bio

Hey there, I'm Kristian Olson. After taking a decade-long hiatus from the art world, I'm back in action. I am an illustrator, designer, and fine artist making my home in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Orange County, I've lived all across California – from the Bay Area to the Central Valley and the Inland Empire. My style is a blend of digital innovation and traditional craftsmanship, shaped by years of experimentation. My artwork often features quirky, imaginative subjects that evoke a range of emotions from dread to delight. I enjoy incorporating hidden words and coded narratives into my pieces, adding layers of depth and mystery. Inspiration-wise, I'm endlessly fascinated by the world around me. My influences are diverse and eclectic, reflecting my constant curiosity and wonder.

Clients

American Lawyer, Texas Monthly, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, GQ, Fortune, The Progressive, V-Life, Runners World, Random House, MacMillan, Universal Music, Wired, The Marketing Arm, Momentum Worldwide, Official Playstation Magazine, Computer Gaming Magazine, Field and Stream, Plan Sponsor, Global Custodian, Continental Airlines, Lipton, CNET, Leo Burnett, Abelson-Taylor, DDB Worldwide, Business Life, Santa Fe Reporter, City Pages, Guidepost Teens, The Santa Barbara Independent, Intelligent Enterprise, The Human Rights Campaign, State of New Mexico, Mazda USA, Florida Trend, CSO Magazine, Narnia Productions, Perfect Data, Juxt Interactive, BrainTrust Media, Discovery Science Center, Ability Magazine, Dayle McIntosh Center, Pacific Craft Show

Education

MFA, Illustration - 2011
University of Hartford
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BFA, Graphic Design - 1994
University of California at Los Angeles

Awards & Recognition

Communication Arts Illustration Annuals 2003, 2006 and 2010, Society of Illustrators West 2010, Cover artist for Graphic Artists’ Guild’s Directory of Illustration #23, Applied Arts Photography and Illustration Annual 2004 and 2009, 3×3 Illustration Annual 2006

BOOKS

The 3D Art Book by Tristan Eaton - Prestel 2011, The Source Book of Contemporary Illustration by Yaiza Nicolas - Harper Design 2009, Illusive 2 by Robert Klanten and Hendrick Hellige - Die Geschtalten Verlag 2007, Thinking Visually by Mark Wigan - Ava Publishing 2006, All Allure by Robert Klanten and Hendrick Hellige - Die Geschtalten Verlag 2006, The Fundamentals of Illustration by Lawrence Zegan and Carl Rush - Ava Publishing 2005

INTERVIEWS

Territory Vol. 8, Advanced Photoshop Magazine, Advanced Photoshop (Turkish version), 3×3 Magazine, Mac User, Computer Arts, Bant #35 (Turkish art magazine)