Chris Coco Media
Design + Illustration
yellowSquare--big-coat-art-w-printsGIFF.png

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 Design by Chris Olson
From My Sketchbook -- A Fresh Botanical Color Story
From My Sketchbook -- A Fresh Botanical Color Story

Today I'm sharing a glimpse inside my textile design process. My eye is naturally drawn to a vibrant pink because it speaks to love and friendship. In a botanical I like to include pink because it shows a softer side of the red hue—a hue that demands attention. Pink on the other hand attracts attention. Pink is the color of the goddess of love Venus—sensuous, delicious, and seductive without being overpowering. I paired it with other warm and friendly colors to create my botanical design. This design is a work in progress, check back next week and I'll share my finished artwork.

Read More
Design by Chris Olson, New PatternsChris Olsonsketchbook, Color, color storyComment
Happy Doodle Textile Designs
Happy Doodle Textile Designs

My new Happy Doodle Textiles are designed to be bright, sunny and fun. I created these seamless repeat patterns with a playful vibe to make you smile and to generate positive feelings. Available in a variety of color combinations. Today I'm sharing three modern repeat patterns available in my Willow Collection and Sisters Collection. The hand drawn graphics combine whimsical designs and textures using a cheerful color palette.

My mixed media artwork combines markers, paint, crayons and mark making techniques. To create the seamless repeat patterns I pop my artwork into Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to tweak the colors and create the perfect pattern layout.

Read More
Textile design, Design by Chris Olson, Surface Pattern DesignerChris Olsontextile design, doodle patterns, surface design, happy doodleComment
Pink Is Cool Again: Pantone's Color(s) of the Year
Pink Is Cool Again: Pantone's Color(s) of the Year

For me pink has always been cool. To be perfectly honest, I just like almost every color except that weird avocado color of the 60s. I do like the vegetable though. Getting back to the main point, Pantone announced their Color of the Year for 2016! This year Pantone actually has two colors a warm Rose Quartz and tranquil Serenity. This lovely combo finds it's way into my design work frequently and now my clients think I'm psychic--or maybe just kinda obsessed with colors associated with cake frosting, donuts, and weddings, birthday parties. Anyways. I am happy. Great work Pantone.

Read More
Design by Chris OlsonChris Olsonsurface pattern design, Pantone, Color, Graphic Design by Chris OlsonComment
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

Read More
Illustration, Inspiration, Design by Chris OlsonChris Olsondogs, illustrationComment