘Hi,
I’m Fox!’ poured out of me in rhyme.”

That moment inspired her children’s book series,
“Adventures of Fox”, which she both writes and illustrates.
The books, aimed at children ages 0-8, feature Foxy and
encourage curiosity, kindness and exploration.

“The books help kids learn the importance of friendship
and emotional growth,” she said. “And I’m proud to say that
all the books are printed here in Michigan.”

Now working on her fourth book, an illustrated early
chapter book series expected in summer 2026, Kerfoot also
visits schools and participates in after-school programs, and
she is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers
and Illustrators
(SCBWI).

“My other passions
include horseback
riding, gardening,
reading, and natural
perfumery,” she said.
“I became sensitive
to synthetic
fragrances because
they triggered
migraines. Natural
perfumery became
another form of art for me. I’ve
enjoyed learning traditional methods
inspired by 19th-century practices and
look forward to debuting my blends
this year under the guise of The
Whisperer Perfumery.”

Nearly a decade ago, Kerfoot and
her husband John fell in love with
West Bloomfield’s Walnut Lake area.

“We love it here,” she said. “The
lakes, the woods, the nature
preserves, and especially our
neighbors. It’s such a gem.”

Among her favorite local spots are Redcoat Tavern, Mex on
Telegraph, and Crispelli's Bakery & Pizzeria.

Kerfoot also enjoys traveling, especially to the greenery of
Ireland, where she’s spent time in Dublin and Donegal,
exploring her Irish and Scottish roots.

“It’s inspiring to experience places with so much history
and beauty,” she said. “Somehow, that inspiration always
finds its way back into my work.”