Hi! I’m Olivia- a freelance illustrator living in the Snoqualmie Valley, WA. I was born and raised in a small mountain town called North Bend in Washington, and I am inspired by seasons, nature, and rich, meaningful storytelling. With my artwork, I create surreal images that reflect my connection to home, the landscapes of my upbringing, and my family.

My process is messy! Cut paper scraps litter the floor, and paintbrushes pile up in my water cup, my desk is filled with colorful paper to mosaic my images. I use an Exacto knife to precisely cut out shapes and glue them onto paper and I use acrylic paint with a variety of tools (including a toothbrush and a brayer roller) to texturize my artwork. I also sometimes use crayons and pastels for details and to add richer color.

Much of my work draws from personal memory and family stories. My parents met salsa dancing in the U.S.—my father is from Cartagena, Colombia, and my mother is from Durban, South Africa. I grew up in a yellow Spanish-style home with a red roof, where casitas típicas decorated our walls. My multicultural upbringing continues to influence my voice as an artist and the stories I tell. Representation, especially of my culture, is at the heart of my practice. 

Currently, I’m excited to work on illustrated books (for children, adults, and gift audiences), editorial illustration, pattern design, home goods, stationery, and gallery exhibitions.

I am represented by Taylor Martindale-Kean at Full Circle Literary! Please contact her with any publishing and illustration inquiries at taylor@fullcircleliterary.com

 

I’ve had the pleasure of working with wonderful clients such as:

 

Interviews

Awards

  • 2025 Best of the Year, CCBC Choices

  • 2024 Américas Award Commended Title for Children's and Young Adult Literature

  • 2024 Society Of Illustrators Original Art Show

Library Arts Programming

Black Diamond, Carnation, Cornelius, Duvall, Enumclaw, Fairwood, Fall City, Kenmore, Kent, Kent Panther Lake, Lake City, Lake Oswego, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, New Castle, Newport Way, Renton Highlands, Sammamish, Shoreline, South Park, Valley View

Teaching

Seattle Art Fair 2025, Amazon Expressions Lab, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Nino Studio, The Fishbowl, North Bend Art and Industry, Centro Cultural

 

Discover my professional journey as an illustrator. Check out my resume to see my experience and skills!

 

Photo by Leo Carmona

 

Contact Me

If you would like to hire me to make an editorial illustration for a magazine or newspaper, to illustrate a children’s book, to design a collection of patterns, to make home goods, to paint stationery and cards, to have a gallery show, or any other project: please contact me below or by emailing my agent Taylor Martindale-Kean directly (taylor@fullcircleliterary.com). I would love to take on new projects at this time, so please don’t hesitate to enquire.