Pattern Bliss

Portraits of Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister of New Zealand, Diane Keaton, Cher and more

I’m joining the portrait challenge organized on Instagram by @jkroik and @joanlemay. This month is all about @ocasio2018. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the amazing Congresswoman for NY-14: Bronx and Queens. My portrait features the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speechwriting on the 6 train back in 2018. #JOANENNYCHALLENGE
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Today’s hashtags: #alexandriaocasiocortez #ladyhero #digitalillustration #digitalportrait #iPadPro #procreateapp #thefutureisfemale #womeninpolitics #strongwomenrock #womenpaintingwomen #womenwhodraw #womenwhopaint #womenofcolorinpolitics #portrait #editorialart #editorialillustration #makeartthatsells #freelanceillustrator #makeartthatsells #Matsbootcamp #makearteveryday #lillarogers #magazineillustration

Sharing a moodboard with three patterns from my Australian print collection. This collection features a fresh tropical-inspired color palette with psychedelic prints and a painterly vibe. Prints in this collection are available for purchase and licensing. Visit my website for details. I’ll be sharing more patterns in this collection soon.⠀⠀

Pattern development backstory. Before I dove in and started gathering supplies to create each pattern, I spent time researching the nature of the coast and ocean surrounding of Australia. The details in the natural elements, the veins in the leaves, the shadows on the sand, the ripples in water all create interesting shapes—and changing shapes. I wanted to incorporate these bold and beautiful patterns of Australia in my designs. Contrasting colors appear and disappear over time and make an object blend in when seen against a background. That magical transformation fascinates me. The light and dark leaves, the rocks on a shore, the sea vegetation, tree branches in the wind, and all the pockets and shafts of light in an underwater a reef are captivating.

For this pattern collection—only three of many designs are shared above—I used a variety of design tools including paint and inks for creating splashes and stylized waves. I used simple mark making and printmaking tools to create camouflage and textural skins with a hint of the psychedelic. For many of the designs I created a sense of movement using blurred mark-making and splattered and splashed art. Adding layers and layers to each design gave the added elements of natural texture and depth. All designs are available as hi resolution Adobe Photoshop files or Illustrator files—and many are available in multiple color ways.

Stay tuned for more Spring/Summer 2020 patterns including abstracted animal prints and natural elements with an Australian mood.

For creative projects and collaborations, contact me via my portfolio at www.chriscocomedia.com. You can follow me at www.instagram.com/chris_coco_olson

Always thankful for the talented photo folks over on @unsplash for the lovely mood photos: Scott Webb (leaves); Taweeroj Eawpanich (surfer); Tim Marshall (ocean waves).

#activewear #tropical #pattern #licensing #jungalowstyle #moderndecor #stationery

Drawing some of my favorite places this year. Poolside, here I come. I'm definitely feeling those summer feels. Detail of a new pool illustration by Chris Olson.

Summer weekend here I come! Detail of a new textile design for swimwear in a bikini mockup I created. More designs on my Instagram account at www.instagram.com/chris_coco_olson. 

(The beach photos in my collage via Unsplash: Antony Sastre, Mink Mingle, Biel Morro)

#activewear #swimwear #escapetowater #textiledesign

Sharing a detail the French Bulldog in a Garden journal cover that will be available in my shop soon. Art by Chris Olson. 

Exploring watercolor options for a botanical print. Playing with swirls and juicy tropical colors. Watercolor doodles by Chris Olson. #jungalowstyle #tropicalprints

Diving into the magical botanical trend. Nature is a key inspiration in this design and this botanical has shimmering effects. The blooms have an iridescent quality
that creates a sense of luxury. This design also taps into celestial and mystical influences.

If you would like to see more designs by Chris Olson, her surface design patterns are available for purchase on this website.

Access to the online client portfolio is available to manufacturers, licensees, art directors, etc. If you would like to request access to the full pattern library in her online portfolio, please use the form at this "Online Portfolio Password Request" page. If you already have the password, you can view the collections.