Featured Artist Holly Helgeson

Bright colorful patterns, simple lines and joyful themes are the hallmark of artist Holly Helgeson’s surface designs. See more of this artist’s work by visiting her website.

 

 

Hey, Everyone! My name is Holly Helgeson and I am very excited to be featured today on Artsy Shark. I am a surface pattern designer, illustrator and licensed artist (who is obsessed with mid-century modern design). I have always had a deep passion for creating art.

 

 

Some of my earliest memories involve an old cigar box full of peeled crayons and a roll of butcher block paper. Many hours of my childhood were spent in my treehouse drawing “masterpieces” for family and friends.

 

 

Over the past twenty five years, I have cultivated my passion for creating art. It has taken many paths, but my desire to create has only grown stronger. I still start with putting pen to paper. I love the organic freedom it allows me.

 

 

My focus is not on perfection of line strokes but on seeing what emerges through the drawing process. This technique gives my artwork a playful, hand drawn quality. That’s why I rarely go anywhere without my trusty sketchbook and Sharpie marker. I never know when inspiration will strike!

 

 

My home studio is also one of my favorite places to create art. It is a place that is full of light and plastered with all the things that inspire my creativity. I have a large stash of vintage fabrics and books that I can easily get lost in. I love to let my imagination wander in this space and spill out into my sketchbooks.

 

 

Typically, after I have filled a page or two in my sketchbook with drawings, I scan them into Photoshop. This is where the magic happens! I love color…bold, bright, happy color! (Side note: I don’t have any white walls in my house. Did I mention I love color?)

 

 

Most of my color palettes are inspired by the beauty bursting in nature. Another wonderful influence on my work comes from mid-century modern design. I love the simple geometric patterns, clean lines, and bold color palettes.

 

 

Currently my artwork can be found on fabric designed for Benartex Contempo Studios, watches for Modify, and houseware products for Kess InHouse. My first fabric collection with Benartex “Lemon Squeezy” debuted in June 2016 and was inspired by the Lemonade Art Fair in my hometown of St. Cloud, Minnesota.

 

 

My second fabric collection “Merry Little Christmas” was just released this April and has a quirky vintage feel and bright color palette. In addition, many of my designs are available on fabric in my Spoonflower shop and on home décor products in my Society6 shop.

 

 

My dream is to sign with a fabulous art agency and continue to license my work on more products. I really love bringing a little bit of “happy” to others through my artwork.

 

Artist Holly Helgeson invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

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