Chris Coco Media
Design + Illustration
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Pattern Bliss

At Pattern Bliss blog I'll be sharing my favorite surface pattern design inspirations, trends, a sneak peek my pattern designs, my favorite shoes, and, of course, cute dog pictures. Plus you'll get a glimpse of what goes on inside my studio in my sketchbook series.

Posts in Inspiration
Introducing My New Boho Bryony Collection
Introducing My New Boho Bryony Collection

I'm passionate about wellness and setting aside some time every day to get outside to play. As a designer, my patterns are inspired by the outdoors--especially the way light plays with colors at such a high elevation here in Colorado. One of my favorite things to do for design research--and for fun--is to pack up my ski gear and head to one of the nearby resorts--Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Vail, or Keystone. 

My new design collection, Boho Bryony, was created with activewear in mind. When I design a textile I'm thinking about how the colors and patterns can be energizing or calming.  Often my inspiration for a new design comes from photos I take while skiing, hiking with my dogs, or exploring new places. I'm always looking at what people wear and what colors, patterns and designs flatter the body. I am that girl who stops someone in line getting coffee and asks "where did you get that great parka?"

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Fashion, Inspiration, New PatternsChris Olsonactivewear, athleisure, ski, Colorado, Ice and snow, Blue and aquaComment
Channeling the Milky Way Today
Channeling the Milky Way Today

That beloved icy dot called Pluto is in the news this week thanks to photos from the space probe New Horizons. Seems only fitting to channel milky way imagery in the studio today. Here's a sneak peek at my Luliana textile pattern. And as part of the Textile Design Lab over at Pattern Observer I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process for their 21 Days of Sharing challenge. For details on purchasing this pattern go to my surface design page or go directly to my contact link. 

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Inspiration, New PatternsChris Olsonnew patterns, surface design, surface pattern designComment
Make room for living
Make room for living

My three dogs keep begging for a road trip and this got me thinking. Creating happiness is all about attitude and making room for fun. Like the saying goes, "Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

So step away from your desk. Put your cell on mute. I'm encouraging you to go do something fun right now. It doesn't have to be a big thing—just a walk a round the block. Or jump in the car and just drive. Just and make it a habit every day to escape from screen time and look around you. xo

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Illustration, Inspiration, Design by Chris OlsonChris Olsondogs, illustrationComment
Quote This
Quote This

Each day we face so many choices. And sometimes it's hard to decide which way to go. Whenever I feel that crazy twitch of indecision, I remember to keep it simple. And I find comfort in the fact each of us have the power to transform the day not by making miracles happen, but simply by doing our best. 

That's why I love this advice from Lincoln:

"Whatever you are,
be a good one."

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Inspiration, Design by Chris OlsonChris OlsonDaily QuotesComment
Good Things
Good Things

For me, one of the most interesting parts of being an artist is also being a storyteller. That imaginative side of telling a story as a designer includes revising my work and asking myself questions. 

Time spent creating new artwork—even when it never leaves my studio—is never wasted. For me, the best things happen creatively when I am excited to tell the next story through my art—mistakes and all.

{Image by Chris Olson. Quote by artist Agnes Martin.}

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Inspiration, Surface Pattern DesignerChris Olsoninspirational quotes, Daily QuotesComment